What is a Hormone?
A hormone is a chemical messenger to every single cell and tissue in our body. It is important for hormones to be in balance for proper functioning of the body's systems.
Believe it or not but everyday we are exposed to potential hormone disruptors in our daily environment. What are hormone disruptors? They are chemicals/toxins which can affect the health of our endocrine system.
The Endocrine System controls the glands which produce hormones like our ovaries, adrenals, thyroid, pineal gland, pituitary etc.
It's literally the powerhouse system of our hormones!
In studies endocrine disruptors can actually mimic natural hormones in the body like estrogen (the female sex hormone), androgens (the male sex hormone) and the thyroid hormones.
When these disruptors come in contact with human systems, it can potentially affect production of the hormones and interfere with natural way our hormones and hormone receptors are made & controlled.
When the endocrine system / hormones becomes out of balance women may start to face many common symptoms like:
PMS
Acne
Loss of Menstrual Cycle
PCOS
Sleep Disturbances
Endocrine Imbalances
Most women who are suffering from hormonal imbalance may not realize it unless you are experiencing some of these common symptoms!
This is where the healing ability of food comes in!
Certain foods which I go in depth about below can help contribute to healthy hormones and hormonal balance.
Have you ever heard of seed cycling?
Seeds are extremely dense with all kinds of different nutrients! The raw nutrients, oils and lingans in seeds can help keep hormones (especially female hormones, estrogen) balanced.
How?
Like I mentioned seeds contain natural oils, vitamins + minerals and other nutrients that support the body's own production, release and detoxification of hormones.
Lignans found in seeds (very high in flax seeds) have the ability to act like a phytohormone which helps balance and eliminate excess estrogen in the body.
Seeds are also very high in essential fatty acids like the omega family which is essential for the utilization on natural hormone production!
Seed Cycling can be beneficial for:
- Those who have imbalanced hormones
- Women who have lost their menstrual cycle (to help promote healthy hormones)
I don't personally seed cycle but I do incorporate seeds into almost all of my meals since they add the added nutrients I'm looking for and a nice texture!
HOW TO SEED CYCLE:
PUMPKIN SEEDS
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
SESAME SEEDS
FLAX or CHIA SEEDS
These seeds are used in rotation at different times during the menstrual cycle.
*I would recommend using organic seeds*
You will need to know when you start and finish your menstrual cycle.
Eat the seeds raw from a spoon or sprinkle on top of a smoothie or yogurt!
Preferably eat the seeds raw from a spoon for maximum benefits.
Day 1-14 (or until ovulation):
Everyday consume 1 tablespoon of flax or chia seeds and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.
flax seeds do contain a higher amount of lignans compared to chia seeds.
Day 15-28 (or until period):
Everyday consume 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
TIPS:
- Consume the seeds upon awakening after your first meal
- Aim to consume 2 full tablespoons of seeds a day
- Soak the seeds in water if you find they are difficult to digest
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Increase your intake of vegetables, fresh foods and super foods
NOTE:
Seed Cycling is NOT a replacement for any medication you may be taking prescribed by your health practitioner. Always talk toy our health care practitioner before incorporating natural remedies with medication.