The vagina is a complex organ that is home to a large population of microorganisms. Getting the balance of these microorganisms right is essential for the health of your vagina, along with your overall health. What you eat plays a huge part in the growth of both harmful and healthy bacteria in your downstairs region. Here’s a list of foods to eat to keep your Lady-V healthy and happy.
Cranberry juice
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused by bad bacteria called E. coli in the urinary tract, affect around one in two Australian women. Cranberry juice is loaded with acidic compounds that help fight off this bad bacteria and help prevent future UTIs. Just make sure you go for the no-added-sugar varieties.
Yoghurt
Full of its own special bacteria, live cultures and probiotics, yoghurt is basically a super food for vaginas, helping to keep the precious pH balance just right. If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, such as thrush (75 per cent of women have), then you’ll know the importance of the pH balance. Other sources of probiotics include pickles, kimchi, miso, kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha tea.
Dark leafy greens
Keep itchiness and dryness at bay by including dark leafy greens, such as kale, spinach and turnip greens in your diet. These veggies are excellent sources of vitamins and help keep the vagina lubricated by improving circulation. Even better, dark leafy greens boost your immune system and protect against nasty infections.
Sweet potatoes
Loaded with vitamin A, these little gems help to keep the uterine walls healthy and strong. The vitamin A also helps produce the sex hormones the female body needs to stay energetic and vibrant.
Garlic
This miracle food is known for its antimicrobial benefits and helps to eliminate the onset and severity of yeast infections.
Dark chocolate
Is there anything chocolate can’t fix? The high level of antioxidants in dark chocolate benefits women’s overall sexual function by increasing desire. Eating just one square per day is said to improve arousal levels.
Almonds and pumpkin seeds
Rich in zinc, almonds and pumpkin seeds help regulate your hormones and menstrual cycle. Zinc can also boost your immune system and improve your overall mood.
Do you know any other foods that are beneficial for vaginal health?
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