Nutrition is an essential part of taking care of your overall health. What you eat can affect the health of certain parts of the body, including the vagina. Research shows that there are certain foods that may help maintain vaginal health. For example, some foods can prevent infection while others can help keep the vagina smooth.
The best foods for vaginal health
While a balanced diet rich in whole foods is often the best overall approach to nutrition, there are certain foods or nutrients that may contribute to vaginal health.
Food rich in probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria) that can provide a range of health benefits: from aiding digestion to improving the body’s immune response. Probiotics have also been shown to improve vaginal health
The vagina contains a variety of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria such as the probiotic lactobacillus. Lactobacillus protects against other microorganisms that can cause vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and yeast infections.
Lactobacillus-containing probiotics can be found in fermented foods such as:
• Yogurt with live bacteria
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Pickle
• Miso (soybean paste)
• Tempeh (soy product)
• Kombuja
These vaginal-helping probiotics can also be taken as supplements.
Research has shown that taking probiotic supplements containing lactobacillus can increase the amount of lactobacillus in the vagina. Effects are shown one week after starting the supplement. Taking a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus strains can also reduce the level of harmful bacteria in the vagina.
Probiotics may also produce antimicrobials, which are agents that kill or stop the growth of other bacteria, and boost the immune system to maintain a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina. .
Research on the effect of probiotic supplements on vaginal health has had mixed results. Some studies have shown that these supplements can provide little or no benefit. There are no official guidelines for taking probiotic foods or supplements for vaginal health. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.
Low GI foods
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common female disorder affecting 29% of women of reproductive age. BV is an infection that can occur when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.
Symptoms of BV may include vaginal odor, discharge, itching, and burning. These symptoms are often present without redness and swelling. BV can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Eating foods with a low glycemic index may help prevent BV.
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly carbohydrate-containing foods release glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream and raise blood sugar. Low glycemic index foods release glucose slowly, which can help maintain stable blood sugar.
Examples of low glycemic index foods include:
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and oats
• Carrots and other non-starchy vegetables
• Apples, oranges, grapefruits and other fruits
• Most nuts, legumes and beans
• Lion
• yogurt
Foods with a high glycemic index quickly release glucose and cause an increase in blood sugar. This effect may increase the risk of developing BV. The relationship between BV and glucose levels is not fully understood. One theory is that glucose affects vaginal fluids, and high levels of glucose may increase inflammation, weaken immune function, and allow bacteria to grow.
High fiber foods
Eating high-fiber foods may support the growth of lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina, which keeps harmful bacteria in check. Eating more fiber may also help prevent BV.
Foods rich in fiber include:
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, and oats
• Most beans, legumes, nuts and seeds
• Cooked artichoke
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Berries and other fruits
Increasing your consumption of whole grains can be a simple way to get more dietary fiber. Here are some ways you can replace refined grains with their counterparts:
• Replace white bread with 100% whole grain bread.
