Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis With Diet

Maintaining optimal vaginal health is quite complex, especially if you already have some vaginal-related issues. For example, bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common and recurring vaginal conditions that interfere with the beneficial bacteria of the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis can cause numerous reproductive health issues, including infertility, if not treated early. Nutrition is vital when it comes to taking care of this condition. The correct diet will help balance your vaginal pH levels and encourage the production of healthy bacteria that cure bacterial vaginosis. 

Below are some of the best foods that can help to prevent bacterial vaginosis. 

1. Garlic

A 2014 study found that the therapeutic effects of garlic on bacterial vaginosis were similar to that of the antibiotic metronidazole. The thought of consuming raw garlic may be a little hard for most people, but luckily, adding some garlic to your meals will still do the trick. Garlic’s prebiotic nature encourages the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria, and with the production of numerous healthy bacteria, the vaginal pH stabilizes. 

2. Citrus Fruits 

Fruits like lime and oranges contain the most natural form of vitamin C, which helps in reducing the chances of recurring bacterial infections and unusual vaginal discharge. Besides, the ascorbic acid found in vitamin C greatly reduces the risk of frequent vaginal infections. 

3. Cranberries

Cranberry juice is excellent for preventing or reducing the discomfort caused by urinary tract infections, and it gets rid of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis. However, you should restrict the intake of highly sugary cranberry juices as excess sugar intake can cause serious vaginal issues. 

While the foods listed above can help maintain excellent vaginal health, there are some foods you should avoid because they can potentially mess with your vaginal pH balance. 

What To Avoid

• Sugar

Sugar is not great for your vaginal health, and you need to watch your consumption. Taking high amounts of sugar disrupts the optimal functioning of the vaginal environment and leads to recurring bacterial infections like BV. 

• Alcohol

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol regularly, especially without consuming enough water, can dehydrate your body and your vagina. Dehydration causes vaginal dryness, which results in itching and discomfort and can lead to vaginal infections. 

• Asparagus 

Asparagus is a healthy food full of numerous nutrients but is also notorious for smelly urine. The temporary smell is not dangerous, but with time it can negatively affect the vagina’s pH. 

• Coffee

Drinking coffee frequently can leave you with an unpleasant breath and vaginal odor. Besides, caffeine hinders a body’s ability to fight candida, thus causing vaginal infections. 

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

The treatment of this vaginal condition is only recommended for women who experience symptoms including:

• Itching around the outside of the vagina
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Fishy-like or foul-smelling vagina 
• Thin, grey, white, or green vaginal discharge

A good primary care provider or gynecologist will run some tests and prescribe antibiotics to help lessen the severity of the symptoms. Common antibiotics include Secnidazole, Clindamycin, Metronidazole and Tinidazole. A few antibiotics are creams, while most are tablets taken orally. 

Treating bacterial vaginosis can be frustrating due to the recurring infections, but you should continue to see a gynecologist until the condition clears completely. 

Conclusion

Nutrition is essential, and we all know that what you eat will determine your body’s health state. So ensure you include the good foods discussed in this article in your diet to maintain optimal vaginal pH levels and prevent infections that could cost you substantial medical bills in the long run.