![]() ![]() This is thanks to the lignans they contain, which bind to estrogen receptors and help to modulate estrogen production. They increase estrogen levels where needed, yet they also can decrease excess estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens are a plant-based source of estrogen that adapt to the body’s estrogen levels. Cycling with seeds that contain phytoestrogens will do just that. If we keep estrogen levels balanced, LH and FSH levels will follow. Rising estrogen levels increase luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, while decreasing estrogen levels cause the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) – so there’s a fine line between too much and too little estrogen, and imbalanced levels can wreak havoc on these other hormones too. In this phase, our estrogen levels start low and steadily increase in preparation for ovulation (the release of an egg) and potential pregnancy. The follicular phase lasts about 14 days, starting on the first day of menstruation. This is where a period tracker or a good old-fashioned calendar can help. Where to start depends on how familiar you are with your cycle and how regular it is. You will consume one tablespoon of each of the specific freshly ground seeds per day in equal parts (two tablespoons total). Use this two-stage guide to support hormone balance and regulation. The cycling uses alternating seeds high in specific oils and nutrients to balance the hormones that are prevalent in each phase. * Consult with a holistic practitioner if you have severe hormonal imbalances & need individualized support. It’s helpful to continue cycling, even after you have noticed substantial changes. It will likely take three to four cycles before you begin to see noticeable changes, so be patient and allow the power of food medicine to heal your body. Keep in mind that change takes time, and we need to honor the delicate balances and sensitivities of our bodies. It’s also helpful to reconnect with nature as often as possible, spending time outdoors and practicing earthing and to begin following the moon phases and gazing at the moon several times throughout the month. However, using the seed cycling system can help to set your menstrual phases in sync with what is right for your body. Being removed and disconnected from nature can be a contributing factor to our cycles being off from this ancient rhythm, as can experiencing chronic levels of unmanaged daily stress. A woman’s cycle may range from 21 to 35 days. Realistically, a 28-day cycle doesn’t always happen, and that’s alright. In traditional ideologies, the phases would be on a 14-day rotation of a 28-day cycle, with phase 1 beginning on the new moon, and phase 2 beginning on the full moon. + The luteal phase (phase 2) starts after ovulation + The follicular phase (phase 1) begins with menstruation ![]() Our menstrual cycles have two main phases: Cycling refers to the rotation of different seeds between our two main menstrual cycle phases (follicular and luteal), which helps to regulate hormone secretions within the body and hormone excretions out of the body. It simply uses food medicine as the healing modality, alleviating the need for any other therapies, medications, supplements or herbs. Seed cycling is an incredibly natural and inexpensive way to support the female body, and it’s easy to do. Seed cycling is a method of using various seeds to support different phases of our monthly cycles to balance hormone levels, relieve PMS and perimenopause symptoms, stimulate menstruation if it’s absent (amenorrhea), increase fertility and support the body in healing more serious conditions like ovarian cysts, PCOS and endometriosis. How can loading up your diet with certain seeds, at certain time of the month, benefit the inner-workings of your body? Kristin explains… We’re intrigued by the idea and love the holistic nature of the approach. What The Heck is seed cycling? Holistic nutritionist, wellness pro and founder of Women’s Wellness Collective, Kristin Dahl recently introduced us to the term while decoding the hormonal stages of our monthly cycle. This story originally ran in 2018, but it’s so useful we’re bringing it back!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |