You’ve probably heard that drinking cranberry juice reduces your chances of developing urinary tract infections, but did you know it also wards off vaginal infections? Compounds found in cranberries could balance the vagina’s pH level and its acidic property, helping fight bacteria that cause infections. Read the label and buy pure cranberry juice without any added sugar.
There are many ways to help keep your vagina healthy: practicing safe sex, having yearly well-woman check-ups, exercising regularly, and treating infections as quickly as possible.
But you may not realize that eating a healthy diet and choosing certain foods can promote vaginal health.
Top 4 Best Food Options For Vaginal Health
Yogurt
Adding Yogurt that contains large amounts of “good” bacteria helps protect you from “bad” bacteria that may enter your body. The good bacteria in yogurt may also help your vagina by balancing acid levels in your vaginal fluids. For the best benefit, choose yogurt brands that contain live, active cultures such as Lactobacillus.
Fermented Foods
Similar to yogurt, certain fermented foods contain helpful, good bacteria. These fermented foods include some types of sauerkraut and pickles, kimchi, kombucha, and kefir. Check food labels to see if your product contains live, active cultures.
High-fiber Foods
High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain prebiotics. Prebiotics are a favorite food of good intestinal bacteria, which help keep your entire body, including your vagina, healthy and in balance. Eating at least 28 grams of fiber or more daily is the goal. A high-fiber diet also helps keep your bowel movements regular and may reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Water
Water can help your vagina by keeping tissues hydrated and helping your body eliminate waste effectively.
Remember to take care of vaginal health! Even with good choices, problems may still occur. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms such as burning, itching, discharge, unexplained bleeding, fishy odor, pain, incontinence, or an increased desire to urinate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does apple cider vinegar help to maintain vaginal health?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is believed to balance vaginal pH, fostering a healthy vaginal environment. Its antimicrobial properties may also help prevent infections, making it a key player in natural remedies for feminine health.
What are the good options to reduce vaginal dryness?
Increasing your intake of hydrating foods like water-rich fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseeds) can help alleviate vaginal dryness. Also, consider using quality natural lubricants to provide instant relief.
Cranberry juice or cranberry pills which one has the best benefits for vaginal health?
Both cranberry juice and cranberry pills have benefits for vaginal health. They contain compounds that prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to vaginal walls, promoting urinary tract health. In addition, while juice provides immediate absorption, pills offer a more concentrated form.
Learn more about Microbiome balance and other ways a body’s microbiome can be disrupted.
