Healthy Diet To Improve Vaginal Health

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Certain foods and drinks contain compounds that may improve vaginal health and symptoms of vaginal conditions. These include probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented food and beverages.

The vagina uses natural secretions, immune defenses, and โ€œgoodโ€ bacteria to keep itself healthy. Eating a healthful, balanced diet might also further prevent infections and improve vaginal conditions.

This article discusses what little research there is into the effects of diet on vaginal health, looks at dietary choices for common vaginal conditions, and identifies other ways to improve vaginal health.

People should speak to a doctor before using diet to address any health concerns.

a woman eating yoghurt as it is a good food for vaginal health

Balancing pH levels

The vagina is aย moderately acidicย environment with a pH ofย around 4.5. This acidity helps healthful bacteria to grow and prevents harmful microbes from developing.

Some good bacteria, such as probiotics,ย may helpTrusted Sourceย balance vaginal acidity levels.

Probiotics

Lactobacillusย species bacteria is the most dominant type of โ€œgoodโ€ bacteria found in a healthy vagina.

ResearchTrusted Sourceย has suggested thatย Lactobacillusย could benefit vaginal health in the following ways:

  • regulating the microflora in the vagina
  • improving the vaginaโ€™s acidity levels
  • stopping harmful microbes from attaching to the vaginal tissues
  • working with the bodyโ€™s immune system

Aย 2016 studyTrusted Sourceย indicated that using vaginalย Lactobacillusย supplements after takingย antibioticsย hindered bacteria growth in people withย bacterial vaginosisย (BV), and significantly reduced vaginal pH.

Aย 2015 review studyย found โ€œno significant evidenceโ€ that probiotics were more beneficial than using aย placeboย or no treatment. However, the authors noted that due to a lack of evidence, โ€œa benefit cannot be ruled out.โ€

Probiotic supplements are available, but some nutritionists recommend getting them from fermented foods and drinks, such as:

  • yogurt and kefir
  • kimchi and sauerkraut
  • pickles
  • tempeh
  • kombucha

Prebiotics

Prebiotic compounds may also help stabilize vaginal pH by promoting the growth of healthy bacterial populations. Foods rich in prebioticsย include:

  • leeks andย onions
  • asparagus and Jerusalem artichoke
  • garlic
  • whole wheat products
  • oats
  • soybeans
  • bananas

It is important to note that prebiotics can worsen bowel conditions, such asย irritable bowel syndromeย (IBS).

Preventing UTIs

Urinary tract infectionsย (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter parts of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys, causing symptoms such as burning or pain during urination and bad smelling or cloudy urine. According to the Urology Care Foundation, aboutย 60%ย of women will experience a UTI at some point.

Drinking lots of fluids might help prevent a UTI.

Cranberry juice

According to theย Urology Care Foundation, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry tablets may prevent UTIs from developing.

Research supports this idea โ€” in a 2016 study, researchers found that drinkingย 8 ounces (oz), or 240 milliliters (ml)Trusted Sourceย of a 27% cranberry juice drink each day for 24 weeks lowered the rate of UTIs in adult women who had recently had a UTI.

Cranberries are rich in antibacterial compounds that kill bacteria. These includeย antioxidantsย and organic acids, such as:

  • proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins
  • organic and phenolic acids
  • vitaminย C
  • flavanols and flavonols

Research into diet and UTIs has mainly focused on cranberries, but many fruits, especially citrus fruits and berries, are also rich in antioxidants and may have similar effects.

Reducing candida infections

Candida infections, or yeast infections, are theย second most commonTrusted Sourceย cause ofย vaginitis, or vaginalย inflammation.

There is no scientific proof that any foods can reduce candida infections. However, some foods contain ingredients that the fungus uses to grow. These ingredients include refined sugar, preservatives, yeasts, fungi, allergens, and trace antibiotics. People may benefit from avoiding these foods.

Researchers areย studyingTrusted Sourceย the possible benefits of natural remedies with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties for candida infection, including tea tree oil,ย coconut oil, and garlic.

Other ways to improve vaginal health

Regularly eating a healthful, balanced diet that contains fermented products with probiotics and prebiotics can improve vaginal health.

Following some of these lifestyle habits might also help:

  • cleaning the genital region with mild, unscented soap before rinsing well and patting dry daily or as needed during menstruation
  • wiping from front to back
  • using antibiotics appropriately and only when necessary
  • reducing sweat around the vagina
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • staying hydrating
  • reducingย stress
  • wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear

Avoiding or limiting things that can imbalance the bodyโ€™s systems or irritate the vagina can help, such as:

  • douching
  • holding in urine or rushing urination
  • personal care products with dyes, flavors, or fragrances
  • spermicidal foam or diaphragms
  • tight pants or underwear
  • smoking
  • prolonged exposure to moisture
  • alcohol
  • processed or heavily refined foods
  • foods or drinks with artificial hormones

Summary

Many nutrients contribute to vaginal health. Eating a healthful, nutrient-rich diet can improve all body systems.

Certain nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics may have particular benefits for vaginal health. However, researchers need to do more studies to work out which nutrients help boost vaginal health and prevent vaginal infections.

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