If you are interested in natural health remedies, you may have heard of seed cycling.
Seed cycling is a dietary practice that involves eating four types of seeds throughout the month.
Proponents of seed cycling believe certain seeds can be used to balance female hormones involved in themenstrual cycle.
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This health trend claims to balance hormones, boost fertility, and ease symptoms ofmenopause.
This article will provide an overview of seed cycling, including its health claims and how to try it.
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What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a health trend that claims to use seeds to balance female hormones in the body.
It involves rotating certain seeds in the diet throughout the month, according to themenstrual cycle.
The seeds contain essential fatty acids, which are necessary for hormone production in the body.
How Does Seed Cycling Work?
Seed cycling claims to work by balancing hormones throughout the month.
These include flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
These include sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
When conception does not occur, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels decrease.
The thick uterine lining sheds when these hormone levels fall, resulting in your period.
The first half of the menstrual cycle is called the follicular phase.
It begins with menses (period) when the thick uterine lining sheds.
The second half of the menstrual cycle is known as theluteal phase.
This phase begins about 14 days into the cycle withovulation.
During ovulation, a single mature egg is released from the follicle.
Once the egg is released, the follicle then releases progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
Estrogen levels remain high during this phase.
When the released egg does not become fertilized, progesterone and estrogen levels start to fall.
This starts the cycle over again with menses.
Causes of Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalancescan occur for several reasons.
They can be found in flaxseeds, sesame seeds, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Does Seed Cycling Result in Balanced Hormones?
There is no scientific evidence to prove that seed cycling results in balanced hormones.
Consuming phytoestrogens may also improve bone mineral density in the spine.
What Are Lignans?
Lignans are a key in of phytoestrogen found in flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
They are believed to be able to balance hormone levels because of their effect on estrogen.
Seed Cycling and Menopause Symptoms
Menopause symptomsare resulting from changing hormone levels in the body.
After menopause, the ovaries make much less estrogen than they used to.
Low estrogen levels can also contribute to bothersome menopausal symptoms like hot flashes andvaginal dryness.
These changing hormone levels are necessary for conception.
The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period and usually lasts about 24 to 38 days.
On average, women get periods for about 40 years of their life.
The average age of menopause in the United States is 52.
Other Nutritional Benefits of Seeds
Seeds have several potential health benefits.
Seeds are rich in healthy nutrients like protein and minerals.
How to Do Seed Cycling
Seed cycling has not been proven effective at balancing hormones.
However, it does not appear to be harmful to your health.
If you are interested in giving seed cycling a try, start by tracking your menstrual cycle.
You could do this on your own or download a free chart from the internet.
From there, make a plan for your diet.
Who Should Avoid Seed Cycling?
Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new health regimen.
It is a health trend that claims to balance hormone levels, boost fertility, and ease menopause symptoms.
There is no evidence to support these claims.
However, seed cycling does not appear to be dangerous.
Talk with your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen like seed cycling.
Its important to remember, though, that no evidence supports its health claims.
Because there is no scientific evidence to support seed cycling, there is no recommended regimen to follow.
If youre interested in trying seed cycling, talk with your healthcare provider about how long to try it.
National University of Natural Medicine.How seed cycling supports women’s hormonal health.
Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K.The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens.Br J Pharmacol.
2017;174(11):1263-1280. doi:10.1111/bph.13622
Office on Womens Health.Menopause and your health.
Office on Womens Health.Your menstrual cycle.
Duke Health.Are seeds really healthy or just trendy?
