Seed biking is a holistic, nutrition-based method that some proof suggests could assist assist a standard stability of the feminine hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Although you may see influencers posting concerning the “pattern” of seed biking, this follow has an extended historical past of conventional use in naturopathic drugs and different holistic modalities.
However, does seed biking work? And which seeds are greatest?
Let’s get to the foundation of your questions on seed biking.
What Is Seed Biking?
“Seed biking is consuming choose seeds throughout totally different phases of the menstrual cycle in an effort to stability hormones,” says Tina Marinaccio, MS, RD, who gives diet counseling and cooking lessons within the higher New York Metropolis space.
The menstrual cycle has two phases:
- Follicular section: Day one in every of your interval via ovulation, when estrogen ranges are larger, and progesterone ranges are decrease.
- Luteal section: Ovulation to day one in every of your subsequent interval, when estrogen ranges are decrease and progesterone ranges are larger.
Completely different seeds are historically consumed day by day throughout every section:
- Follicular section: one tablespoon every of flaxseed and pumpkin seeds
- Luteal section: one tablespoon every of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds
What Does Seed Biking Do?
Seed biking makes use of diet to assist assist the traditional stability of hormones that play a task in fertility and circumstances, together with:*
- PMS
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- uterine fibroids
- irregular intervals
- interval ache
*It’s at all times greatest to seek the advice of along with your doctor earlier than beginning any new diet program — particularly in the event you’re experiencing any of the above signs and circumstances.
“The substances consumed within the first half of the month are extra estrogen-promoting,” explains says Dr. Heather Tynan, ND. “These consumed within the second half are extra progesterone-promoting. They assist the pure waves of hormonal waxing and waning within the regular menstrual cycle, and in the end correct estrogen-to-progesterone ratios.”
Ideally, seed biking ought to begin on day one in every of your interval.
By consuming sure seeds excessive in particular vitamins, you “promote applicable hormone ratios throughout that specific section,” says Tynan.
She makes use of seed biking with sufferers to deal with a wide range of gynecological issues. She says it will possibly take three months or extra to see outcomes.
Marinaccio says that advocates “purport that consuming omega-3 fatty acids and lignans discovered within the seeds in section one assist wholesome estrogen ranges.”
Within the luteal section, it’s the omega-6 fatty acids and lignans within the seeds believed to assist optimize hormone stability.
The seeds are additionally sources of phytoestrogens, or parts in crops that mimic the estrogen your physique makes, explains Tynan.
Phytoestrogens fill in to your estrogen when ranges are low and compete with it after they’re too excessive.
Does Seed Biking Work?
“Seed biking [may help] treatment irregular menstrual cycles and feminine reproductive-related signs for a lot of ladies,” Tynan says. “In fact, it’s not the only reply for everybody.”
Seed biking “pushes the stability of hormones in the proper route,” she says, however the final query is, “What precipitated the imbalance?”
If an individual has one other situation or a way of life concern, “seed biking is unlikely to be the standalone answer,” she says.
“Proper now, there’s not plenty of proof to assist utilizing seed biking to stability hormones throughout reproductive age,” says Marinaccio.
She added that there’s “some proof” that the vitamins in seeds may help signs of menopause, resembling scorching flashes. “Extra analysis is required to discover the potential advantages of seed biking for hormone stability.”
Do You Need to Use Floor Seeds for Seed Biking?
When you can merely snack on pumpkin and sunflower seeds (as you’d puffed water lily seeds), says Tynan, your physique will take up sesame and particularly flax seeds higher if they’re floor.
To protect their wholesome fat, retailer all seeds within the fridge or freezer, and grind a small quantity at a time.
One tasty, easy method to make use of your seeds is to grind them, then combine along with your favourite seasoning mix, dietary yeast, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the combination on greens, stir into soup, or combine with hummus or one other dip.
Ought to I Attempt Seed Biking for Hormone Balancing?
“Seed biking is commonly a simple, cheap, protected place to begin for ladies who’re making an attempt to get their reproductive methods and cycles again on monitor,” says Tynan, including that’s “offered no different well being problem is current that calls for extra fast medical intervention.”
Marinaccio provides that, “seeds are excessive in minerals, fiber, wholesome fat, and provide many advantages (that the entire household can take pleasure in).”
You need to at all times seek the advice of your doctor to see if this method could also be best for you or to find out when you have a extra critical problem.
