PCOS AND ITS CURE: SEED CYCLING FOR PCOS
Table of Contents
PCOS is one of the most commonly reported endocrine and metabolic disorders among women of reproductive age. It causes irregular periods and increased levels of male hormones, such as androgens, and small cysts on the ovaries. Approximately one out of every ten women is believed to have this issue. The leading cause of PCOS is not yet known, but it is stated that a lifestyle disorder causes it.
Yet, there is no cure for PCOS, but healthcare providers can help manage some symptoms by guiding diet regimens and exercises; one of the new strategies for resolving PCOS is SEED CYCLING.
Let’s discuss SEED CYCLING FOR PCOS in detail in this blog.
SEED CYCLING FOR PCOS
Before knowing this, it is crucial to know what seed cycling is.
Due to modern lifestyles, women face hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, PMS, acne, PCOS, and many more; one of the very effective ways in this generation is the seed cycling method; it supports resolving the hormonal imbalance, clears the face, cures irregular periods and even some times it has been effective for infertility.
The seeds used in seed cycling contain specific nutrients, including fiber, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and lignans that help cure all hormonal problems and balance sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The method of seed cycling for PCOS involves consuming one tablespoon of Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds during 1-14 days for detoxification of estrogen and one tablespoon of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during 15-28 days of the menstrual cycle for regulating the production of progesterone.
How do I begin SEED CYCLING TO HELP HORMONE BALANCE?
Seed cycling is quite simple. Incorporate 1-2 tbsps. of flax and pumpkin seeds each day in the follicular phase of your cycle. When ovulating, you add sesame and sunflower seeds each day in your luteal period.
Follicular Phase Of Seed Cycling:
The days 1-14 of your cycle ( MENSTRUATION to the OVULATION)
One tablespoon of flax seeds
One tablespoon pumpkin seeds
Luteal Phase Of Seed Cycling: The days between 15 and 28 of your cycle (OVULATION to MENSTRUATION)
One tablespoon sunflower seeds
One tablespoon of sesame seeds
If you do not have a 28-day menstrual cycle, don’t fret! Most women do not. It is recommended to adhere to the 14-day cycle for each stage of seeds. If you follow the 2-week cycle, this process can guide your body into a more optimal menstrual cycle and aid in getting back in the right direction.
HOW ARE SEEDS HELPFUL IN MANAGING PCOS?
. Seeds can be very helpful in balancing hormones. They contain nutrition to help manage it. They are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. As the human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, they are only provided to the body through supplements, and seeds are an excellent source of them.
. Seeds help manage weight, too, and when it comes to PCOS is a primary concern for people. Hence, it can also help reduce weight, which can be very helpful during PCOS.
Seeds that can help manage PCOS.
1. Pumpkin seeds: They are rich in vitamins and minerals, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, proteins, and good fats, which help balance hormones. After menopause, minerals and vitamins found in pumpkin seeds reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Many researchers also state that pumpkin seeds help control cholesterol levels and can be consumed to boost immunity.
2. Flax seeds: They are rich in many vitamins and minerals that regulate hormones and ensure a healthy reproductive system; antioxidants are richly found in these, and omega-3 fatty acids are also found, which help balance estrogen production. This can also help as a medicine for mood swings, period cramps, muscle cramps etc.
3. Sesame seeds: they are rich in vitamin E, which is very necessary for fertility; zinc, magnesium, and calcium are also found in abundance. Researchers state that it helps in progesterone secretion, plant sterols such as sesamolin help control blood cholesterol levels, and proteins in these benefit overall health.
4. Sunflower seeds help as magic for PMS; they also increase progesterone levels and show beautiful results in regulating mood swings, period cramps, and inflammation. Sunflower seeds contain selenium and plant sterols that aid liver detoxification and promote cardiovascular health.
HOW TO ADD THESE SEEDS IN OUR DIET?
Dt. Rukhsana Azhar, the founder of Diet4u Wellness, inscribed many ways to incorporate these seeds during seed cycling for PCOS by personally attaining every patient and guiding them throughout their diet regimen, but some of the common ways through which these seeds can be added to the diet that is stated by her as follows,
. Eating a fist full of raw seeds as a snack can be a way.
. The most common way to consume these seeds is with smoothies, shakes, or yogurts.
. dry roasting all the seeds, making a powder, and incorporating them with various foods can be helpful, too.
. it can be a perfect pre-workout snack as it is rich in fiber and vitamins, which can be beneficial during workouts.
. Eating them with overnight cooked oatmeal is trendy; this can be a very healthy and fiber-rich breakfast option.
Seed cycling can be incorporated at any point in a woman’s life suffering from any hormonal problem; a healthy and fit woman can also add these to her diet for better health experiences.
The human body is very complex and delicate to work with. Hence, it is crucial to be guided by a healthcare provider during any health-related problems; they test your hormones, diagnose the issue correctly, and provide the best solution that suits that time, dieticians like DT. Rukhsana Azhar helps people follow a proper diet regimen and lifestyle changes that balance and maintain good health.
In addition, here are some food and healthcare tips that can help manage PCOS:
Seed cycling for PCOS can be entirely beneficial only when some healthcare tips are followed regularly; they are as follows:
- Avoid bakery and milk products. They can work as termites during PCOS.
- Similarly, sugar and sugary drinks should be cut off as they are rich in artificial sugar.
- limit the consumption of refined flour like white bread, pasta, and cookies. They are fully processed, and they can be harmful as they increase insulin levels and lead to diabetes along with PCOD.
- Fried and overcooked foods should be cut off because they raise cholesterol levels.
- Daily exercise for 30 to 40 minutes can resolve many problems like fatigue, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes, and it can show many sustainable health benefits.
- consuming green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, and other fiber-rich vegetables can improve health. Fruits and vegetables rich in magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids are mandatory to treat PCOS.
- Leading a stress-free lifestyle can resolve many problems automatically; at last, sleeping 8 hours at night can also do magic in resolving hormonal issues.
Benefits of seed cycling for PCOS
The main benefit of seed cycling is that it balances hormones; the regulation of hormones is essential for a healthy menstrual cycle; these seeds contain zin, copper, magnesium, and other types of crucial vitamins and minerals that help maintain the balance of hormones, it also helps in healthy fertilization of fetus and ensures a suitable environment for an unborn baby. Hence, it should be added to a woman to avoid hormonal and fertilization problems.
FAQS RELATED TO SEED CYCLING
1. Is seed cycling helpful for PCOS?
Many research studies have shown that seed cycling is an excellent way of regulating hormonal flow. Seed cycling is incorporating seeds into your diet at a particular time.
2. Which seeds are recommended during seed cycling for PCOS?
The most recommended seeds for seed cycling during Pcos are flaxseeds, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds. They are chosen because they carry hormonal balancing properties.
3. How long does it take to see results after incorporating seeds into the diet?
The results may vary depending on the body of different individuals, and there is no timeframe for that. Some may see the result in days, and some individuals can take 2-3 months or even more extended periods, but the important thing is patience and consistency for seeing good results of seed cycling.
4. Are there any side effects of seed cycling?
Before starting any seed cycling, one should monitor for any allergies and consult with healthcare providers and nutritionists for better results and to avoid any risk of side effects.
In conclusion, seed cycling is one the most emerging ways to cure or manage PCOS; it has shown results in many women in balancing hormones, maintaining an excellent reproductive system and fertility; it is one of the natural ways many dieticians have supported for balancing hormone, however, keeping its scientific benefits is also essential for specific conditions like PCOS.
Hello My Name is Dt. Ruksana Azhar and I am a certified dietician and providing online & offline services for Weight Management, PCOS/PCOD Management, Diabetes Management , etc. I have 12+ years of experience in the Apollo Hospital Delhi , Max Super Specialty Hospital Delhi, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and VLCC healthcare Mumbai. I loves to write healthcare and lifestyle related blog. My favorite part of being a doctor is the opportunity to directly improve the health and wellbeing of my patients and to develop professional and personal relationships with them.
