Top 5: Foods to boost your vaginal flora

Tiempo de lectura: 3 minutos

In general, we pay little attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining the health of our vagina, for this it is essential to acquire healthy habits for our vaginal flora, what foods help us to do so?

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Index: 

• Top 5: Foods that will take care of your vaginal flora

• How to take care of your vaginal flora?

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Top 5: Foods that will take care of your vaginal flora

 

When we talk about vaginal flora, we refer to the discharge that protects, cleans, and discards agents that put the health of your vagina at risk. As mentioned in the article “Yes, it is normal to have vaginal discharge”, a “normal” vaginal discharge is clear and, depending on the period of the menstrual cycle, it can vary in both its consistency and quantity. For example, during ovulation, the discharge becomes thicker and whiter.

These changes depend mainly on our vaginal flora, which regulates the flow through a series of healthy bacteria, such as Lactobacillus. The vaginal flora is actually in charge of protecting the vagina from possible pathogens that cause diseases and infections. In other words, the more balanced in the presence of these healthy bacteria, the healthier the vagina will be.

If the presence of healthy bacteria is poor, the vagina suffers from an alteration in the potential of hydrogen –pH–, causing a series of “imbalances” that are experienced in acidity and alkalinity. A neutral or healthy pH is when the level is equal to 7.0; an acid pH, less than 7.0; and an alkaline or basic pH, greater than 7.0. An altered pH cannot protect the vaginal flora from possible agents that cause infections, resulting in uncomfortable and painful symptoms.

 

How to take care of your vaginal flora?

Both flora and vaginal discharge are strongly influenced by our lifestyle and habits. From the use of hormonal contraceptives, certain sexual practices and the diet can be factors that intervene in the health of the vaginal flora.

In the case of diet, there are some foods that promote the diversity of healthy bacteria in the vaginal flora and, consequently, the health of your vagina. This does not mean that visits to the gynecologist can be avoided, especially when there are symptoms of infections, hypotonia, or hypertonia of the pelvic floor, among others. Meet the top 5 food to boost your vaginal flora:

1. Water. Drinking the right amount of water a day is the best way to keep the body hydrated and promote its optimal functioning for our health. This includes helping to preserve cervical mucus, facilitating lubrication of the area, and a regulated pH.
2. Yogurt. It is ideal for promoting a healthy intestinal flora, reducing the presence of bacterial infections. This is mainly because it helps restore vaginal pH balance.
3. Cranberry juice: this ailment is rich in antioxidants, blueberry juices fight free radicals and toxins that cause disease. They help stabilize the natural pH, strengthening the immune response in both the urinary and vaginal systems.
4. Chia. It is a source of fiber and essential fatty acids, so they help eliminate toxins that are harbored in the colon. This allows the reduction of bacteria, such as Candida and other causes of vaginal infections.
5. Nuts. In addition to calming hunger as snacks, they often relieve and prevent vaginal dryness. They are a source of vitamin E, which is essential for lubrication.

Written By: @maria.jose.ca

Translated by: @thaispascual