While planning meals for the day, the impact of different foods on vaginal health is probably the last thought on one’s mind. However, the nature of your food may impact the vaginal pH. The vagina has “good” and “bad” bacteria naturally. When the harmful bacteria multiply, they can cause itching, foul odor, and bacterial infections. Certain foods may help rebalance the vaginal microbiome and help with these symptoms. Want to learn more? Continue reading.

What Foods Make the Vagina Healthier?

• Anti-inflammatory foods
  When the vagina’s pH balance goes out of whack, symptums like irritation, burning sensation, and itching present themselves. The body’s response to inflammation causes these symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, eggs, berries, green leafy vegetables, and fruits help calm the symptoms of inflammation and prepare your body better to fight inflammation.

• Probiotic-rich foods
  Probiotic supplements are available in the nutraceutical market. You can also help the good bacteria in your body thrive by taking certain foods. These include plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and plain yogurt. Probiotics for vaginal health benefit people with disturbed vaginal pH as they reintroduce healthy, protective bacteria.

• Prebiotic-rich foods
  Good bacteria need a source to feast on to survive. Prebiotic fibers are an excellent food source for good bacteria as it helps the latter multiply. Although prebiotic supplements are available, taking prebiotics through your diet is healthier. Foods rich in prebiotics include onion, garlic, asparagus, and leek. Consuming prebiotics alongside probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods helps get the best results for your vaginal health.

• Healthy fats
  Fats have been defamed for years. However, research shows they are essential to a balanced diet, especially for women. Healthy fats (unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) like olive oil, nuts, seeds, clarified butter, and avocado help regulate cholesterol and balance estrogen levels. This, in turn, helps maintain optimal pH levels and bacterial distribution in the vagina.

That said, there are some foods to avoid for the vagina’s sake. So, what are the worst foods for vaginal health? Let’s discuss this.

• Sugar-laden foods
  Bad bacteria feed on sugar and multiply, thus imbalancing the vaginal pH. Therefore, it is sensible to limit the consumption of sugary foods (especially those containing refined sugar), artificial sweeteners, and beverages.

• Processed foods
  Processed foods are convenient. However, they could be a substantial inconvenience to your vaginal pH. They contain preservatives, thickeners, artificial colors, high salt and sugar, everything that may lead to inflammation and leave your body more susceptible to bad bacterial takeover. Eating whole organic foods or minimally processed foods is your best bet to keep your vagina happy.

• Foods with hormones
  Dairy and meat with artificial hormones (xenoestrogens) disrupt women’s hormonal health. They mimic naturally occurring estrogen and block their action, causing estrogen dominance. So, buy organic dairy and hormone-free meat products with USDA certification. Apart from helping you maintain vaginal health, avoiding these foods is one of the effective ways to boost fertility.

Bottomline

Our vaginas deserve regular care. Treating them well includes taking a balanced diet that promotes a healthy pH. Therefore, think about your vagina when you shop for groceries next time.