Vaginal Health - Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products https://www.dherbs.com/tag/vaginal-health/ Buy the best herbal supplements, natural remedies, and herbal remedies from Dherbs. We're the #1 alternative medicine store online. ✓ Visit and shop now! Wed, 13 Dec 2023 12:24:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Boric Acid Suppositories For Vaginal Health https://www.dherbs.com/articles/boric-acid-suppositories-for-vaginal-health/ Sun, 30 Apr 2023 09:03:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=159594

There is some evidence that supports the use of boric acid suppositories to reduce itching, yeast infections, and to improve vaginal health.

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Boric acid suppositories may be the cost-effective alternative treatment method you need to remedy vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. They can be prescribed by your healthcare provider as an alternative to traditional antibiotics, especially if that method doesn’t yield results. Boric acid suppositories are also available over-the-counter. This article discusses what boric acid suppositories are, what they may be able to treat, and the benefits and risks associated with them.

What Is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is a water-soluble compound that contains oxygen, boron, and hydrogen. It is a white substance that comes in crystal or powder form. According to research, boric acid exhibits anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Diluted boric acid solutions may be used to treat skin insect bites, athlete’s foot, foot odor, diaper rash, and yeast infections. Boric acid suppositories work to promote proper acid balance in the vagina. It may relieve symptoms like itching and burning. 

Benefits Of Boric Acid Suppositories

As previously mentioned, boric acid exhibits anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Research indicates that when used appropriately, boric acid suppositories may reduce the risk of recurrent vaginal infections. At times, they may work more effectively than traditional medications, including antifungals that are typically prescribed to treat yeast infections. A 2011 review of 14 studies found that cure rates involving the use of boric acid varied between 40% and 100%. Based on the available research, researchers concluded that boric acid is a safe alternative and affordable option to other treatments. In some cases, boric acid suppositories may be recommended for:

  • Trichomoniasis
  • Yeast infections
  • Bacterial vaginosis

Boric Acid For Yeast Infections

According to several studies, boric acid suppositories may be very effective at treating yeast infections. Researchers note that this is especially true for yeast infections that are not caused by Candida albicans, the usual suspect of yeast infections. A review of studies found that boric acid suppositories are considered safe with only mild side effects. They did a reasonable job eliminating such non-albicans infections, curing between 40% and 100% of such yeast infections. Additionally, yeast infections were no more likely to recur after boric acid treatment than after use of standard antifungal drugs. 

Boric Acid For Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance in vaginal flora. Unfortunately, there is little evidence for the use of boric acid suppositories to treat bacterial vaginosis. That said, small studies suggest that boric acid may be effective when used alone or as a complementary therapy. In one study, about 77% of the participants reported feeling satisfied with how their symptoms resolved; however, the average treatment time was a little over one year. 

Boric Acid For Trichomoniasis 

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. The research that is available on boric acid suppositories as a treatment option is limited to small studies. Laboratory studies have shown that boric acid can effectively inhibit the growth of trichomonas bacteria. That supports the fact that boric acid suppositories may be an appropriate treatment option for the condition. That said, trichomonas has difficulty growing in acidic environments in lab settings. People who have a higher than healthy pH balance in the vagina tend to experience this condition more frequently. For infections that are hard to treat, consider discussing boric acid suppositories with your healthcare provider. 

How To Use Boric Acid Suppositories

You always have the option of discussing the use of boric acid suppositories with your healthcare provider prior to using it as a treatment option. If you just want to try it on your own, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Use an applicator, or your finger, to insert one suppository into the vagina in the evening. You may want to wear a panty liner or washable period underwear in case of possible discharge. 

Typical instructions for a yeast infection is to leave in the suppository overnight, inserting a new one each night for seven days. For recurring infections, insert one suppository per evening for 14 days, then continue to use for six months to a year twice weekly. Most boric acid suppositories are available at drugstores or online. 

Side Effects

Boric acid suppositories are generally safe for adults, but minor side effects can occur. Tell your healthcare provider about other medications or supplements you take because they may or may not interact with the suppository. Don’t ever take boric acid suppositories orally and do not use them if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. The most common side effects include:

  • Burning at the insertion site
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Suppository leaking out and not fully absorbing
  • Redness in the vaginal area
  • Watery discharge
  • Harm to fetus (if pregnant)

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6 Ways Your Vagina Changes As You Age https://www.dherbs.com/articles/6-ways-your-vagina-changes-as-you-age/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:40:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=153747

Age affects the vagina, just as it does other body parts. As you age, expect changes in size, shape, lubrication, and more.

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As if childhood, puberty, and adolescence weren’t enough, the vagina, and the surrounding area, change as you age. Sadly, these changes aren’t the most-discussed topics, meaning that women may be unprepared for the realities of aging lady flowers. We want you to be prepared for the effects Father Time has on the body, even the vulva and vagina.

During your late 20s and 30s, progesterone and estrogen course through your system. Higher estrogen levels can cause vaginal changes like more discharge. It’s also more common for the first pregnancy to take place between the 20s and 30s, which can affect how the vagina looks and feels. Estrogen levels can fluctuate after pregnancy and during breastfeeding, leading to uncomfortable vaginal dryness. These estrogen changes are typically temporary, but they can cause unfamiliar changes to the vagina. Read on to learn about the other ways the vagina can change as you age. 

The Vulva Changes

It’s important to note that, while closely connected, the vagina and vulva are two different things. The vulva is the outside, and the vagina is the canal. The reason for this clarification is because women often talk about their vagina, when in reality they mean their vulva, the lips, labia majora, labia minora, urethra, or clitoris. The vulva doesn’t really change from your late teens to your 40s, and even into your 50s. At some point, women can experience vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) that results from the gradual loss of estrogen that comes with perimenopause and menopause. The tissue can become paler and smoother, while the labia can become less distinct. This natural process is nothing to freak out about, though. 

You May Experience Vaginal Dryness

A healthy vagina is well-lubricated, but you may develop vaginal dryness as you age. As estrogen levels decline, the vagina can become dryer because estrogen helps maintain moisture in the vaginal lining. When levels are low, the vagina walls become thinner and dryer, according to health professionals. During your lifetime, there are three main hormonal assaults on the body that cause estrogen levels to fall: breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause. In those periods when vaginal tissues lack lubrication, it’s possible to experience discomfort in the vagina, soreness in the vulva, burning or itching, bleeding after sex due to tears in vaginal walls, needing to pee more often, and not wanting to have sex.

The Hair May Change Down There

The graying and thinning of hair down in the vaginal region is quite common as you age. What you may not know is that it’s common to lose hair. According to experts, just like any other hair on the body, pubic hair starts to thin out and disappear during and after different hormonal stages in life. During menopause, the hair may grow slower and will be less thick. Medical conditions and the use of certain medications, both of which come with age, can thin out pubic hair. The new appearance may take some time to get used to, but you may find that it’s more convenient to have fewer hairs down there. 

The Vagina Itself Can Change

While VVA affects the vulva, it can also affect the vagina. The loss of estrogen can dramatically change the appearance and function of the vagina. It’s very possible for the vaginal opening to shrink, and so can the length of the vaginal canal. Additionally, you may also experience frequent irritation, which results from the thinning of vaginal walls. According to surveys, about 20-50% of women start to notice changes, especially during sex because it can be more painful. Sex itself isn’t the main culprit of itchiness, though. Some women experience itchiness when walking or doing exercise. Fortunately, there are many moisturizers and lubricants that can provide temporary relief for that discomfort. 

You May Develop Varicose Veins

Those bigger, bluish veins that tend to crop up in the legs as you age can also occur near the vulvar region. Although varicose veins mainly occur in the feet and legs, they can also surface near the vulva. Prominent veins can pop up during pregnancy because of the boost in blood flow to the pelvic area. That causes the veins to bulge, according to health experts. Other risk factors for vulvar varicosities include standing for long periods of time and obesity, both of which increase pressure on the veins in the lower body. 

You May Be More Prone To Vaginal Infections

The vagina is normally acidic, which is the right pH balance for the protective organisms that live in harmony down there. Anything that disrupts that delicate balance can increase the risk of vaginal infection. As we’ve covered in this article, change is inevitable with age. That means that the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause can disturb the vagina’s microbiome. This disturbance can lead to vaginal yeast and bacterial infections.

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Here’s How To Test Your Pelvic Floor Strength https://www.dherbs.com/articles/heres-how-to-test-your-pelvic-floor-strength/ Sat, 27 Nov 2021 09:08:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=132535

Learn a couple easy ways to check and maintain pelvic floor strength. Changes in strength may lead to unwanted side effects or general pain.

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The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are superficial muscles that exist in the base of the pelvis. Like any other muscle or muscle group in the body, the PFM can be weak or strong. The difference between the pelvic floor and other muscles, however, is that it can be hard to gauge overall strength. 

Changes in the function of these muscles can lead to symptoms that include pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Maintaining PFM strength can help support bladder and bowel function, in addition to sexual sensation. These muscles may also increase stability in the hips and pelvis, and aid with pumping blood and lymph from the pelvis to the heart. Although measuring the strength of these muscles can be difficult, it is necessary because it makes you more self-aware. You’ll know what you need to strengthen based on correct contraction. 

Symptoms Of Weak Pelvic Floor

Failure to keep the pelvic floor muscles strong means that you cannot perform the essential functions in the previous paragraph. Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to the following symptoms: 

  • A strong need to urinate and not always making it to the bathroom in time
  • Accidentally leaking urine while exercising, sneezing, coughing, or laughing
  • A feeling of heaviness or general discomfort in the vagina or rectum
  • A need to urinate often (eight or more times a day and more than once during the night)
  • General pain or discomfort in the pelvic area during sexual intercourse

Testing Pelvic Floor Strength

Not only do the PFMs need to maintain a sustained resting tone, but also an ability to contract quickly. Proper strength helps with continence, sexual function, and an ability to relax to allow for easy urination and bowel elimination. Testing PFM strength is not as easy as assessing regular bicep contraction, for example. Power, speed of contraction, endurance, and the ability to relax need evaluation when it comes fo PFM. 

Take A Look

Start in a seated position with your back supported and knees propped up so that both your knees and hips are bent. Use a mirror to observe your vaginal and anal area. Contract your muscles as if you are trying to hold in your urine and you should notice that your muscles draw inwards and upwards. Ideally, they pull away from the mirror. 

External Assessment

Lie down on your back and bend your knees. Use a pillow to support your head, or lie on your side with a pillow between your knees for comfort. With either hand, place four fingers over the perineum (area between the vaginal canal and rectum) and contract your pelvic floor as if to stop the floor of urine. This is similar to the above exercise. The area under your finger should lift and pull upwards if the pelvic muscles are strong. You should not feel additional pressure where the fingers are if you contract correctly.

Internal Vaginal Self-Assessment

Before the internal self-assessment, it’s important to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Repeat the exact same steps as the above assessment, lying on your back or side, supporting your head or knees with a pillow. Insert your clean index finger (using lubricant if necessary) into the vaginal canal until the base of the middle knuckle. Same as above, contract your pelvic floor as if stopping the flow of urine. A strong pelvic floor contraction will have an upward lift, and you’ll feel some tension when you try to remove your finger from the vagina. Holding the lift for 10 seconds is a good indication of pelvic floor strength and endurance. 

How To Strengthen The Pelvic Floor

If you think that your pelvic floor is weak or in need of strengthening, there are several exercises to improve strength. Some of the most notable exercises to enhance pelvic floor strength include kegels, adductor ball squeeze, and bridge with adductor ball squeeze. There are many video tutorials of these exercises online, so please look them up in order to do them properly. 

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The Health Benefits Of Calendula Oil https://www.dherbs.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-calendula-oil/ Sat, 27 Feb 2021 09:01:00 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=124191

What is calendula oil good for? It offers numerous health benefits as a topical treatment, benefitting skin, reducing inflammation, and more.

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If you aren’t hip to calendula oil yet, it’s time to board the train because the health benefits are too good to pass up. The secrets about calendula are out, attracting the interest of scientific researchers and herbal enthusiasts alike. The calendula plant offers a wide range of benefits, and has proven to remedy myriad ailments over the years. 

What Is Calendula? 

This colorful flower belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is native to areas in Canada and the United States. As long as the soil is fertile and well-drained, you can grow calendula, especially if it has access to ample sunlight. The leaves are shades or rich oranges and yellow, and have a lovely fragrance. Various animal and in vitro studies have concluded that the flavonoids from these petals exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. This makes calendula a highly respected plant in the field of alternative medicine. 

Historically, people used calendula to treat kidney stones and gall stones, primarily because it has disinfectant and diuretic properties. Italian folk medicine used to use calendula oil to reduce inflamed wounds and burns. Some cultures brewed the petals into teas and used it as a face wash to reduce freckles or dark spots, or an eye wash to reduce the risk of conjunctivitis. 

Health Benefits Of Calendula Oil

Nowadays, people continue to use calendula oil to remedy a variety of ailments. The most common uses involve topical application to reduce infections or fungus. According to research, however, calendula oil may help to reduce diaper rash, inflamed skin, and vaginal yeast infections. You can thank the triterpene saponins, triterpene alcohols, and flavonoids for calendula’s ability to do all of these things. These naturally occurring chemicals interact with the body to improve collagen synthesis and enhance new skin tissue growth. Continue reading to learn more about the primary benefits. 

Calendula For Wound Healing

According to a recent study in The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, calendula ointment was tested on cesarean scars in 72 women. The study compared the use of calendula ointment to conventional hospital treatment. The women who used calendula ointment had quicker healing time, and they reported less redness and swelling. Various animal studies tested calendula oil’s efficacy for healing bug bites, scrapes, burns, and bruises. The studies found that topical application of calendula oil encouraged 90% wound closing, compared to a separate controlled group. A newer study concluded that calendula oil may ward off infection, which contributes to faster wound closure.

Calendula As A Sunscreen

During in vitro studies, calendula oil exhibited an ability to encourage cell rejuvenation. The studies tested its efficacy as a sunscreen, showing a slight ability to protect the skin. Unfortunately, the evidence was not substantial enough to deem it acceptable as a sunscreen replacement. Fortunately, more studies are in the works to determine how effective it is at protecting the skin from UV damage

Calendula For Vaginal Health

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are two common occurrences for women. One study with 80 women monitored the use of calendula ointment compared to metronidazole, commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis. After one week, the study found that both the ointment and metronidazole effectively cured bacterial vaginosis with no side effects. This sparked interest in the participants. The opportunity to use a natural ointment in place of medication excited the women.

Calendula For Muscle Spasms

If you want to ease muscle spasms or tension, get your hands on some calendula oil. According to a Pakistani study, calendula oil was able to relax spontaneous muscle contractions. A different study found that it helped to erase muscle spasms. Because of this ability to reduce muscle spasms, people wonder if it can be beneficial for menstrual cramping. According to anecdotal research, calendula helped induce menstruation for women who experienced irregular periods. It may also ease PMS symptoms like cramping, but more research is necessary to prove this.

How To Make Calendula Oil

Ingredients:

  • Dried calendula flowers or petals
  • Carrier oil of choice (extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, organ oil, sweet almond oil)
  • 1 glass container (half-pint jar works great)

Instructions:

  • Fill a half-pint glass jar about 3/4 of the way full with calendula flowers or petals. 
  • Pour your desired oil into the jar so that the flowers are fully submerged. 
  • Place a lid on the container and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance the infusion process. A windowsill is perfect. It will stay here for three weeks.
  • After the three weeks, you have to strain the flowers from the oil. Pour the oil through a cheesecloth into measuring cup with a pour spout. 
  • Pour the strained oil into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use it on your body, or face at will. 

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Dherbs Sexual Rejuvenation Cleanse For Women https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/dherbs-products/dherbs-sexual-rejuvenation-cleanse-for-women/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:58:40 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/dherbs-sexual-rejuvenation-cleanse-for-women/

Sexual Rejuvenation Cleanse for Women - 20 day cleanse that helps to improve the sexual libido and stamina in women by providing the necessary nutrients.

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Sexual Rejuvenation Cleanse for Women – 20 day cleanse that helps to improve the sexual libido and stamina in women by providing the necessary nutrients.

  • Helps to maintain more normal and regulated menstrual cycle
  • Designed to benefit the health of women
  • Formulated with botanicals conducive to female sexual reproductive health
  • Supports weight management efforts that include diet modification and exercise
  • Helps to maintain healthy vagina and breasts
  • Reduction of unhealthy cravings (sugars and junk food)
  • Helps to balance female hormonal system
  • Aids in hormonal balance
  • Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails 

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Dherbs Female Cleanse https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/dherbs-products/dherbs-female-cleanse/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:02:59 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/dherbs-female-cleanse/

The Female Cleanse - 20 day cleanse and regimen to help provide essential nutrients for female health and complaints.

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The Female Cleanse – 20 day cleanse and regimen to help provide essential nutrients for female health and complaints.

  • Helps to maintain more normal and regulated menstrual cycle
  • Designed to benefit the health of women
  • Formulated with botanicals conducive to female sexual reproductive health
  • Supports weight management efforts that include diet modification and exercise
  • Helps to maintain healthy vagina and breasts
  • Reduction of unhealthy cravings (sugars and junk food)
  • Helps to balance female hormonal system
  • Aids in hormonal balance
  • Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails 

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Dherbs Kacip Fatimah https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/dherbs-products/dherbs-kacip-fatimah-2/ Thu, 06 Feb 2014 06:26:03 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/dherbs-kacip-fatimah-2/

The herb enhances and increases a woman's libido and is a powerful female sexual stimulant.

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Dherbs.com Bunny Rabbit (Kacip Fatimah, Labisa pumila) is the female version of Tongat Ali. The herb enhances and increases a woman’s libido, is a powerful female sexual stimulant; is given to women in labor to enhance their labor, strengthens the uterus in preparation of delivery (childbirth); post-partum tonic, useful for conditions of uterine atrophy and uterine prolapse; treats gonorrhea and other STDs, restores vitality (especially after childbirth), tones vaginal muscles, powerful and effective emmenagogue and helps to regulate and normalize the menstrual cycle, prevents abdominal cramping and water retention during menses, eliminates excessive gas (flatulence) in the body, especially during the menses; balances, builds, and harmonizes the female reproductive system to encourage healthy conception, enhances vaginal lubrication, supports healthy vaginal flora to prevent irritation and infections; tightens vaginal skin and walls; relives dysentery, alleviates fatigue, smoothes menopausal symptoms and promotes emotional well-being; firms and tones abdominal muscles.

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Dherbs Bunny Rabbit https://www.dherbs.com/dhtv/dherbs-products/dherbs-bunny-rabbit/ Wed, 04 Dec 2013 20:18:31 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/uncategorized/dherbs-bunny-rabbit/

Bunny Rabbit is an herbal supplement that is formulated with plants considered to have stimulating properties, that may help improve circulation to the vaginal tissues, support vaginal health, and normal female reproductive system function.

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Bunny Rabbit is an herbal supplement that is formulated with plants considered to have stimulating properties, that may help improve circulation to the vaginal tissues, support vaginal health, and normal female reproductive system function.

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The Many Health Benefits Of Probiotics https://www.dherbs.com/articles/diet-nutrition/the-many-health-benefits-of-probiotics/ Tue, 18 Feb 2020 09:00:55 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=106078

Probiotics have swept the nation by storm, shining a light on the importance of gut health. We’re here to highlight their benefits!

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It’s crazy to think that bacteria can be beneficial for your health. We have been conditioned to ward off bacteria to keep the body health, often resorting to antibiotics to kill bacterial infections or using antibacterial soaps to wash away germs. The wrong bacteria can obviously be problematic, but the right bacteria may be exactly what you need to boost overall health.

Enter probiotics…

A growing body of scientific research suggests that consuming healthy live bacteria can prevent some illnesses, especially those that originate in the gut. Probiotics are microorganisms that are friendly bacteria, which are typically from fermented foods. Northern Europeans have actually been consuming probiotics for years because their diet contains a lot of fermented drinks, yogurts, and vegetables.

A Brief History Of Probiotics

The root of probiotic comes from the Greek pro, promoting, and biotic, life. Probiotics are a relatively recent discovery, considering that the “father of probiotics,” a man named Elie Metchnikoff, discovered their significance in the early 20th century. He observed rural life in Bulgaria, and the people seemed to live very long lives, despite poverty and harsh climate. He found that these people consumed fermented foods, which he studied and found that intestinal microbiome could be influenced by these friendly bacteria. He also found that senility could be delayed by increasing the presence of friendly bacteria in the gut.

Great Probiotic Foods

  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Kombucha
  • Fermented vegetables
  • Miso
  • Kefir

What Are Microbes And Why Do They Matter?

Microbes are incredibly tiny organisms that include fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Millions of microbes can fit into the eye of a needle, and yet these microorganisms are powerful enough to influence overall health. Microorganisms in the body outnumber human cells ten to one, with trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the gut, nose, skin, and other areas of the body. The National Institute of Health (NIH) sponsors the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), an organization that researches microbial communities and how they affect health and disease.

The Benefits Of Probiotics

Probiotics For Your Gut

Probiotics have been used to help treat both diarrhea and constipation, which is a more common problem in the United States. For diarrhea, large scientific reviews suggest that probiotics work to reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea in adults by 60%. Other studies found that probiotics shortened the duration of infectious diarrhea in infants and children. The digestive tract needs a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria, but lifestyle and diet (stress, lack of sleep, poor food choices, drugs, antibiotics, and more) often tip the scales in favor of bad bacteria. Probiotics won’t solve your gastrointestinal problems if you continue to make poor lifestyle and dietary choices, but they can offer assistance in establishing a healthy gut microbiome. Further dietary and lifestyle changes need to accompany probiotic consumption to reach optimal gut health.

Probiotics For Vaginal Health

Probiotics may be every woman’s new go-to for maintaining urogenital health. The vagina is a delicately balanced ecosystem, just like the gastrointestinal tract, meaning that an imbalanced system can result in urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infections, to name some common female urogenital problems. Oral contraceptives, antibiotics, and spermicides can throw the balance out of whack, but probiotics can help restore healthy vaginal flora. The consumption of probiotics has helped improve bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, but more research needs to be done on how they affect urinary tract infections.

Probiotics For Heart Health

As you have learned in this article, there are many strains of probiotics, some of which may have the ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. By breaking down bile in the gut, lactic acid-producing bacteria help reduce cholesterol levels. Since bile is primarily comprised of cholesterol, it tends to be reabsorbed in the gut, where it enters the bloodstream. Probiotics may prevent this reabsorption from occurring.

Probiotics For Eczema

Eczema is a common skin problem in infants and children. Recent studies have found that the addition of probiotics to a child’s diet may reduce the severity of eczema breakouts. Another study examined how probiotics affected pregnant women and their babies. The findings indicated that the children had an 83% lower risk of developing eczema during their first tow years of life. More research needs to be done in this field, but early anti-inflammatory results are promising.

Probiotics For Immune Function

The increased presence of beneficial gut bacteria has been know to give your immune system a little boost. By adding probiotics to your diet, you help to increase the production of antibodies and other immune cells like T lymphocytes and IgA-producing cells. A large scientific review found that adults who took probiotics had a decreased risk of respiratory infections.

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How The Foods You Eat Affect Vaginal Health https://www.dherbs.com/articles/diet-nutrition/how-the-foods-you-eat-affect-vaginal-health/ Wed, 21 Aug 2019 09:55:19 +0000 https://www.dherbs.com/?p=100213

Get ready for some valuable and surprising information. Your diet can influence menstrual cycle, mood, and overall vaginal health.

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The concept of “you are what you eat” applies to your overall health, including your precious lady parts. Some women may take probiotics and use mild soaps to maintain a healthy vagina, but these measures can still result in conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV), for instance. According to research, the foods you eat can influence your vaginal health, from having BV or yeast infections to maintaining a healthy pH to ward off infections and bacteria.

A healthy vagina will have a naturally acidic pH to keep everything normal and free of infection. The foods you eat, however, can influence that pH level. Asparagus, broccoli, certain spices, red meat, dairy products, and alcohol can all affect the vagina’s natural balance. Similar to the gut microbes in the stomach, the vagina manages a delicate balance of naturally occurring bacteria. There is a link between gut bacteria and vaginal bacteria, and while it may not be a direct connection, they are linked nonetheless.

This theory presents the fact that a dietary change can influence your vaginal health for the worse or better. If the amount of bad bacteria in the gut or vagina outnumbers the amount of good bacteria, women may be more susceptible to infections, despite the hygienic measures that are taken. If good bacteria exceed the amount of bad bacteria, the vagina has a better chance of staying as healthy as possible.

Eating For Two: You And Your Vagina

To maintain vaginal health, Mary Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., ob-gyn at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, recommends filling up on plenty of water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. It is also acceptable to consume unsweetened Greek yogurt or kefir, known sources of probiotics that are intended to improve gut and vaginal health. These probiotics can also help maintain a healthy acidic pH balance in the vagina. You’ll find the best dietary recommendations for vaginal health below.

Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods have no positive effect on the body. In fact, they can impair the immune system’s ability to function optimally, which can allow bad bacteria to overpopulate down there. When this happens, a woman can experience vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or BV.

Eat Prebiotics And Probiotics

The vagina, much like the digestive system, requires healthy bacteria to fight infections. Prebiotics and probiotics are some of the best foods to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and vagina. According to research, women with vaginitis and chronic vaginal discomfort have decreased symptoms and when they consume more pre and probiotics. If the goal is to improve gut and vaginal health, start eating prebiotics like onions, garlic, and raw leeks along with probiotics like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and yogurt. Strive to eat these food sources of prebiotics and probiotics because the supplements are not always as beneficial.

Stay Hydrated

If you are thirsty or experiencing mild dehydration, it is safe to assume that the vagina is too. Many unusual odors can emit from down there when the body is not sufficiently hydrated. If you didn’t believe in consuming half of your bodyweight in ounces of water before, you sure should now!

Avoid Meat And Dairy Products

Meat, meat products, and dairy products are often high in fat and calories, both of which may increase the risk of BV. Meats and dairy products often contain xenoestrogens, which are artificial hormones that imitate estrogen. Research suggests that these hormones can block estrogen from the vagina, preventing the formation of the mucosal lining and increasing a woman’s risk of infection.

Focus On Fresh Foods

There is no single ingredient or food that will magically improve your vaginal health, or your overall health for that matter. You shouldn’t look to only consume one food; rather, it is beneficial to consume a well-balanced, vitamin-rich, plant-based diet. Healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, and avocados can help balance estrogen levels, creating a healthy mucosal lining. Almonds and other nuts, on the other hand, contain essential B-vitamins and calcium, both of which help to prevent vaginitis. Eat the rainbow to diversify your nutrient and antioxidant intake!

Take It Easy With Sugar

Bacteria can feed on sugar, and consuming lots of sugary foods can also damage or kill off the beneficial bacteria in the vagina. Think of sugar as the opposite of probiotic because it is no good for the body. As we mentioned before, a bacterial imbalance can lead to soreness, irritation, or infections.

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The post How The Foods You Eat Affect Vaginal Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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