Foods To Balance ‘Down There'

Yes, your diet can affect your health below the belt, too! Here’s what to eat to keep your vagina happy

- Rose Goodman

When choosing what foods to eat, you’re probably not thinking about the impact they’re going to have on your vaginal health. Perhaps you didn’t even realise that what you’re putting on your plate can affect the healthy bacteria down there, and even help reduce the symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness. Luckily, if you already follow a healthy diet, you’re probably eating some of the foods needed to keep things happy and balanced. So, what are they and what role do they play? Our expert Hannah Braye, nutritional therapist for Bio-Kult (bio-kult.com) has all the answers...

Does diet really affect our vaginal health?

Absolutely! ‘Our gut bacteria play a key role in supporting the immune system (70% of which resides in the gut), helping it fight infections anywhere in the body,’ says Hannah. And that includes your vagina. ‘Studies show that diets rich in vitamins A, D, C and zinc, as well as vitamin E, beta-carotene and calcium, help boost vaginal wellness.’ Meanwhile, diets deficient in these nutrients and high in sugar and saturated fats may disturb your vagina’s pH balance by killing the good bacteria.

‘Balance’ matters