Seed cycling
Seed cycling is the rotation of different
There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that cycling the seeds actually regulates the hormonal rhythm,[4] but the practice is probably harmless.[5]
Overview
Seed cycling advocates note that the menstrual cycle is broken up into four interconnected phases. The first phase is menstruation, followed by the follicular phase, then ovulation, then the luteal phase.[6]
Assuming a 28-day cycle, the first 13 days represent the menstrual and follicular phases, in which day 1 is when menstruation begins. During day-13, the seed cycling diet suggests consuming either
Days 14-28 represent the ovulatory phase and luteal phase, with ovulation around day 14.[6] The seed cycling diet suggests sesame or sunflower seeds to boost progesterone at this time, ground up to increase the surface area for absorption of the essential fatty acids, minerals, and other nutrients.
The seed cycling diet relies on the belief that most women have a 28-day cycle. However, only 10-15% of women have 28-30 day cycles;
Research
There is currently a lack of solid scientific evidence that supports seed rotating between the phases of the menstrual cycle or the Moon directly impacts hormonal disorders. The proposed benefits are mostly due to anecdotal reports.
Seed cycling claims are indirect effects on the women's hormonal cycles,
Another theory for rotating the seeds, rather than consuming all four at once, is the different mineral content that might support the follicular or luteal phases. For example, during the follicular phase, there is an increase in calcium, whereas there is an increase in magnesium during the luteal phase.[9]
Reception
Seed cycling has been greeted sceptically by the press, with headlines like "Can 'seed cycling' really help to balance your hormones?" (
See also
- Polycystic ovary syndrome – a common cause of irregular menstrual cycles
References
- ^ Baker, Dana @ Minimalist (2019-08-19). "Seed Cycling Mixes (+ 10 Ways to Use Them)". Minimalist Baker. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
- ^ The Telegraph. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- ^ Rudman, Sarajean. "Seed Cycling and Moon Bathing for Menstrual Health". The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
- ^ a b London, Jaclyn (16 May 2019). "People on Instagram Are Obsessed With Seed Cycling, But Should You Try It?". Good Housekeeping.
- ^ Ogletree, Kelsey. "What Is Seed Cycling and Can It Really Help with Your Period?". Retrieved 24 July 2019.
- ^ a b Welt, Corrine K. (17 February 2019). "Physiology of the normal menstrual cycle". UpToDate.
- ^ PMID 8077314.
- PMID 11082086.
- PMID 19562050.
- ^ a b Heaney, Katie (17 April 2019). "Can Eating Seeds Balance Your Hormones?". The Cut, New York Magazine.
- Shape magazine.