Vaginal health is essential in every woman’s life because it affects more than just your sex life but your general health and well-being. Poor feminine hygiene causes imbalanced pH balance, extreme discomfort, infections like urinary tract infections (UTI), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and aggravating sex life. It gets worse from here; neglecting the state of your vagina and vulva can lead to further complications like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Hopefully, you now understand why you should prioritize caring for your pinata.
Although the vagina is a self-purifying organ, there are several ways to improve your vaginal health. Some ways to protect your vagina include practicing safe sex by using condoms, avoiding douching, exercising, wearing appropriate panties, and STD screening. Likewise, the food you consume impacts your vaginal health. A healthy vagina has a pH value between 3.8-5.0, normal bacterial flora called lactobacilli, and a pleasant mild smell.
What you eat affects every part of your body, including your vagina. Keep reading if you are interested in foods that are great for your vaginal health.
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APPLES
Apples are great if you want to improve sexual function, arousal, and lubrication of the vagina and increase the ability to orgasm. These benefits are because apples contain phlorizin, a compound that acts like estradiol, a female sex hormone responsible for maintaining the reproductive system. Also, Apples contain compounds that enhance oxygen perfusion in vaginal tissues, making sex more pleasurable and orgasmic.
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PLAIN (GREEK) YOGURT
Probiotic-rich food like plain or Greek yogurt is perfect for vaginal health because it contains healthy bacteria (lactobacillus), which balances and maintains pH levels. Adding Greek or plain yogurt to your diet will protect you from infections like bacterial vaginosis.
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PINEAPPLES
Pineapples are rich in vitamins C and B and fiber. Not only are these great for your immune system and gut health, but it also helps with the condition of your vagina. Pineapples help maintain the organic smell of the vagina and also make it taste good as well.
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SWEET POTATOES
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and beta carotene, which help strengthen the vaginal walls, reduce vaginal infections, increase sex drive, and promote lubrication of the vagina.
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CRANBERRIES
Cranberries have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect you from infections, including urinary tract infections. Also, cranberries are acidic, which maintains the pH level of the vagina. You can eat wholesome cranberry fruit or drink cranberry juice for a healthy, happy vagina.
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GARLIC
Garlic’s ability to protect the vagina from a yeast infection is no news to many people. Some even go to the extent of placing raw garlic into the vagina to treat candidiasis (one of the things I don't recommend you place in your vagina). Garlic contains allicin, a compound that inhibits fungal growth. Two or three cloves can significantly help reduce itchiness and vaginal odor.
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CARROTS
Like sweet potatoes, carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which strengthen the vaginal wall and protect the vagina against disease-causing organisms like bacteria, and fungus. A study in 2001 revealed that women who ate four whole carrot sticks at least five days each week lowered their risk of ovarian cancer by 50%.
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DARK CHOCOLATES
Dark chocolates are bursting with antioxidants. It protects the vagina and boosts overall vaginal health. Also, dark chocolates are healthy aphrodisiacs that increase sex drive and sexual satisfaction.