In this article:
A balanced vaginal pH level protects you from severe infections like yeast, bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Fortunately, you can make some simple dietary changes and adopt healthy habits to support your vaginal health naturally.
What Is Vaginal pH and Why Does It Matter?
Vagina is naturally acidic, with a healthy pH ranging between 3.8 and 4.5. These acidity levels protect against harmful bacteria and support the growth of good bacteria, called Lactobacillus.Extremely high or low levels of pH may cause an imbalance in your vagina. This leads to itching, unusual discharge, bad odour, or infections. Therefore, maintaining your vaginal pH is critical. You can easily support it through the correct foods and habits.
Include These pH-Friendly Foods in Your Diet
Yoghurt and Fermented Foods
Yoghurt contains probiotics, especially Lactobacillus, the same good bacteria your vagina needs for it to be healthy. Eating a bowl of plain, unsweetened yoghurt daily can restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora. You can also include the following fermented foods to support the growth of good bacteria.- Curd
- Buttermilk (chaas)
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Miso
- Idli and dosa (fermented Indian foods)
Cranberry Juice (Unsweetened)
You may be aware that cranberry juice is good for urinary tract infections because it prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is beneficial for maintaining a healthy vaginal pH, as it helps reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.Garlic
Garlic prevents infections because of its strong antimicrobial properties. You can include raw or lightly cooked garlic in your meals to control infections and maintain your vaginal health.Leafy Greens
Vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, coriander, and mustard greens are rich sources of vitamins A and C. They also promote the growth of good vaginal bacteria. Also, leafy vegetables boost immunity and help your body fight infections.
Whole Grains and Fibre-Rich Foods
A diet high in fibre helps your digestive system remove toxins from your system. Fibre also helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that can disrupt your vaginal pH. Include brown rice, oats, bajra, jowar and whole wheat in your meals.Fruits Rich in Vitamin C
Fruits like amla, oranges, guava, lemon, and papaya maintain an acidic environment in your vagina and even support immune health. Vitamin C is great for preventing harmful bacterial infections.Avoid These Foods That Disturb Vaginal pH
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugar is a food source for yeast, which can lead to yeast infections. Excessive sweets, cold drinks, or sugary snacks may disturb your vaginal flora.
- Processed and Junk Foods: Foods with artificial preservatives, excessive oil, or high salt content can damage your gut and vaginal bacteria. Avoid such foods to promote the growth of good bacteria.
- Alcohol and Caffeine (in excess): Excess alcohol or caffeine leads to dehydration in your body, thereby affecting your vaginal moisture and pH. Hydration is crucial for maintaining a healthy vaginal pH balance.
Simple Habits That Support Vaginal Health
- Maintain good hygiene, but don’t overdo it: Plain water or a mild, pH-balanced cleanser is enough to keep your vagina clean. Using harsh soaps, douches, or strong antiseptics can also kill beneficial bacteria. Remember that your vagina is self-cleaning, so you only need to clean the outer area (vulva), not inside.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear: Tight or synthetic underwear typically traps moisture and heat, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and yeast. Always prefer loose, breathable cotton panties, especially during hot weather.
- Change pads and panties regularly: Change sanitary pads every 4–6 hours during your period. Also, avoid wearing damp or unwashed underwear for long hours.
- Stay hydrated: Your body flushes out toxins and keeps your vagina moist and healthy when you stay hydrated. So, aim for at least 8–10 glasses a day.
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms to prevent infections that may otherwise disrupt your vaginal pH levels. Also, urinating after sex flushes out bacteria and cleans your urinary tract.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking reduces the number of good bacteria in your body. It also weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You may have a pH imbalance or an infection if you experience the following symptoms.- Itching or burning in the vaginal area.
- Unusual discharge (thick, greenish, or foul-smelling).
- Pain during urination or sex.
- Frequent urinary infections.
A healthy vaginal pH requires a balanced diet and a routine. Consuming leafy greens, yoghurt, and citrus fruits, along with healthy habits that ensure proper hydration, can be beneficial in the long run for your body.
FAQs on Foods and Habits That Help Maintain Healthy Vaginal pH
- Can drinking more water help maintain vaginal pH?
Water helps flush out toxins from your body, including harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is always better to stay hydrated to maintain your vaginal pH and promote intimate health. - Is it safe to use intimate washes daily?
Plain water is often enough to keep your vagina clean. Using intimate washes daily may disturb your natural vaginal flora, especially if it has fragrance. - How often should I eat probiotic-rich foods?
You can consume probiotic foods like yoghurt or curd daily. They help maintain healthy gut and vaginal bacteria, thereby maintaining a balanced pH level.
