These foods will help you maintain good vaginal health

Every part of your body needs nutrition to function to the best of its abilities. And the vagina is no different. A healthy vagina has a slight scent but if you experience a strange odour or itchiness, chances are you may have contracted an infection or are not consuming enough nutrients. But fret not. Certain foods can help reduce the risk of infection as well as help in recovery. Munch on these foods to keep your vagina in the best of health. 

Yoghurt

It contains active cultures or probiotics that are good for your gut and your vaginal health as they help balance the vagina’s pH levels. They are instrumental in keeping dryness, itching, bad odour, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections at bay. 

Fruits

Citrus fruits improve your vaginal health and especially target recurring infections. The vitamin C and ascorbic acid in them reduce the risk of new infections. On the other hand, the phytoestrogen phloridzin and antioxidants in apples stimulate blood flow in your vagina, keeping it healthy and smelling fresh, and pineapples, which are rich in vitamin B, vitamin C, and fibre, improve vaginal health by maintaining their natural smell and preventing infections. Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants and its acidic nature aids in maintaining the pH level of your vagina. Additionally, fruits high in antioxidants such as pomegranates, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries and help improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress. increases libido and fertility. 

Eggs

Lack of vitamin D makes one prone to infections and is one of the main reasons for people suffering from bad vaginal health. Egg yolk is a rich source of Vitamin D. 

Broccoli

If you’re looking to improve your vaginal health, you should consume broccoli which has antioxidants required by your body.

Sweet potatoes

Rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, sweet potatoes help keep your mucous membranes healthy and also help with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and PCOS. They’re also high in fiber which helps stabilise insulin levels and reduce PCOS symptoms over time by regulating your blood sugar.

Soy

One of the major symptoms of low estrogen is vaginal dryness. And there are many reasons for it including taking to menopause. One food to counter these symptoms is soy. It has phytoestrogens—compounds that mimic estrogen in the body—that can promote overall vaginal health, especially in people with reduced estrogen levels. 

Avocados

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamin B6, and potassium, all of which can positively affect your overall libido and natural lubrication.

Leafy greens

They’re packed with antioxidants and enhance blood circulation due to their many nutrients, including dietary nitrates, that widen blood vessels and improve blood flow throughout the body, including the vagina. This increased blood flow helps counter vaginal dryness and increase libido. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, which benefit muscle health—including vaginal muscles.

While we’ve told you what to eat to improve vaginal health, it’s also important to avoid these few foods to maintain a healthy vagina:

Don’t eat food that’s high in sugar, say goodbye to solid oils, red meat, fried potatoes, refined grains, and organ meats. Also avoid foods with a high glycemic index such as white bread, processed grains, white rice, honey, and sugar.