The
vagina has a microbiome just like the gut, and what you eat and drink can affect it.
“The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and protecting against infections,” says
Roxana Ehsani, RD, a registered dietitian in Blacksburg, Virginia, and a
medical reviewer for Everyday Health.
What you consume can influence this delicate balance, so choosing drinks that nourish your body can also help support your vaginal health, says Ehsani. Nutrients like fat can increase your risk of vaginal infections like
bacterial vaginosis, but others like folate, vitamin A, and calcium can protect against infection.
No single drink can give you a balanced vaginal environment, but choosing beverages with the right nutrients can work together alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle practices to promote vaginal health.
Here are seven drinks you can try for vaginal health. But note that while these drinks can help create a balanced vaginal environment, they’re not a replacement for conventional medicine. If you’re experiencing vaginal issues, it is best to consult your doctor. Keep in mind that while these drinks are healthy, some may contain caffeine or added sugars, which should be consumed in moderation.
Cranberry juice contains vitamins and minerals vital for vaginal health, such as calcium, and it may even promote healthy bacteria.
One study of 23 women who had completed menopause found that those who drank cranberry juice daily for 15 days had fewer harmful vaginal bacteria like streptococcus
, and instead carried more healthy bacteria types.
While these results are encouraging, more large-scale research is needed to confirm its benefits.
Unbalanced vaginal health can make you more prone to
urinary tract infections (UTIs), but cranberry juice may protect against UTI-causing bacteria.
“[Drinking cranberry juice] a couple of times a week can prevent the bacteria from taking root in the urinary tract, resulting in fewer repeat infections,” says
David Ghozland, MD, an ob-gyn and women’s health provider in Orange County, California.
Kefir, a drink made by fermenting milk and sugar with kefir grains, has well-known benefits for the
gut microbiome, but it may also improve the balance of vaginal bacteria.
“This fermented milk drink is rich in live probiotic cultures that can support a healthy vaginal microbiome. Kefir comes in various flavors, from peach to coffee, and in different fat levels, from nonfat to whole milk,” says Ehsani.
Beyond
probiotics, this drink also contains vitamins and minerals like thiamin, folic acid, vitamin A, and calcium — all important for a healthy vagina.
As a fermented milk product, drinkable yogurt offers another great probiotic source, says Ehsani. Besides delivering nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A, it also carries good bacteria.
“Drinkable yogurt is packed with live and active probiotic cultures that may help keep the vaginal microbiome balanced. Plus, it’s an easy on-the-go option,” says Ehsani.
Coconut water has exploded in popularity in recent years, thanks to its nutritional value and potentially protective effects against inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and harmful bacteria. More than 95 percent water, coconut water also contains fat, carbohydrates, calcium, iron, B vitamins, and vitamin C.
“[Coconut water] carries electrolytes that keep your mucous membranes hydrated, which translates to reduced chafing, particularly when you sweat a lot or reside in hot weather,” says Dr. Ghozland.
Drinking enough water of any kind is extremely important for each body system, including your vagina.
“Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is essential for urinary tract health and supports overall vaginal health, too,” says Ehsani.
Green tea, hot or cold, contains antioxidant compounds called catechins, which can protect against inflammation.
“The
antioxidants [in green tea] soothe inflammation and provide your immune system with a natural boost,” says Ghozland.
Full of nutrients like calcium and vitamins, green tea has well-known positive effects on uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and painful periods. But large-scale studies are needed to prove its effectiveness for overall vaginal health.
A cold glass of fortified orange juice gives you calcium,
vitamin D, and folate, among other nutrients that can contribute to a healthier vagina.
One study on 80 postmenopausal women found that those who took vitamin D supplements for 12 weeks showed improved vaginal health.
Although orange juice may not provide as much vitamin D as a dietary supplement, it may be worth a try.
Be careful not to go too crazy on orange juice, though, as it can also contain a lot of sugar. If you want to explore adding more vitamin D from other foods and drinks, you can include options like cheese, eggs, milk, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
Try adding mango smoothies to your diet for a healthy dose of vitamin E — a nutrient important for every cell in the body.
Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, also boosts your immune system to keep you safe from infection, including those affecting the reproductive system.
Inflammation from
pelvic inflammatory disease can affect the vagina, and vitamin E can help reduce symptoms.
Most research has studied the effect of vitamin E suppositories or topical creams, and more research is needed to confirm that getting this nutrient from your diet can provide similar benefits.
Like orange juice, mango smoothies have the potential to contain added sugar. Read the nutrition label before purchasing premade smoothies, or make your own at home.
