Vaginal health comes under the umbrella of physical health. Every woman should take care of her vaginal health. But do you know that food can improve vaginal health? We have listed 5 foods to help you boost your vaginal health.
- Fresh broccoli
Do you still hate broccoli at this age? Please stop hating it because broccoli is one of the most beneficial foods out there to restore vaginal health.
Why is this hated vegetable so vital for your vagina all of a sudden? Well, it contain the right type of flavonoids. These nutrients are instrumental in secreting antioxidants that you need to boost your immunity.
According to a PublMed Central publication, broccoli has flavonoids that are effective in starving off ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and urinary bladder cancer.
But there is a bit of a twist here. Broccoli is great for your vaginal health (even breast health), but it may cause bad odors down there.
Depending on how you cook your broccoli, this food item could give you a bad smell around the vaginal area. However, you would have to eat a ton of it for your vaginal odour to change.
So, unless you eat too much broccoli on a daily basis, this is hardly a source of concern. Meanwhile, eating a reasonable amount of broccoli sprouts regularly has been proven to significantly decrease the risks of ovarian cancer—some 40% decrease, even.
It’s better to eat your broccoli as fresh as possible as prolonged cooking reduces its nutritional value.
- Lime, lemon, and other citrus fruits
In recent decades alone, more and more people have become aware of the importance of consuming alkaline foods. Well, lemon, oranges, and other citrus fruits are easy alkaline foods that can help us maintain our overall health.
In this case, the natural acidity of lemon and citrus fruits can help maintain the natural pH levels of the vagina. On top of that, lemon and other citrus fruits have the ability to protect your cells from free radical damage.
As such, the linings of your vaginal walls become stronger and healthier. But the best part of all? Lemon and other citrus fruits help fight off bacteria that can cause many types of vaginal infections.
Meanwhile, your body is also boosted in its ability to heal from any infections. Citrus family fruits are really a woman’s strong ally in this department! You only need to drink a cup of warm lemon water twice daily.
- Sweet potatoes
You would probably never guess that sweet potato can be good for the health of your vagina. But it is true and there is a bunch of reasons for that.
Sweet potatoes are different from regular potatoes. They have a different set of nutritional values. For one, sweet potatoes are especially rich in vitamin A content.
You may be aware that vitamin A deficiency is common in women with erectile dysfunction. Sweet potatoes contain rich levels of vitamins A, C, D, and E, besides folates.
They also pack fiber, calcium, folates, and beta carotene. These are vital for regulating insulin levels, per an article appearing on the Healthline publication.
A good amount of vitamin A is good for the vagina because it helps strengthen your uterine walls. The effects of stronger uterine walls are that you are prevented from cuts, small injuries, and other types of irritation.
Aside from that, the nutrients in sweet potatoes also help your body produce hormones that make you feel more full of energy. If you’re feeling under the weather because of menstruation, this is a good food to have.
Sweet potatoes are great for boiling, but the best ways of eating them are simply baking and roasting.
- Yoghurt (preferably plain, unsweetened)
Yoghurt is rich in healthy bacteria. Good bacteria can help maintain the natural environment of your vagina. This can effectively help keep in check the growth of bad bacteria that could cause a yeast infection.
The good bacteria we are talking about are called Lactobacillus bacteria and they are a form of active cultures. Lactobacillus bacteria can kill off certain types of bacteria attaching themselves to the vaginal walls.
At the same time, these bacteria can produce some acidic chemicals that can prevent bacteria from latching onto the vaginal walls as well. When considering adding yoghurt into your daily diet, Greek yoghurt is the best option.
Greek yoghurt is natural and plain, and taste a little sourer with a thicker consistency. Greek yoghurt is higher in protein content and has more nutrients for the body.
You can eat plain Greek yoghurt every day, but limit it to 2 to 3 cups per day.
- Avocado
We all know that avocados are a healthy fruit, but it is also quite risky for certain types of people. For one, this is mainly due to the fact that avocados are a very fatty fruit.
With that said, people who are at a lot of risk from consuming too much fat may not be attracted to eating avocados. However, the fats contained in avocado are actually healthy fats.
And as long as you don’t overconsume avocadoes, you should be fine. The reason avocadoes are good for vaginal health is the fact that the fats contained in a single avocado can help maintain the health of your vaginal walls.
Avocado fats help maintain natural lubrication, which can also prevent dryness, itching, and irritations. Typically, you only need to consume a quarter of, or at max, half an avocado to reap its health benefits.
The ethanolic flour, made from avocado seeds, appears to improve the ovulation cycle and reproductive health of female fowls. This means that avocado could also improve the reproductive health of women.
According to a study published in the PubMed Central publication. The use of this flour increases the Luteinizing Hormones and estradiol level, while subduing the cholesterol levels.
The compound also protects the uterus walls from oxidative stress, besides prolonging the fertility gap during the estrus phase.
You can add avocado to your smoothies for natural creaminess.
In brief, foods can do wonders, and one of the wonders discussed was boosting vaginal health. It can be concluded that proper care, diet, and hygiene can result in a healthy look vagina and improved overall physical well-being.
The Best—And Worst—Foods For Vaginal Health
Introduction
Maintaining good vaginal health is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life. The vagina is a delicate and self-cleaning organ, but certain foods can either promote or hinder its health. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every individual, there are some common foods that have been found to have positive or negative effects on vaginal health. In this paper, we will discuss the best and worst foods for vaginal health, their impact, and recommendations for a healthy diet.
The Best Foods for Vaginal Health
1. Probiotic-rich Foods
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for the body, especially the digestive system. These good bacteria help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the vagina, which in turn, helps prevent infections. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso are excellent sources of probiotics.
2. Vitamin C-rich Foods
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps strengthen the immune system and promote healing in the body. It also helps maintain the acidity of the vagina, which is necessary to keep harmful bacteria and infections at bay. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain the body’s hormonal balance. They can also help reduce the risk of vaginal dryness, which is a common symptom of menopause. Good sources of omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
4. Water
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including vaginal health. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins and maintain a healthy pH balance in the vagina. It also helps prevent vaginal dryness and promotes the production of natural lubrication. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and vagina hydrated.
The Worst Foods for Vaginal Health
1. Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the body, including the vagina. These foods can feed harmful bacteria and lead to an overgrowth of yeast, causing yeast infections. Processed foods, white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks should be limited or avoided to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
2. High-fat Dairy Products
While dairy products can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D, high-fat dairy products can have a negative impact on vaginal health. The hormones in dairy can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances and increased inflammation. Opt for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk.
3. Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can have a dehydrating effect on the body, including the vagina. Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness, which can increase the risk of bacterial infections. These substances can also irritate the bladder and cause frequent urination, making it more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is best to limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol for optimal vaginal health.
4. Processed Meats
Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats contain high levels of saturated fat and preservatives, which can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis and other infections. Opt for lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and beans instead.
Recommendations for a Healthy Diet
In addition to including the best foods and avoiding the worst foods for vaginal health, there are a few general recommendations for a healthy diet that can also benefit vaginal health.
1. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system and maintain a healthy pH balance in the vagina. Aim to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your daily meals.
2. Choose whole grains over refined grains
Whole grains are a better option than refined grains as they contain more nutrients and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy gut bacteria. Whole grain options include quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread.
3. Limit processed and high-fat foods
Processed and high-fat foods can have a negative impact on overall health and vaginal health. Limiting these foods and opting for whole, unprocessed options can help maintain a balanced diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining good vaginal health is essential for overall well-being. A healthy diet consisting of probiotic-rich foods, vitamin C-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and water can help promote vaginal health. On the other hand, a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, high-fat dairy, caffeine, and alcohol can have a negative impact on vaginal health. It is essential to listen to your body and make healthy dietary choices to support a healthy vagina. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and treatment for any vaginal health concerns.
