· Diet · 2 min read
Food myths that quietly disrupt the balance
Not all wellness trends serve women’s health. Discover which common food myths might quietly disrupt hormonal and vaginal balance — and what to do instead.
The internet is full of advice on what to eat for “hormone balance.” But between wellness trends, fear-based marketing, and outdated science, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s actually helpful, and what might be quietly working against balance. Here’s a closer look at three common food myths that deserve a rewrite.
Myth 1: Soy messes with hormones
Fact: Soy doesn’t disrupt hormones — it can support them.Soy naturally contains phytoestrogens — plant compounds that gently bind to oestrogen receptors. They can balance oestrogen activity when it’s too high or too low.
Studies show moderate soy intake (like tofu or tempeh several times a week) may ease perimenopausal symptoms and protect bone and heart health. Even for those who have experienced hormone sensitive cancer.
Whole, organic, minimally processed soy? A friend.
Soy protein isolates and sugary soy snacks? Not so much.
Myth 2: Low-Fat = Hormone-Friendly
Fact: The body can’t make hormones without healthy fats.Cholesterol is the building block for progesterone, oestrogen, and cortisol.
Too little dietary fat can reduce hormone synthesis and lead to fatigue, anxiety, and irregular cycles.
Focus on healthy fats from whole foods - Avocado, olive oil, walnuts, flaxseed, chia, oily fish etc.
Avoid extremes. Balance builds better.
Myth 3: Protein Powders Fix Fatigue
Fact: Fatigue isn’t a lack of protein — it’s often a lack of recovery.No doubt protein is vital for tissue repair and energy metabolism, ie, keeping you full for longer and giving sustained energy over a long period of time. But it’s not the “only” thing to be watching out for, especially if its ongoing, all day fatigue. This type of constant tiredness is more commonly tied to nutrient deficiencies, stress, blood sugar instability, or poor sleep. And protein from whole food sources like tofu, eggs, lean meats, dairy products, nuts and seeds is always better than a processed powder.
Smoothies won’t offset chronic overwhelm — rhythm and rest will.
Nourishment Over Perfection
The foundation of hormonal and vaginal health isn’t restriction — it’s nourishment.
Diverse plants, healthy fats, hydration, and emotional balance create an internal environment where the microbiome thrives and hormones can regulate naturally.
For deeper insight into how nutrition connects to hormone patterns and vaginal ecology, lets chat! Book a complementary Vag Hormone Assessment to begin exploring these connections for you.
