Meals for your muff
Foods for vaginal health Edition 037
When it comes to healthy eating, we typically think about what’s good for our body or mood. We don't usually choose what to eat based on how it affects our vaginal health. But vaginal health is crucial to your overall well-being, so we’ve rounded up a list of foods that you should reach for (or steer clear from) to avoid infections, regulate periods, have a happy sex life, and more!
What foods are good for your vag?
From apples to eggs to edamame, several foods can impact your vaginal health.
For infections
Probiotic-rich foods: A healthy vagina needs a type of good bacteria called lactobacilli, which helps balance your vagina’s pH levels and keep bad bacteria at bay. Foods that are rich in probiotics like greek yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, and kefir help fight against yeast infections, UTIs, and STIs.
Eggs: Eggs are a wealth of vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D makes you more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Cranberry juice: The acidity of cranberry juice helps balance your natural pH level and fight bacteria that cause UTIs, vaginal infections, and other va-jay-jay problems.
Lemon: Similarly, the acidic nature of lemons also helps maintain healthy pH levels and boosts the immune system. Plus lemons have antioxidants that help protect against free-radical damage.
Pineapple: While there’s no scientific evidence to support this, there have been many stories of pineapple helping you taste and smell better down there.
Kale: Rich in vitamins A and C, kale helps improve blood circulation and boosts immunity.
Green tea: Green tea is effective in both fighting and preventing UTIs.
Garlic: You may think that garlic would have a negative effect on your smell down there but garlic can help with vaginal health when eaten in moderation. Raw garlic contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help prevent itching, burning, odor, vaginal discharge, and even UTIs. Plus, it also boosts the immune system too.
For menstrual health
Fish: Fatty acids and omega-3 oils in fish like salmon or tuna have anti-inflammatory properties that provide relief for menstrual pain. The omega-3 fatty acids also promote heart health and circulation, boosting your sex drive.
Nuts: Nuts like almonds and pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which helps combat itching and regulate your period.
For vaginal dryness
Edamame: Edamame beans are chock full of those omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the vagina lubricated, preventing dryness and itchiness. It also contains protein, vitamins, and minerals that help with menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Water: Water helps naturally lubricate the vagina, reduce odors, flush out toxins, and pH-balance your muff. Make sure you drink at least 8 cups every day. Tip: to hit your water count, you can also load up on water-laden fruits like berries or melons.
Flaxseed: The zinc in flaxseeds increase estrogen levels, which prevents vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms and help treat vaginal dryness, as well as itching, and burning.
Avocados: The healthy fats, vitamin B6, and potassium in avocados support healthy vaginal walls and keep it naturally lubricated.
For sex life
Spinach: Spinach is rich in magnesium, which decreases inflammation in blood vessels and increases blood flow (aka easier orgasms!).
Apples: A recent study found that women who eat an apple a day have higher levels of lubrication. Plus, apples also boost blood flow 😏.
Sweet potatoes: Full of vitamin A, sweet potatoes or yams strengthen the walls of the uterus and promote hormone growth, keeping your energy levels up.
What foods are not good for your vag?
Alcohol: Alcohol leaves you super dehydrated.
Smelly foods: When eaten in excess, foods like garlic, asparagus, onions, and broccoli may make you taste or smell a bit funky as they can throw your pH balance out of whack.
Caffeine: Coffee also messes with your natural pH levels, making it easier for you to get yeast infections.
What foods affect BV (bacterial vaginosis)?
Refined carbohydrates: Foods high in refined carbohydrates like white bread or rice raise your blood sugar and can put you at risk for BV or yeast infections.
Fried foods: High-fat and processed foods have also been associated with increased risk for BV.
Sugary foods: Eating foods high in sugar increases the likelihood of vaginal yeast infections because yeast loves sugar, moisture and warmth.
In addition to daily feminine hygiene, the food you eat is very important because a healthy vagina contributes to your overall wellness. Remember: happy muff = happy life.
Muff love.
