8 Foods Necessary For Good Vaginal Health
You may think that good hygiene alone is enough to keep your vagina healthy. However, there’s a lot more you have to do to take care of this delicate area. If you don’t look after your intimate parts, you’ll be susceptible to rashes or urinary tract infections.
To avoid these really annoying problems, here’s a list of foods that naturally promote vaginal health:
1. Natural Yogurt and Foods Rich in Probiotics
A healthy vagina needs a good amount of healthy bacteria called lactobacilli, which helps maintain correct pH levels.
Yogurt and similar foods help maintain the right levels of lactobacillus. Most of us associate yogurt with intestinal health, but that’s not its only function.
The use of antibiotics, menopause, birth control and hormone therapy often increases the risk of yeast infections. However, sauerkraut, tempeh and certain fermented foods do a great job at fighting against fungal infections.
This has been proven in recent studies. However, it’s important to use strains whose effects have been demonstrated.
We recommend you read: Top 15 Healthiest Probiotics and Prebiotics
2. Cranberry Juice
You’ve definitely heard about this juice. Drinking a lot of it can help fight urinary tract infections according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
This is because cranberry juice contains compounds that eliminate infection-causing bacteria that sticks to the walls of the bladder.
The only problem with this juice is its high sugar content. To avoid altering glucose levels (especially if you’re diabetic), remember:
- Don’t drink more than half a glass of cranberry juice per day.
- Choose all-natural or low-calorie juices.
- Mix with water or make smoothies combining it with vegetables.
3. Fish to Reduce Inflammation of the Vagina
If you experience pain when you start to menstruate, it’s time to eat more fish. Menstrual pain is caused by the release of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins that allow the uterus muscles to contract.
Moreover, fatty acids and omega-3 oils in fish like salmon or tuna have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the pain.
4. Soy-based Foods
Vaginal dryness is an unfortunate result of low estrogen levels, which is the hormone that helps keep tissue elastic and well lubricated.
Birth, menopause, breastfeeding and some cold and allergy medications can cause a significant reduction in estrogen levels, leaving your vagina dry and causing discomfort.
Try to eat minimally processed soy-based foods:
- Organic soybeans.
- Tofu.
- Tempeh.
These foods also contain compounds that imitate estrogen called vegetable isoflavonoids or non-steroid phytoestrogens.
5. Apples to Improve Vaginal Lubrication
If you like to have fun in bed, this is the fruit for you. A study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that women who eat an apple a day have higher levels of lubrication.
This means more satisfying and less problematic sex. Apples contain a compound that imitates estradiol, a feminine sexual hormone.
Apples also contain polyphenols that boost blood flow in the vaginal tissue, which makes it easier to achieve an orgasm.
6. Water
Water is something you just can’t do without in your daily routine. It has innumerable benefits for your health. Regarding vaginal health, water is essential for keeping your vaginal membranes in excellent condition.
To work correctly, they need to be well hydrated, and the easiest way is by drinking a healthy amount of water every day. Water also helps naturally lubricate the vagina and reduce odors.
We recommend you read: Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water Before Breakfast
7. Sweet Potatoes
Not only are they a good alternative to traditional potatoes, but sweet potatoes or yams are also incredibly effective in maintaining good vaginal health.
They are full of vitamin A. Moreover, this vitamin strengthens the walls of the uterus and stimulates hormone production that helps keep up energy levels.
8. Green Tea
Previously we mentioned cranberry juice, but many women prefer an option that isn’t as sweet. In this case, you should consider green tea. This beverage is an excellent ally against urinary tract infections.
If you have any kind of infection, green tea will help you fight it. On the other hand, if you’re totally healthy, this beverage will help prevent infections.
Vaginal Health Is More Than Just Hygiene
You may often think you know all about your vagina, but you should think again. Along with routine checkups, good hygiene and communication with your gynecologist, a healthy diet is very important.
As you can see, these eight foods and beverages are common to a balanced diet. If you don’t usually include them, it’s a good idea to start.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Buggio L., Somigliana E., Borghi A., Vercelli P., Probiotics and vaginal microecology: fact or fancy? BMC Womens Health, 2019.
- Wang Y., Singh AP., Nelson HN., Kaiser AJ., et al., Urinary clearance of cranberry flavonol glycosided in humans. J Agric Food Chem, 2016. 64 (42): 7931-7939.
- Cai T., Gacci M., Mattivi F., Mondaini N., et al., Apple consumption is related to better sexual quality of life in young women. Arch Gynecol Obstet, 2014. 290 (1): 93-8.
