Hormones are the chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that plays a vital role in proper functioning of human reproductive system. Female reproductive system and menstrual cycle are affected when there is any disruption in the balance of hormones which leads to PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) and fertility issues in women.
Hormonal imbalance is the most common problem causing infertility among women. Although there are solutions for it and one of them is advanced medicines which can treat this problem but there are some other holistic approaches towards it which is grabbing attention now a days and that is "Seed cycling".
Let us discuss what exactly is seed cycling and does it really help.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural method which involves consuming flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase (1st -14th day) and sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during luteal phase (15th -28th day) of the menstrual cycle. The practice is based on the idea that different seeds contains different nutrients which are essential during the different phases of menstrual cycle to balance the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body and thus leads to balanced hormones.
How does it works:
The menstrual cycle is divided in two phases:
1. Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Day 14 which is Ovulation period) : In this phase, Flax seed and Pumpkin seeds need to be consumed.
Flax seed which is high in lignans helps to increase estrogen levels, they also contains Omega-3 fatty acids which helps in improving blood cholesterol levels and Pumpkin seeds which are rich in zinc, supports the progesterone production for the next phase.
2. Luteal Phase (Day 15 to Day 28) : In this phase, Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds need to be consumed.
Sesame seeds which are rich in lignans helps in the support of progesterone level which is dominant in the luteal phase. Sesame seeds are also rich in calcium. Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium, which supports liver detoxification and also rich in essential fatty acids.
Potential Benefits:
1. Seed cycling for periods:
Seed cycling helps in regulating periods in women by balancing the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. By consuming flax seeds and pumpkin seeds in the follicular phase, we are allowing our body to balance estrogen dominance. Flax seed has lignans and phytoestrogen which leads to balancing estrogen levels in follicular phase and increasing progesterone production for the luteal phase.
During the luteal phase, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds helps in balancing progesterone levels as sesame seeds have high lignans and it also contains antioxidants which are essential during postmenopausal period. Sunflower seeds are good source of healthy fats.
2. Seed cycling for PCOS:
Seed cycling helps in regulating periods by supporting estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. It reduces androgens and improves insulin sensitivity. It also has Anti-Inflammatory effects as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants that may reduce inflammation in the body which is often elevated in PCOS.
How to incorporate seeds in your daily routine?
- You can make seed laddu by taking 15 tablespoon of each seed unroasted and mixing it with some coconut or you can have one tablespoon of each seed as it is.
- Add to your smoothies and oatmeal
- You can also sprinkle them on your salads and soups
- Other options can be to include them in your curries.
What can we conclude?
Although seed cycling is a good way to improve your hormonal health but it is not a scientifically proven treatment for PCOS and infertility and the results may vary person to person. It works best with other lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, required supplements, stress management and other medical care.
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