BV, short for bacterial vaginosis, is a condition caused by the unbalanced growth of bacteria in a woman’s vagina. It can be hard to maintain the right vaginal health, especially if you’re experiencing certain health issues.
Bacterial vaginosis is nothing more than a condition that is caused when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. However, when left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can result in an array of complications, infertility being one of them.
Therefore, it’s best to treat this condition at its early stages. One of the most effective ways of treating bacterial vaginosis is nutrition as your diet plays a significant role in vaginal health for various reasons.
This post will shed light on some foods that can support a healthy vaginal pH, which in turn, can help to alleviate bacterial vaginosis. Read on to find out more.
Which foods can control bacterial vaginosis?
Some foods can help to balance your pH levels and encourage the growth of healthy bacteria. Here are five of them:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are filled with vitamin C. Vitamin C is quite effective in fighting off recurring abnormal vaginal discharge and other bacterial infections. A study published by the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research shows that consuming vitamin C daily helps to lower the risk of vaginal infections by around 50%.
2. Cranberries
Taking cranberry juice regularly can help to alleviate urinary tract infections. In addition, it combats any vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis. However, if you decide to take cranberry juices, make sure to avoid the sugar-filled varieties.
3. Garlic
It’s not a must that you eat it raw; you can include garlic in your diet to offer the highly-needed TLC to your vagina. It’s a prebiotic food, which means that it’s perfect for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Prebiotic foods help to optimize the pH of a vagina by encouraging the growth of good bacteria. What’s more, garlic contains antibacterial properties, which can help to fight against harmful bacteria that cause infections.
4. Kefir
This is a fermented, healthy food with the same consistency as drinkable yogurt. Its ideal for curing bacterial vaginosis because it contains high amounts of various live lactobacillus strains. Lactobacillus is important for the protection of a woman’s genital tract because it produces lactic acid, which contributes to an optimal vaginal pH. Furthermore, it helps return the bacterial balance in the vagina to normal levels.
5. Salmon
It’s a known fact that omega-3 fatty acids – like those available in salmon – can help to improve blood circulation and general heart health. But why are omega-3 crucial for your vaginal health? Well, since they enhance the general circulation of blood in the body, they also enhance blood flow down there. In turn, this helps to fight off any recurring vaginal problems.
Foods you Should Avoid to Control Bacterial Vaginosis
Although some foods are important for vaginal health, others can negatively impact the natural flora of the vagina. Here are some of them:
1. Alcohol
Excess alcohol dehydrates you, and excess consumption has been linked to an increased risk of BV. In particular, when you consume alcohol without taking water, your vagina is bound to be dehydrated. Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort and itching, which gradually leads to vaginal infections like BV.
2. Sugar
Sugar plays a role in many health issues, so you should be careful with the amount of it you’re consuming. Excessive consumption of sugar is directly related to bacterial vaginosis. Studies show that high sugar intakes tend to disrupt the vaginal biome, which causes vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis.
The Bottom Line – Can You Use Your Diet as a Treatment Option for Bacterial Vaginosis?
BV is caused by unbalanced pH levels in the vagina. Therefore, eating a healthy diet and the foods mentioned above can help to treat the condition and bring your vaginal pH back to its optimal levels. However, if the condition persists or worsens, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Copyright protected by Digiprove © 2022
