How can we help our hormones with seeds and specific types of food.
We often talk about the importance of food to correct hormonal imbalances. The fact is that what we do every day and how we choose to nourish ourselves has an effect on our overall wellbeing. That is specially important during perimenopause and menopause. There is always hormone replacement therapy available however; did you know that innocent little seeds can help us boost our estrogen and progesterone levels?
This practice is known as seed rotation. Like its name suggests, consist of rotating seeds. In this case: pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed and sesame seeds in the course of one month.
How to do the seed rotation in peri-menopause
On day 1 of your menstruation and until the day of your ovulation (follicular phase) you consume a tablespoon of each of the seeds, that help you produce estrogen. These are flaxseed and pumpkin. Other foods that you can include during this phase are: avocado, coconut oil, red clover sprouts, soy and pomegranates.
Then, from the first day of your ovulation and until you have your menstruation (luteal phase), consume a tablespoon of sunflower seeds and a tablespoon of sesame. These seeds help you with the progesterone production required for this phase, since they are rich in zinc and vitamin E. During this phase, it is also beneficial to add foods that help you detoxify the liver, thus helping to eliminate excess estrogen. These are the crucifers like kale, broccoli and cabbage.
Refer to my previous article Tahini Sauce recipe for Menopause for another delicious way to incorporate sesame seeds into your seed rotation practice.
You should eat them raw. If you have any problems digesting them, it is advisable to soak them the night before and then grind them. You can add them to your juices or smoothies, cereals, salads and yogurt. In the case of flaxseeds, it is best to buy them whole and grind them yourself, a small batch a time to avoid oxidation.
How to do the seed rotation once you stopped having your period
If you are already in perimenopause or menopause and you ceased having your period regularly or at all, you can start seed rotation any time you like. Simply stick to the combination of flaxseed and pumpkin for 15 days and then sesame and sunflower for another 15 days. You may begin on day 1 of any given month.
Nature provides us with what we need to achieve health in our bodies. Try making use of it with the rotation of these small and powerful seeds. This way you can promote your hormones working in your favor and help you feel full of energy, health and vitality.
Ana Victoria Villar.
Body Health. Food and Nutrition. Menopause. Perimenopause.
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