FOODS TO KEEP YOUR VAGINA HEALTHY & HAPPY
Your vaginal health is just as important as the wellbeing of your kidneys, heart, eyes, teeth or any other body part. Taking care of it is not only common sense, it is necessary to avoid annoying infections that are becoming increasingly common. Yeast and bacterial infections, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, thrush, excessive discharge or vaginal dryness can make anyone miserable. These infections also wreak havoc on the body’s immune system making it susceptible to other diseases. All in all, keep your vagina happy, and in turn it will keep you happy!
Taking care of your vaginal health is fairly simple and hassle free. A healthy vagina has an acidic pH levels of 3.5 to 4.5, and plenty of ‘good’ bacteria to prevent infections. Both the pH levels and healthy bacteria can be maintained through proper diet and good hygiene.
Foods that you should incorporate in your regular diet to ensure vaginal health include the following:
- Probiotics
Probiotic foods are great for maintaining vaginal health. These include Greek yogurt, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, and kefir. Among these, Greek yogurt is most readily available and easy to incorporate in regular diet. Greek yogurt contains active cultures (good bacteria) which prevent the growth of disease causing organisms in the vagina. It also helps maintain healthy pH levels in the body. It is recommended to have 1 to 2 cups of probiotic yogurt daily. - Lemon
Lemon are loaded with benefits for overall health. They help maintain vagina’s pH levels and also protect the cells from free-radical damage. They are also great immune boosters which help the body prevent and fight off infections. Drinking one cup of warm or room temperature lemon water daily not only benefits your entire water, it may be all you need to keep your vagina happy and healthy. - Garlic
Garlic is a miracle pill packed with antimicrobial and antifungal properties. These characteristics help prevent various vaginal related issues such as itching, burning, unpleasant odor, excessive discharge and even UTIs. Garlic is also an immune booster which helps body fight off infections. It is a great practice to eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily. You can incorporate them to your salads or take garlic capsules under your naturopath’s guidance. - Kale
Kale is a low-oxalate food which is rich in Vitamins A and C. It helps improve blood circulation and boosts immune system. It is highly effective in preventing and curing vaginal dryness as well as itching and burning. Kale can become a regular part of your daily diet in the form of salads, vegetable juice, and green smoothie. Other green vegetables that are also effective for vaginal health include cabbage, celery, and collard green. - Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats, Vitamin B6, and potassium which support healthy vaginal walls and natural lubrication which helps prevent vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. Avocados should be eaten in moderation. - Edamame
Edamame is young soybeans, usually still in the pod. The phytoestrogens in this product help keep the vagina lubricated which prevents dryness and itching. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This makes edamame an excellent product for vaginal health especially during pre-menstruation and menopause. Try consuming ½ cup of edamame on a daily basis to keep your privates happy. - Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds is a product rich in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids. Phytoestrogens increase estrogen levels which make it essential for female health especially during menopause. These seeds are also rich in zinc which help treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. Flaxseeds are best consumed ground or milled since whole seeds can do undigested and flushed out of the system if not chewed properly. The ground seeds can be incorporated in daily diet with cereal, smoothies, yogurt, salads, and juices. It is important to drink ample amount of water when taking flaxseeds to ensure proper digestion. - Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are incredibly healthy for both male and female privates, and that is not it; they are a natural libido booster which makes them your secret tool to a better sexual experience. Pumpkin seeds boost immune system; help regulate the menstrual cycle; treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning; and improve bladder health. They can be eaten as a snack, added to stir fried vegetables, salads, soups, and smoothies. - Water
Water helps all functions of the body run more smoothly, especially where bodily fluids are concerned. Mucous membranes in the vagina need the body to be well hydrated in order to function properly. Drinking adequate amount of water—3 to 4 liters a day—aids in natural lubrication thereby preventing dryness, itching, burning, soreness after sex, vaginal odor and infections. Therefore, you can make your vagina, and your sex life, super happy just by drinking adequate amount of water daily. - Cranberry Juice
Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice is well known for bladder health and as a cure for Urinary Tract Infections. Cranberries neutralize the pH balance of the vagina and help fight off urinary, as well as vaginal infections. Though unsweetened cranberry juice is not exactly palatable, it is best to use it without sugar. If pure cranberry juice is too much for you to handle, try adding it to smoothies, green juices, or dilute it with water. Cranberry supplements are also an option but it is best to take them, like all other supplements, under the guidance of a naturopath.
FOODS TO AVOID
If you want to keep your vagina healthy and happy, there are certain foods you need to steer clear of. These foods are not good for your overall health anyway, so this is just another excuse to eliminate them from your diet as much as possible. Some of these foods include:
- Refined sugar
- Wheat
- Processed foods
- Foods high in yeast content such as bread and beer
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Hard Drugs
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Choose to wear cotton underwear as opposed to other materials since it is breathable and absorbs moisture.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
- Avoid douching
- Avoid using antibacterial soap on your vagina; as well as scented soaps, wipes and other
- vaginal products since they cause dryness.
Tags: Women, Sexual, Vaginal Infection, Physical