6 Simple Steps to a Healthy Vagina

Summer '18 has begun and it is sundress season. One important aspect of living your best life during these hot months is to make sure you feel your best, especially "down there". Vaginal health is so important and I want to focus on this because it isn't talked about as much as it should be. As women, our womb is who we are. We are literally the creators of the world and we can only create something as good as we are. If you have a toxic womb, then you are growing a baby in a toxic environment from the start. If childbearing isn't on your mind, then realize the rates of ovarian and uterine cancers, fibroid, hysterectomies and STI's that are occurring in our community. Black and Hispanic women have higher rates of all womb related cancers than all other races (CDC.gov). Black women, compared with White women, have increased odds of receiving a hysterectomy (NCBI.nlm.nih.gov). All of this can be avoided if we take these simple steps towards having a healthy vagina or healing our womb.

1. Go organic (Pads & tampons)

Most pads contain a synthetic material called Rayon. There is some evidence that synthetic fibers can pull moisture from the vaginal walls and stick to the soft skin there, leaving tiny synthetic fibers that may increase the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Even if a pad is cotton, it is most likely bleached with chlorine which causes a whole host of problems on it's own. Cotton is the world's dirtiest crop and is often times sprayed with excessive amounts of pesticides. Going organic helps to eliminate most of these chemicals that have direct access to your vagina. I prefer pads over tampons simply because I don't believe anything is suppose to be held inside your vaginal walls for an extended period of time.

2. Ditch the panties (wear cotton panties when necessary)

Like pads and tampons, panties often carry similar synthetic materials, harsh chemicals and coloring. Aside from that, if the panties you are wearing don't allow your vagina to breathe then you are increasing the chances of getting a yeast infection. When you can, ditch the panties. I do not sleep in panties and if wearing dresses, depending on the length, I won't wear them either. When wearing panties, always opt for cotton.

3. Use herbs (Vaginal steams, teas, supplements)

Herbs are for the healing of the land. Daily use of certain herbs can really boost your vaginal health! Red Raspberry leaf tea is one of the best teas for womb health. This herb is rich in iron and helps to strengthen the uterine walls, increase milk production in nursing mothers and promote overall uterine health in menstruating and pregnant women.

Vaginal steams can also rejuvenate your womb. Vaginal steams allow the steam of boiled herbs to flow on and into your vagina. Vaginal steam packages usually include a different mixture of herbs (mugwort, basil, marshmallow root, dandelion root, etc.). Vaginal steams can be done at a wellness center or in the comfort of your own home. You simply cover yourself from the waist down and squat or sit over a pot of steaming herbs. This will truly detoxify your womb if done on a regular basis (1/week or a few times a month)

4. Change your diet (ditch dairy, sugar, flours)

There are certain foods that can wreck havoc on your vagina. As always a diet full of whole foods like fruits and vegetables is what is best for your downstairs headquarters. I always feel my best when I eat a diet rich in fermented foods like Kimchi or Sauerkraut. Dairy and foods high in sugar can create the perfect environment for a yeast infections. Foods high in fat have been associated with increased risk for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Refined carbs like white bread and white rice can also increase your risk of both yeast infections and BV.

5. Drink water, cranberry juice

Vagina's are meant to be moist. This means hydration is important for it to work it's best. Drinking lots of water will keep your vagina lubricated when you need to use it and will also keep it smelling fresh. Cranberry juice doesn't specifically help the vagina directly but it does prevent UTI's and is high in vitamin C.

6. Stop having sex with everyone

I am not here to slut shame or sound like anyone's mama. Just be aware that having sex with people affects your energy and your body. If you are having sex with men who do not eat well and are constantly consuming drugs and alcohol, their sperm is acidic and will throw your PH balance off. This can lead to BV and yeast infections. There is no way to tell exactly what someone eats everyday or if their sperm is acidic by just looking at them so I suggest taking that precaution to know the person you are actually sleeping with. Value yourself and your vagina as if you would value your new car. Not everybody gets access, and if you do get access you need to be clean and treat it accordingly.

Following these steps should help you boost your vaginal health in no time.

As women, when we heal our womb, we are healing the world.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/race.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2622766/