Apart from bestowing you with pleasure, the vagina does many more things. It is a self-sufficient body part that even takes care of cleaning on its own. However, for it to function at its best, there’s something you need to give it back. A healthy diet that supports its functions adequately is what I mean by “there’s something you need to give it back.” Here’s a list of foods that are good for your vaginal health. And, let me tell you, this is not just a list that focusses on foods that increase your libido. Although the sexual drive is a major component of vaginal health, it is not it. Go on and read if you want to know how to maintain your vaginal pH and keep it free from yeast and bacterial infections.
1. Yogurt (Probiotic)
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Yogurt is an excellent source of helpful bacteria and hence an effective probiotic that maintains the balance between the population of good and bad bacteria in the gut. One of the most common probiotics is Lactobacillus which is found abundantly in yogurt. If you are vulnerable to vaginal infections, consuming yogurt keeps your vagina (the gut, in general) free from bacterial and yeast infections. This is because the good bacteria helps in maintaining a healthy vaginal pH. You can include Greek yogurt apart from the regular one. Greek yogurt not only is a probiotic but also contains almost twice the amount of protein than the regular one.
2. Spinach (Aphro)
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A cup of cooked spinach contains 39% Magnesium. This not only means that spinach is a rich source of magnesium, but it also means that eating spinach can do a whole lot of good to your vaginal health. Magnesium decreases inflammation and promotes blood circulation. This ensures ample supply of blood to the extremities and keeps the vagina healthy. Also, increased supply of blood to the vagina is what arouses you. And, again, that’s one way to ensure your vagina is in good health – regular intercourse. Apart from Magnesium, spinach is just loaded with flavonoids, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids all of which help in reducing inflammation.
3. Soy
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Soy and soy products are excellent sources of phytoestrogens which are estrogens derived from a plant source. Including them in the diet will help you battle vaginal dryness which is one of the most common complaints of women particularly during the menopause. This is because of the diminishing estrogen levels in the body and consuming phytoestrogens is one of the ways to compensate for the loss. The body metabolizes these phytoestrogens much like how it breaks down the estrogen produced in the human body. Women nearing their menopausal stage should include foods that are high in phytoestrogens like soy products, nuts, flax seeds, and whole grains to reduce symptoms related to low production of estrogen
4. Garlic
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Garlic has terrific antimicrobial properties. It is the compound allicin which is present in freshly crushed garlic that is primarily responsible for the antimicrobial properties (1). If you are suffering from repeated vaginal infections, you can insert raw or cooked garlic into the vagina in the night to get rid of the infection. When used as a suppository, garlic’s antibacterial and antimycotic properties act locally and eradicate the infection giving you quick relief. Also, garlic’s ability to increase blood circulation can significantly improve your sexual health.
5. Papaya
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Menstrual cramps are one of the major issues we women deal with on a monthly basis. One of the best foods to relieve you of this discomfort and pain is papaya. This fruit is rich in Vitamin A and C both of which help in strengthening the wall of the uterus. Iron and Calcium are also present in this fruit in considerably high doses which aid in maintaining vaginal wellbeing. Additionally, the contractions of the muscle fibers of the uterine wall that cause menstrual cramps are also reduced. Keep in mind that unripe papaya is most useful when it comes to easing menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
Which Foods Deteriorate Vaginal Health?
While that was the list of foods that help you manage your vagina, there’s something you can avoid to put yourself at the risk of vaginal infections. Stay away from foods that are high in glycemic index. Foods with high GI tend to increase your vulnerability to infections. Also, refrain from consuming too much sugar, for, a sugary medium is perfect for microbes like yeast to thrive. Substances called cytokines are released when there’s inflammation in the body. These cytokines are responsible for you to feel the pain. It is the same mechanism even during menstrual pain. However, one of the ways in which you can reduce this inflammation is by strictly cutting down on sugary foods and foods whose GI is high.
Include all these superfoods in your daily diet and do not forget to drink loads of water to keep your body hydrated. There isn’t much you need to do to keep your vagina healthy, at least, not as much as it needs to do for your body. Do you agree with me? Comment below and let me know.