Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina is not well lubricated because of a drop in estrogen levels. This can be caused by a variety of factors including menopause, childbirth, breastfeeding, smoking, and illnesses like anxiety, cancer, and radiation or chemotherapy as well as surgical removal of ovaries. Vaginal dryness can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with and also result in pain while having penetrative sex. Certain foods can help combat vaginal dryness naturally where chemical intervention is not necessary.
Food rich in fatty acids
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help cure dry eye syndrome and in the same way, are able to help with vaginal dryness. They stimulate tear production in the eye and experts believe that they instigate stimulation of the vaginal area leading to natural lubrication.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to play a role in relieving vaginal atrophy n postmenopausal women. Vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls because of a drop in estrogen. 6 Health Benefits Of Eating Foods Rich In Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Their Sources
These foods include various types of fish, most notably salmon, albacore, tuna, mackerel, herring, oysters, cod, and sardines. Other sources include pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, and flaxseeds. Nuts are also rich in vitamin E which keeps the skin healthy and supple. Vitamin E enhances vaginal lubrication keeping the vagina from drying out. Shrimp are a great source of vitamin E but they have high cholesterol content and should be eaten in moderation. Flaxseeds are rich in lignans which reduce night sweats, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness making them great for menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Nuts And The Most Nutritious Ones To Eat
Soy
Soy has a compound called isoflavones which mimic the action of estrogen and have estrogen-like properties. In this way, they make for the loss of estrogen in the body and the resultant impact on vaginal health. Women experience and enjoy better lubrication and more enjoyable sex after consuming soy-rich foods.
Soy-rich foods include soy milk and yoghurt, soy nuts, soy protein bars, tofu, soy sauce, soy flour, and soybean oil.
Lifestyle: The Health Benefits Of Soybeans Or Soya Beans
Avocado
The healthy monosaturated fats in avocado have been shown to boost the levels of hormones associated with vaginal lubrication. Lifestyle: 7 Benefits Of Adding Avocados To Your Diet
Apples
They contain phytoestrogen which stimulates vaginal blood flow and promotes vaginal lubrication combating vaginal dryness. One study found that women who eat apples more than once a day had higher levels of sexual function compared to those who did not. Health: 6 Reasons To Include Apples In Your Diet
Plain yoghurt
Probiotics in yoghurt keep the vagina at a stable pH level no matter what other changes may be going on including hormonal shifts. This lowers the risk of yeast infections and other infections including vaginosis which may cause itchiness and a bad odour. 6 Reasons Why You Should Increase Your Consumption Of Yoghurt
Whole grains
Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice keep blood sugar levels even which keeps hormones in balance. This is helpful because vaginal dryness is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
The Health Benefits Of Brown Rice
Water
Women experiencing vaginal dryness are advised to drink 6 to 8 glasses (170 to 230 ml or 6 to 8 ounces) of water daily. In the same way, dehydration can make your face and hands feel parched, it can cause itchiness on the vulva (external parts of your genitalia). Scratching that itch can make you susceptible to infection. Drinking water also has the added benefit of preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Health: 9 Things That Can Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
7 Tricks For Keeping Yourself Hydrated Every Day
In conclusion, avocado along with foods rich in soy and fatty acids will help lubricate you. Apples, yoghurt, whole grains, and water also play a crucial part in fighting vaginal dryness and promoting overall vaginal health.
Check out:
Lifestyle And Health: Do’s And Don’ts For A Healthy Vagina
Health: Common Causes Of Vaginal Pain
