We've all been there. Whether it's irritation, itchiness of the occasional yeast infection, or a persistent odor, we have all experienced just how sensitive the vagina can be.
Maintaining vaginal health is unique to each individual, but the answer can often be found in prevention and nutritional health.
The vagina is a delicate part of the body, and while it is self-cleaning, sometimes it needs a little extra help. If you are wondering how to maintain your vaginas balance, you have found the right place.
Clean your vagina regularly
By hand, regularly clean the vaginas outer genital area with warm water. If you would like to use soap, use a scentless, mild soap to not disturb the vaginas pH balance. Once you are done, pat dry with a towel to avoid moisture from building up.
Important: Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet so that you avoid introducing new bacteria into the vagina.
Use protection during sex
Stay one step ahead of yeast infections and STIs by practicing safe sex. Using condoms can drastically reduce the chances of throwing off your vaginal health. Check out our blog post to learn how to have good, clean sex.
Hydration
Water plays a significant role in regulating pH balance. Drinking plenty of water can dilute the body's acidity and help maintain a healthy pH. Staying well-hydrated locks in the moisture in the vagina and helps with preventing dryness which can help with other potentially harmful toxins in the body that can impact vaginal health.
Nutrition for vaginal health
Nutrition is an essential part of caring for your overall health. What you eat can impact the health of specific body parts, including your vagina. For instance, certain foods can affect pH levels. While a balanced diet rich in whole foods is best for overall health, there are certain foods that can benefit your vaginal health. Adding alkaline foods such as oranges, lemons, bananas, and coconut water, can help with restoring pH balance. Also, try limiting your intake of sugar, alcohol, and processed foods. Among all the health issues that these foods have, they may also contribute to an overgrowth of bad bacteria, disrupting your pH. Minimizing the consumption of these foods will be better for your overall health and the health of your vagina.
pH is a measure of how alkaline or acidic something is, ranging from zero to fourteen (zero being extremely acidic and 14 being extremely alkaline, with seven being neutral). A healthy vaginal pH is usually moderately acidic. A healthy vaginal pH sits around the 3.8 to 4.5 mark. Believe it or not, wine and pickles sit at the same range. The acidity of the vagina's pH helps with preventing infections from entering.
Wear breathable panties
Prevent moisture buildup by investing in cotton or breathable panties. When the vagina is trapped in tight-fitting panties, it cannot breathe properly, which encourages the buildup of heat and sweat - the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast.
Take Yeast Away
Taking a vaginal health supplement such as Yeast Away - is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent vaginal infections. Yeast Away at Sol Nutrition encourages healthy pH levels and flora which supports your body in reducing burning sensations, redness, and irritation. This blend is ideal for those with excessive amounts of yeast in their body. Yeast Away contains many herbs that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. Its key ingredients include Broom Cypress, Curculigo Root, Patrinia, and many more. These herbs have been studied to show the effects of their antifungal, antibacterial, and pH-balancing properties.
Bad practices for vaginal health
Never EVER douche
We have said it once and we will say it again, NEVER use a douche. Douching is one of the worst things that you can do for your vaginas pH levels. Douching will increase the risk of yeast infections, STIs, and inflammation. Let your vagina do its own thing and give it a chance to clean itself.
Avoid synthetic pads and tampons
We get it - these can seem hard to avoid however, these common vaginal menstruation products can havoc your vaginal health.
When used for extended periods, tampons can cause a lot of harm. Tampons can instigate bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you do use tampons, remember to change them regularly and try to look for a brand with natural ingredients.
Odor-reducing pads are designed with fragrances that can disrupt and irritate your vagina. Instead, look for a brand that carries unscented, chlorine-free, organic pads.
Symptoms of abnormal discharge
Abnormal discharge and other symptoms such as burning or itching around the vagina, and pain during urination or intercourse, could potentially indicate an infection or another underlying health condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are worsening, do not hesitate to contact your medical provider.
In the best-case scenario, it may be a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, which can be treated with Yeast Away. In other cases, the cause may be a more serious condition such as an STI, which may require more intensive treatment.
Do not wait to address vaginal symptoms
Until vaginal pH is returned to normal (between 3.8 and 4.5) bacterial issues may happen more frequently. Remember the key to vaginal health is prevention. Stay ahead of these issues by maintaining your health and not waiting till issues arise to address them. By understanding pH levels, women can take control of their health naturally.