{"id":32227,"date":"2022-10-31T23:13:17","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T23:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=32227"},"modified":"2024-12-04T21:25:59","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T21:25:59","slug":"foods-for-vaginal-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/foods-for-vaginal-health\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Vagina-Cleansing Foods to Eat"},"content":{"rendered":"

In general, your vagina works to keep itself clean and balanced. But when things are off down there, it can get uncomfortable (to say the least). Infections and off-balance pH levels can cause itching, burning, discomfort, dryness, and more\u2014all of which can affect your day-to-day life. Of course, visiting your doctor is your best bet in resolving any issues down there. But your diet can help keep things in check too. Some nutrients (or lack thereof) can have a direct impact on vaginal health, causing them to either thrive or be riddled with concerns such as dryness, irritation, inflammation<\/a>, and infection.\u00a0To say the least there are great foods for vaginal health that can help make an impact on its microbiome. Certain foods can have a positive impact on the vagina’s pH balance through prebiotics, probiotics<\/a> and fiber<\/a> content.<\/p>\n\n\n

Curious to know what the best foods for vaginal health are? We tapped two women\u2019s health experts to learn more about naturally-cleansing foods to eat for optimal vagina health, plus how a balanced diet can make all the difference in our care down there.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

How to Improve the Health of the Vagina<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"foods<\/figure>\n\n\n

Just like the rest<\/a> of our body, the way we nourish can have a steep impact on vaginal health, and eating a balanced diet for vaginal health can help improve the vagina overall.\u00a0 \u201cEating a variety of healthy foods helps to ensure that the body gets all the nutrients it needs,\u201d \u201cEating a variety of healthy foods helps to ensure that the body gets all the nutrients it needs,\u201d says Krutika Nanavati, a registered nutritionist and dietitian with Nutrition Society New Zealand, advisor at ClinicSpots<\/a>, and a PhD candidate at Massey University of New Zealand. Stick to these nutrition tips for a healthy vagina. Some dietary areas in which you want to focus on are hydration, limiting sugar, and fiber intake. <\/p>\n\n\n

Remember Your ACDs<\/h3>\n\n\n

Not a typo! One way diet impacts vaginal health is through vitamin heavy hitters such as vitamins A, C, and D. \u201cCertain nutrients are essential for maintaining vaginal health and, a lack of these nutrients can lead to problems,\u201d Nanavati explains. According to Nanavati, a lack of vitamin C can result in dryness and irritation while vitamin D<\/a> is essential for keeping vaginal tissues healthy. \u201cVitamin A is important for maintaining the acidity of the vagina, which helps to protect against infection,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n

Aim for Organic<\/h3>\n\n\n

When eating a balanced diet, Kim Langdon, MD<\/a>, an OB-GYN with over 20 years of experience, says to choose organic foods as much as possible, \u201cbecause they don\u2019t have pesticides which can be endocrine disruptors.\u201d Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or compounds that, when absorbed into the body, increase or decrease certain hormone levels. How does this affect vaginal health? Research<\/a> shows endocrine disruptors can harm female reproductive functions by causing subfertility, infertility, improper hormone production, menstrual cycle abnormalities, and early decline in reproductive performance. All of these can impact the balance of your vaginal pH<\/a> and cause discomfort. While it might be hard to shop organic for every food item in your pantry and fridge, she recommends at least sticking to organic for the things you might consume regularly, such as eggs, milk, fruit, and vegetables.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Skip Ultra-Processed Food<\/h3>\n\n\n

Avoiding junk food or food deemed unhealthy is also vital in vaginal health efforts. The reason for this is that \u201cfoods that are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can promote the growth of yeast, which can lead to infection,\u201d Nanavati explains. Additionally, she says that fatty and processed foods contribute to and increase inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate vaginal dryness and irritation. \u201cA balanced diet provides the body with all the nutrients it needs to maintain optimal health, including vaginal health,\u201d she remarks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Understanding Vaginal pH and Its Importance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Understanding your vagina is important and should be prioritized. Additionally, what can commonly be overlooked is your vaginal pH balance. What is vaginal pH balance you may be asking yourself? Say hello to your new favorite topic that you’ll be chatting with your girlfriends about in no time. <\/p>\n\n\n

Vaginal pH balance is the level of acidity in the vagina. A normal range is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is considered slightly acidic as this level helps keep harmful bacteria and yeast at bay. Your pH range can vary depending on many factors, some being age, menstrual cycle, and medications. <\/p>\n\n\n

It is important to take care of your vaginal health and maintain a healthy pH level as this guards against harmful bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n

Foods to Avoid for Optimal Vaginal Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n