Foods for feminine health
You’ve probably heard by now that cranberries protect against urinary tract infections, but other foods can help keep your vagina in tip-top shape. Here’s everything you need to know about the best diet for vaginal health.
Eat more of these foods…
To maintain optimal vaginal health, you should focus on eating more of these nutritious foods:
- Apples. Phloridzin, a phytoestrogen found in apples, helps support better sexual function, including making it easier to get sexually aroused and orgasm.
- Probiotics. Take a daily probiotic supplement containing at least 25 billion flora, which helps promote vaginal and urinary health.
- Green tea. Green tea has polyphenolic catechins, which may kill the E. coli bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. The caffeine also found in green tea helps ease PMS symptoms.
- Whole grains. The best way to keep your vagina healthy is to keep your colon healthy since most bacteria come from the colon. Whole grains are rich in fiber, and fiber is a pre-biotic that nurtures the good bacteria in your bowel. Eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day from sources such as black beans, quinoa, and sweet potatoes.
- Yogurt. Yogurt contains tons of probiotics that increase your healthy vaginal microflora, helping to prevent urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. Plus, the calcium found in yogurt decreases PMS symptoms.
- Salmon. Salmon is a good source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for general health. These nutrients are also great for sexual arousal since they improve overall circulation.
- Water. It’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day. Why? Because hydration is a way to keep the vaginal area moist and lubricated.
- Fruit. A diet rich in fruit decreases the chance of developing uterine fibroids. Aim to eat two-to-three servings of fruit per day.
- Soy. Soy products, such as tofu and edamame, contain isoflavones that mimic estrogen, which helps alleviate vaginal dryness caused by hormonal changes.
- Ginger tea. Studies have shown ginger tea to be just as effective as ibuprofen for relieving painful period cramps.
…and less of these
While some foods are essential for vaginal health, others can disrupt the natural flora down there. Avoid these foods:
- Sweets. Refined sugars are not vagina-friendly. Foods high in refined sugars, such as sweets, can increase your chances of developing yeast infections. Only eat natural sources of sugar, such as fruit.
- Alcohol. Like refined sugars, alcohol can encourage yeast to grow in the vagina. It can also worsen menstrual cramps, and alcohol has even been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
The right diet = a happy vagina
To keep your vagina healthy and happy, follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, probiotics, and lean proteins. Cut back on refined sugars, alcohol, and simple carbohydrates. Make these changes, and you’ll notice fewer urinary tract and yeast infections.
