Today, we’re diving into the buzzing world of seed cycling—ya know, the whole seeds-for-fertility deal. Let’s get real about it, spill the tea on recent studies, see what advocates are saying, and find out if it’s all it’s cracked up to be.
🌱 Seed Cycling 101: What’s the Hype?
In case you’re new to the party, seed cycling is like a dance for your hormones. Advocates swear by it, saying you shuffle between specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. Picture this: flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the first half, and then sunflower and sesame seeds in the second half. The idea? It’s supposed to nudge your hormones in the right direction, regulate your cycles, and give fertility a boost.
📊 Cutting Through the Science Noise: Studies & Stuff
Now, we know you’re curious—so were we. There have been a couple of studies on seed cycling that turned up some interesting nuggets but, like so many fertility related questions, not nearly enough research has been done to make a conclusive decision.
One small study of 18 women encouraged them to eat their normal diet for three cycles and then consume flax seeds along with their typical diet during the next three cycles. They then compared the data of the second and third cycles to the fifth and sixth (to allow the diet to begin taking effect). The researchers found that there were a total of three anovulatory cycles among the 36 cycles the women experienced before eating flax seeds, and there were no anovulatory cycles after.
The most recent study, The Seed Cycling PCOS Study found several benefits for women with PCOS, which found several benefits, including weight management and hormonal changes, which may indicate that women suffering with PCOS may well benefit.
We’re talking smaller groups and limited scopes. So, take it with a grain of, well, chia seeds.
🌾 What Advocates Say: Fertility Fairytales?
Now, let’s chat about what the seed-cycling cheerleaders are saying. Advocates claim it’s like a magical potion for fertility. They say it helps balance your hormones, keeps your cycles ticking like clockwork, and can even make your body more baby-friendly. Sounds dreamy, right?
🧐 Let’s Keep It Real: Caution on the Fertility Highway
Before you start sprinkling seeds on everything from your smoothie to your salad, let’s keep it real. While the studies and the advocates hint at something promising, we’re not throwing a fertility party just yet.
In a normal week I work with women who are trying to drastically change their BMI, bring back their menstrual cycle, eat whole, home cooked foods sometimes for the first time in their lives. They have bigger, and more immediate issues to address.
As always, I suggest you start with the basics and work your way up. Ask if your body is well hydrated, are you eating enough protein and veg? Are you hitting the caffeine a little too hard?
Only when you are comfortable that these, bigger, more urgent issues are in good shape should you consider seed cycling, IMHO.
🌈 Your Journey, Your Call
So, here’s the takeaway: seed cycling might have some potential, but it’s not the golden ticket (yet). Keep it in your toolbox of fertility tricks, but don’t forget to tap into the wealth of knowledge from your trusty healthcare team. Your journey is as unique as a fingerprint, and we’re here to support you through it all.
Sending good vibes and fertility wisdom your way,
Clara
PS – not long till we open the list for new clients – in February I will have three spaces for one to one clients, so why not drop me a note and we can see if you are a good fit?
