When we think of keeping our vaginas healthy, factors such as hygiene, regular check-ups, and safe sex practices usually come to mind. However, what we eat can also play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health.
A balanced diet that features the right nutrients may lend a hand in helping to prevent vaginal infections, yeast overgrowth, and more. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best foods for vaginal health and wellness.
What Are Good Foods for Vaginal Health?
Making healthy dietary choices can help support your vaginal health from the inside out. Here are a few of our favorite food options for women’s wellness.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent food containing active cultures — or probiotics— that are good for not only your gut but your vagina, too. These probiotics can help keep the vagina's pH levels balanced, which, in turn, can help keep bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections at bay.
Studies have suggested that women who regularly eat yogurt have less risk of developing vaginal infections. Plus, it’s an easy and delicious snack you can incorporate into your daily diet. To reap the most benefits from this superfood, opt for Greek yogurt — it has more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt.
Pro Tip: Not a fan of yogurt? Consider taking a probiotic supplement like Good Girl Probiotics® instead.
2. Berries
Berries such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries are high in antioxidants, which are nutrients that can protect cells from damage. Antioxidants can help support the immune system, which can help prevent vaginal infections.
Berries are also rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that supports the body’s natural collagen production. Collagen is essential for healthy vaginal tissue, as it helps prevent dryness and maintain elasticity. Try eating a handful of your favorite berries each day or adding them to salads and overnight oats for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Garlic
While garlic might not give you the best breath, it can do wonders for your vaginal health. Garlic has natural immune-supporting properties that have been used for centuries to help fight off yeast infections.
Incorporating garlic into your diet is easy — just mince or crush some up and add it to your favorite dishes.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are a nutritional powerhouse. They are loaded with vitamins — including vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6 — that can support wellness. Vitamin B6 can help to control hormone levels, which is important because hormones can affect the pH levels in the vagina.
In addition, leafy greens contain folate, a nutrient that can help produce and maintain cells in the body. Try adding spinach or kale to smoothies, salads, or sandwiches for a nutritional punch.
Pro tip: If you want to make sure you’re getting a good mix of vitamins, try supplementing with our Daily Love Multivitamin®. This multivitamin fills nutritional gaps and supports overall wellness.*
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A can help to maintain healthy vaginal tissues and prevent potential infections.
These root vegetables are also full of fiber, which can help with digestion and support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which is an important factor in vaginal health. There are many ways to enjoy sweet potatoes, making them an easy and delicious food to incorporate into your diet.
6. Citrus
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient necessary for the body to produce collagen. As mentioned above, collagen can help keep the vaginal tissue strong, preventing dryness and maintaining elasticity. Vitamin C can also help support the immune system.
For added flavor — and a boost of nutrients — squeeze a little fresh lemon or lime juice into your meals or drinks.
7. Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read that right — dark chocolate can be good for vaginal health. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can help support blood flow and encourage nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is essential for vaginal lubrication and healthy sexual function.
Dark chocolate is also great for your mood. It contains compounds like dopamine and serotonin, which can help to ease tension and support overall well-being. Just make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa — the higher the cocoa content, the more flavonoids it contains.
8. Avocado
Avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which can help to keep vaginal tissues healthy and strong. They also contain folate, a nutrient essential for producing new cells in the body.
Avocados are incredibly versatile — they can be added to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies or enjoyed on their own as a creamy snack.
9. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Like yogurt, it contains probiotics. Healthy gut flora is essential for a healthy vagina, as it helps to regulate pH levels and protect against infection-causing bacteria.
Kombucha also contains a variety of enzymes and antioxidants to help the body fight off infections. Plus, it comes in many delicious flavors, making it a fantastic option for those looking to diversify their probiotic intake.
10. Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented food that is full of healthy bacteria. The probiotic bacteria found in kimchi can help to maintain balance in the vagina, as well as fight off bad bacteria and yeast. It also contains vitamins A and C, which can help to strengthen vaginal tissues.
Kimchi is available in most health food stores — just remember to choose one made with natural ingredients and no added sugar.
Not particularly fond of kimchi? Other probiotic-rich foods include:
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
- Tempeh
- Miso
- Natto
What Are Bad Foods for Vaginal Health?
Now that we've covered some good foods for vaginal health, let's take a quick look at some of the worst foods.
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
According to one study, women who consume diets rich in added sugar and refined carbohydrates are at increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that can lead to discharge and bad odor, both of which can be uncomfortable. To support your vaginal health, limit your intake of sugary treats, white bread, and pastries.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are often filled with chemicals, and while they might be convenient, they're not doing your vaginal health any favors. The chemical additives in processed foods can disrupt the pH balance in your vagina, making you more susceptible to infections. Additionally, many of these foods are low in fiber, which can lead to constipation and discomfort.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be taxing on our overall health — especially our vaginas. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to vaginal dryness and irritation and can even disrupt your vaginal pH balance, making it easier for infections to occur. If you're looking to maintain vaginal health, consider limiting your consumption of alcohol.
The Bottom Line
A balanced diet can support a healthy vagina. While these foods aren’t a cure-all for vaginal health issues, they can help support your vaginal wellness routine.
At Love Wellness, we create natural products for your brain, gut, and vagina that are safer, cleaner, and more effective — with the goal of helping you feel your best, from the inside out.
Sources:
Antioxidants: In Depth | NCCIH
Bacterial Vaginosis Is Associated with Variation in Dietary Indices | PMC
Old Wives’ Tales and Garlic as an Antibiotic: Are Microbial Myths Fact or Fiction? | ASM