Your vulva may not be something that comes to mind often, but this doesn’t mean it should go undetected. It is essential to perform self-exams regularly and visit a healthcare provider if anything seems off.
Healthy vaginas produce harmless discharge that is clear or whitish in color when wet and odorless; unhealthy discharge may be yellow, greenish, or gray-colored and has an unpleasant odor.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Diet can have profound benefits across the body, including vaginal health. Eating right can help avoid issues like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections that could harm this area of the body.
Probiotic foods, like yogurt and fermented foods, add healthy bacteria to the vagina to maintain a normal pH level and ward off harmful microbes. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale provide antioxidants to fight inflammation or any ailments in intimate areas.
Avoid processed and sugary drinks that suppress the immune system and allow harmful bacteria to thrive in the vagina. Drinking plenty of water may help lubricate and protect this area while alleviating irritation and itching and helping prevent infections.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is important for many reasons, and particularly important when it comes to vaginal health. Exercise strengthens pelvic floor muscles, improves circulation and increases tissue elasticity while simultaneously supporting natural pH balance and healthy flora in your body.
Certain factors that disrupt gut microbiomes (including antibiotics, antifungals, douching and diet high in sugar) may also impact vaginal microbiome balance; probiotic yogurt or fermented foods like sauerkraut or miso can help bolster vaginal microbes to ward off potential infections such as BV.
Healthy vaginal discharge should be slippery and clear when moist, without an offensive smell. Seek medical assistance immediately if your discharge has an intense or unusual odor.
3. Drink Water
Healthy vaginas have an acidic pH balance, which allows protective microbes that reside there to thrive and avoid infections such as yeast and bacterial. When this balance is disrupted, this could lead to infections including yeast and bacterial.
Avoid douching and harsh cleansers which could disturb this delicate balance; drink lots of water to stay hydrated and protect against dryness, which could increase yeast or bacterial infections.
Adopting these simple steps and scheduling regular appointments with Axia Women’s Health provider will enable you to achieve optimal vaginal wellness.
4. Eat Broccoli
An eating plan filled with vegetables can significantly benefit vaginal health. Vegetables like broccoli are rich in folic acid, which prevents infections and other issues. Furthermore, they contain kaempferol which acts as protection from cancer.
Flax seeds are an excellent source of lignans, which may reduce your risk for endometriosis and menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, these powerhouses contain omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium for optimal nutrition – perfect additions to smoothies, salads or yogurt!
Edamame contains phytoestrogens that can increase estrogen levels, helping prevent dryness and itching, as well as protein, calcium and vitamin B. Aim to consume at least half a cup daily of this soy-based food!
5. Eat Citrus Fruits
As is commonly recognized, what you consume has an immense effect on every part of your body – including your lady parts. A diet full of essential nutrients can have positive results on them in many ways including softened skin and reduced menstrual cramps as well as more orgasms!
Foods known to support vaginal health include eggs, fish, leafy greens and avocados – these items contain vitamin C, folate and calcium which are all vital elements in maintaining vaginal wellness. Foods high in sugar should also be avoided since this can disrupt the balance of bacteria found in your reproductive tract and lead to bacterial vaginosis.
6. Eat Peppers
Our vulva is our gateway into our bodies, so keeping it healthy is crucial for avoiding infections like vaginitis.
Good bacteria is essential for maintaining gut/tummy health and staving off infections in this area. Yogurt, kimchi or miso are great sources of probiotics which promote this goal and protect from potential infection down below.
Peppers contain capsaicin, which when applied directly (not recommended for sensitive skin) can help alleviate intercourse-related vaginal discomfort.
Foods rich in lignans such as flax seeds and walnuts can play an integral part in maintaining vaginal health, as they boost oestrogen levels while increasing blood flow to the vulva, improving libido. Furthermore, they may reduce risks for endometriosis and ovarian cancer.
