Ever wonder why sometimes your vagina is dryer, wetter or smellier than other days? Studies have found that it might be because of what you are eating. Food affects every vital organ in the body – including the vagina. Eating the right foods can minimize foul smell, can fight infections, and can also help you feel fresh down there. Here are some of the best foods that can help you have a healthier vagina:
Cranberries
An American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology study found that women who took cranberry juice pills (which were equivalent to two 8-ounce services of actual cranberry juice) for six weeks following a gynecological surgery reduced the rate of UTI occurrence by 50%. Why? Cranberries contain fructose and A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC) which help prevent UTI occurrence by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. When you do choose to drink cranberry juice, however, you have to be mindful of your sugar intake as this can also increase your vagina’s pH levels and might make you more prone to yeast infections.
Greek Yogurt
The vagina is naturally acidic. To keep it healthy, you should eat foods that have good bacteria such as Greek yogurt which contains probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that live in the intestines. They play a major role from mood and weight maintenance to balancing the immune system. It also helps balance out the vagina’s pH levels, making the vagina fresher.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet foods do not normally contain nutrients, but sweet potatoes are a different story. They are high in vitamin A which helps strengthen muscle tissues such as vaginal walls.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods which contain omega-3 fatty acids (fish) promote heart health as well as circulation all over the body. Why is it important for the vagina? It keeps blood flow pumping in the vaginal area. A 2010 study found that women who consumed omega-3 foods were 22% less likely to develop endemetriosis as compared to those who don’t.
Broccoli
A study from 2007 found that women who ate foods rich in flavonoid kaempferol was able to reduce their risk for ovarian cancer by 40%. What food contains flavonoid kaempferol? Broccoli is one of them.
Water
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do to improve your vaginal health. Hydration is essential for overall health, and it also does a lot for proper functioning of the vagina, which has its own self-cleaning system. If you drink sufficient water, you will increase lubrication, allowing secretions to be released. You will also have proper pH balance of vaginal tissues.
