During the second phase of your cycle (luteal phase), sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help boost progesterone production. Sesame seeds are a rich source of zinc which help boost progesterone production and also contain lignans that help block excess estrogen while progesterone rises.
Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are also believed to support a healthy period. The theory is that because these are good sources of essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, they may help balance levels of estrogen and progesterone.
The idea behind seed cycling is that certain types of seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, and chia, can help regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.
Can sunflower seeds boost fertility? Another reasoning behind seed cycling is that the Vitamin E in sunflower seeds can help increase the amount of progesterone in your body.
Flaxseed also helps with:
Women consuming 10g of flaxseed per day experienced longer menstrual cycle length, increased progesterone-to-estrogen ratios, and fewer anovulatory cycles, all of which are considered to reflect improved ovarian function.
Boron found in beetroot can boost the production of sex hormones in women, such as estrogen, progesterone, and a small amount of testosterone.
Studies show that beetroot helps balance out hormones, specifically boosting progesterone and reducing oestrogen dominance which can be particularly beneficial post child bearing years.
Cruciferous veggies such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels Sprouts contain sulphur compounds that help our bodies eliminate excess estrogen, working to restore an optimal balance of progesterone to estrogen in the body.
Vitamin C is absorbed in large amounts just before ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone. Include plenty of citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers and other Vitamin C rich foods, which also aids in the absorption of iron from plant sources.
Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.
In addition to healthy fats, avocados contain plant sterols which can help block estrogen absorption and promote progesterone production.
Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which helps support progesterone production as you move towards the progesterone rise in the second phase of your cycle.
Vitex, or chasteberry, is at the top of the list. It works at the level of the brain to promote progesterone production and can counteract the symptoms of estrogen dominance that may be caused by low progesterone levels.
Vitamin B6 has been shown to help improve progesterone levels and is, therefore, one of the vitamins which women who are trying to conceive often take. Research has shown that women who have higher levels of vitamin B6 in their blood have reduced miscarriage rates by 50%.
Progesterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It's involved in pregnancy and is produced mainly in the ovaries. It can also be made in a lab. Progesterone levels can affect menstrual periods and menopausal symptoms.
The intestine is a potential source of reabsorbed estrogen, and a daily raw carrot (grated or shredded, with a little olive oil, vinegar, salt) helps to lower excess estrogen (and endotoxin produced by bacteria). While lowering estrogen, it is likely to lower cortisol and increase progesterone.
Red raspberry leaf has also proved effective for regulating progesterone to support hormone balance. It is most commonly consumed as tea and can be found in many fertility teas. Maca is a “hormonal adaptogen,” meaning it will adapt to your bodies needs and help to naturally produce your hormones.
Beetroots have high nitrate content and might cause nitrate poisoning in infants if given directly. They should be avoided in infants aged three months or below. Before using beetroot for any health effects, talk to your doctor or physician about any precautions you might need to take.
Almonds are a rich source of magnesium and vitamin E which is involved in the production of the progesterone hormone.
One cause of progesterone imbalance is estrogen dominance by outside factors such as environmental hormones (i.e., xenoestrogen) found in the foods you eat. Other causes of diminished progesterone include insulin resistance, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise.