As an Acupuncturist and Naturopath I meet a lot of patients who are affected by issues related to Periods, Fertility, Peri-menopause and Menopausal problem’s. I treat them with acupuncture or reflexology to address the imbalances in the body and then offer home care advice. In our day to day lives we need to know what we can do for ourselves at home to benefit our overall menstrual health.
Our menstrual cycle starts around the age of 13 and can last up until we are 50, thats over 400 periods we go through and lots of associated symptoms such as : cramping, depression, weight gain, breast swelling, water retention, sweet cravings, loss of sex drive, heavy periods, late periods, not ovulating, fertility issues, night sweats, fatigue, mood swings etc.
These hormonal issues are caused by external factors such as :
- stress,
- environmental toxins,
- poor diet,
- food sensitivities,
- digestive issues,
- high caffeine and alcohol consumption,
- medication
- smoking.
If we can control theses factors it will reduce the amount of hormonal imbalances that we have and get us closer to a perfect period.
Through reading, training courses and research, I am constantly looking for natural treatments to advise my patients to help them with their cycles. Just recently, I came across ‘Seed Cycling”, a gentle food base way to help bring the cycle back to balance. The idea being that during different times of your menstrual cycle you consume different types fo seeds.
For example flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds help to detoxify the body of extra oestrogen, where as sesame and sunflower seeds are rich in zinc and selenium which help with progesterone production.
( if you are trying to get pregnant it is essential that your luteal phase last 10 days as any less would be an indication of low progesterone and potential fertility issues, the luteal phase lasts from day 14 to 28)
It seems to simple to be true, that a few seeds could make all the difference. Therefore in the name of research and in order to discover how effective it is, I have decided to give it a go myself. After reading all the theory around seed cycling it appears I have to give it 2-3 months or 2 cycles to see any difference, so I will follow this up in a few months time with my findings.
If you want to give it a go here are the details :
The process:
From Day 1 or the first day of your bleed it is suggested total 1 tablespoon of Flaxseeds and 1 tablespoon of Pumpkin seeds. These seeds need to be ground and not roasted for the best results and can be added to cereals, smoothies, porridges, salads, yoghurts etc.
You continue with the seeds from day 1 to day 14 which is the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
From day 14 to day 28 or until the next bleed begins the seeds that need to be taken are sesame and sunflower, again the amount is 1 tablespoon each and they also need to be ground.
So why these seeds in particular?
Well Flaxseeds and Pumpkin seeds are a oestrogen boost and Sesame and sunflower seeds are a progesterone boost, plus –
Flax seeds :
- high in omega 3
- full of antioxidants
- high in fibre
- aids constipation
- cleans the colon
- lowers cholesterol
- boosts metabolism
- rich in lignans
Pumkin seeds:
- rich in omega 3 fatty acids
- high in lignans
- anti inflammatory
- diuretic
- vitamin B complex
- vitamin E
Sesame Seeds:
- rich in omega 6
- high in lignans
- high in proteins
- anti inflammatory
- alleviates anaemia
- boosts metabolic function
- prevents onset of migraines
- controls diabetes
- reduces fatigue and anxiety
- good for eyes
- rich in antioxidants
- relieve PMS
Sunflower Seeds:
- rich in antioxidants
- anti inflammatory
- supports digestion
- supports thyroid function
- controls cell damage
Keeping hormones balanced :
Other things you can do to help balance your hormones is to keep animal fats to a low intake, eat organic meat and vegetables to reduce the pesticide and hormone exposure, reduce caffeine and identify the stresses in your life and find a way to reduce them.
Well lets see if these little seeds help, anyone else going to try them?
or already do?
Let me know how you get on.
