What is seed cycling?

Seed cycling is an ancient practice in which specific seeds are eaten in the different phases of the menstrual cycle for the purpose of regulating hormones.this practice has been around for hundreds of years, but has only in the past decade been in the mainstream media.

Who benefits from seed cycling?

Seed cycling is beneficial to help improve fertility, reduce symptoms of PMS, menopause, PCOS, and endometriosis.

Why does seed cycling work?

There is currently very limited research on seed cycling; however, women who practice seed cycling declare that they have impressive results and even a total elimination of their hormonal side effects. The theory behind seed cycling is that during the first phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen is elevated, you consume seeds to help promote estrogen to achieve the correct balance in the body. Then during the second phase of the cycle, when progesterone is high, you consume seed to promote progesterone and achieve the correct balance.

Seed cycling protocol

Day 1 – 14: The Follicular phase
Day 1 of your follicular phase is the first day of your period
Eat 1 Tbsp raw ground flaxseed and 1 Tbsp raw, ground pumpkin seed

Day 15 – 28: The Luteal Phase
Second half of your cycle, starts after ovulation
Eat 1 Tbsp of raw, ground sunflower seeds and 1 Tbsp of raw, ground sesame seeds

Evening primrose is an additional supplement that can aid in regulating the menstrual cycle.

What if I do not have a period?

If you are not having a menstrual cycle then start the day 1 of seed cycling on the new moon and change the seeds on the day of the full moon.

What if I have an irregular cycle?

An irregular cycle is defined by a cycle that occurs sooner than every 21 days or longer than every 35 days and varies by more than 8 days from cycle to cycle. In this case for seed cycling you should disregard your cycle and seed cycle by the lunar phases instead.

What if my period starts early?

Start at day 1 when your cycle starts even if it is before day 28 unless you fall into the category of having an irregular cycle.

What if my period starts late?

Continue the luteal phase of seed cycling until your period starts unless you fall into the category of having an irregular cycle.

Can I eat seeds outside of the protocol while doing seed cycling?

Yes, you can eat other seeds outside of the seed cycling protocol such as chia or help. This will not affect the seed cycling process; however, sunflower and sesame seeds should be avoided during the follicular phase or first half of the cycle and pumpkin and flax seeds should be avoided during the luteal phase or second half of the cycle.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women seed cycle?

Seed cycling is safe and beneficial for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Can men seeds cycle?

Yes, men can seed cycle and they can also have benefits from seed cycling; however, the male seed cycling protocol is different. For male seed cycling the protocol is reversed and they would follow the lunar cycle. So during the new moon phase they would consume 1 tablespoon of ground, raw sunflower and 1 tablespoon of ground, raw sesame seeds. Then during the full moon phase they would have 1 tablespoon of ground, raw pumpkin seeds and 1 tablespoon of ground, raw flax seeds. Seed cycling benefits for men include improvement of sperm count and sperm movement, increase

testosterone levels, promote healthy hormone function, and aid in strengthening the prostate gland.

Contraindications for seed cycling

Those that have kidney disease and are required to eat a kidney diet are not recommended to do seed cycling due to the potassium and phosphorus content of the seeds. There is no harm to seed cycling for other individuals and most people need more potassium in their diet. Also, Seed cycling is not effective if you are taking hormonal birth control.