7 foods to combat vaginal dryness

Treat vaginal dryness effectively with these foods.

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women reaching menopause. However, it can also happen to younger girls due to bad lifestyle habits, physiological problems or using products that aren't compatible to the sensitive area. While medications, gels and creams can help cope with the problem, here are few foods that can be excellent and natural way to take care of vaginal dryness. Here are 11 symptoms of menopause that you need to know about.

Soy: It is rich in phytoestrogens (a synthetic form of estrogens), isoflavones, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron, and other vitamins and minerals. Eating soya regularly helps restore some of the functions of estrogen, the hormone responsible for lubrication of the vagina and to keep the female reproductive organs healthy. Just adding 25 gm of soya in your daily diet, which means one small bowl of it, can help ease vaginal dryness. Moreover, soya can also helps to combat other symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, etc. Here are 10 natural ways to treat hot flashes during menopause.[1]

Flaxseeds: They are also rich in phytoestrogens and high in omega 3 fatty acids. Because of the phytoestrogen, it can help increase estrogen levels and help combat vaginal dryness. Regular consumption of flaxseeds can help lower cholesterol levels and also fight risks of cancer in women. Here are 11 ways to include flaxseeds in your diet.[2]

Nuts: They are high in essential fatty acids and many essential nutrients. Some studies suggest that essential fatty acids are necessary for tear production in the eyes and lubrication in the private areas. Here are seven nuts and dry fruits that you must eat every day.

Fish: They are a good source of omega-3-fatty acids that help to lubricate your vagina and keep you safe from the burning and itching sensation that sets in due to dryness. Good news for fish lovers! Here are five delicious and healthy fish recipes.[3]

Apples: Apples are a rich source of phytoestrogens, a compound that mimics the action of synthetic estrogen. Eating 1-2 apples a day drastically improves the chances of suffering less from the harsh symptoms of menopause. Here are 10 more reasons why an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Whole grains: Because hormonal imbalance is also a reason for vaginal dryness, eating foods that are good source of fibre is necessary. Whole grains due to its fibre content helps regulate hormonal imbalances and in turn keep your vagina healthy and well lubricated.

Aloe vera: This plant can help you in two ways applying the gel from the leaves can give you a soothing effect on the vagina or drinking the aloe vera juice and also help improve lubrication down there. Here is why every diabetic should have a aloe vera plant at home.

Image source: Getty Images

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Reference:

[1] 1: Vincent A, Fitzpatrick LA. Soy isoflavones: are they useful in menopause? Mayo Clin Proc. 2000 Nov;75(11):1174-84. Review. PubMed PMID: 11075748.

[2] 1: Lemay A, Dodin S, Kadri N, Jacques H, Forest JC. Flaxseed dietary supplement versus hormone replacement therapy in hypercholesterolemic menopausal women.Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Sep;100(3):495-504. PubMed PMID: 12220769.

[3] 1: Saldeen P, Saldeen T. Women and omega-3 Fatty acids. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2004Oct;59(10):722-30; quiz 745-6. Review. PubMed PMID: 15385858.