4 Rules for a Healthy “V”

4 Rules for a Healthy “V”

Some call it a magical and mysterious place, and others are simply mystified by its complexities. Our “V”s are really amazing organs, but most of us don’t quite know how to treat them as well as they deserve.

The most important thing to know is that it’s pretty much self-sustaining. We only need to do a few things to keep it happy and healthy. But for those of you who have dealt with a vaginal infection, you know that it will show its unhappiness loud and clear!

So here are some important rules to keep your “V” happy, healthy, and completely magical.

Rule #1 – It needs water! Dehydration affects your vagina too! It can cause the tissues to be dry and irritated, and can reduce natural lubrication. It’s one more reason to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Rule #2 – It’s a soap-free zone. Harsh or heavily scented soaps can irritate the delicate tissues. They can also disrupt the very specific pH that keeps yeast and bad bacteria in check. Water will do just fine! Rule #3 – Let it breathe! Our vaginas has a preferred type of clothing—cotton. Synthetic materials and tight clothing can cause a build up of moisture and heat which is a perfect environment for yeast and bad bacteria to grow. Or better yet, do your “V” a huge favor and go “commando” when you can. Rule #4 – Feed it some good bacteria. Our vaginas need to be a very specific pH, which is slightly acidic. It maintains this pH with bacteria like lactobacilli. Take a good probiotic daily to keep all of your inner ecosystems in check (gut, skin, and vagina), and feed your body with lots of fermented food like sauerkraut or yogurt. My #1 fave probiotic for vaginal health is Udo’s Choice Super 8 Probiotic (US/CA). It’s a potent probiotic that’s chock full of a variety of lactobacilli strains. With a very small effort you can keep your “V” very happy and healthy. About the author Lisa Kilgour is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN), Founder of LisaKilgour.com, and a faculty member at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

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