A well-maintained vaginal pH forms the core of women's health. It acts to prevent infection, and hence one will never feel discomfort. Vaginas manage to maintain their own balance in an acidic pH, typically between 3.8 to 4.5. This particular pH helps the good bacteria grow while still inhibiting other bad pathogens from growing. Disturbances in this pH are known to lead to problems like yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and painful intercourse.


Presented here are top ten such natural ways that can help maintain and restore the optimal vaginal pH:


1. Probiotics

Probiotics in healthy vaginas are good bacteria. The flora of the vagina naturally contains lactobacilli which produces sufficient lactic acid to bring the pH of the vagina to be maintained in the normal range between 3.8 to 4.5 pH, thus preventing the growth of pathogenic organisms within this environment. You can increase the quantity of good bacteria in your gut and vagina by consuming live-culture foods.


Live culture foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Some doctors may also put in a probiotic supplement, especially for women who experience recurring vaginal infections to promote flora in the vagina with Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri.


2. Apple Cider Vinegar

The use of fermented apple cider vinegar is very renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal natures, all useful in maintaining and restoring the pH balance within the vagina. The ACV should be well diluted in some hot water to use as a vagina rinse or within the bath water for application from the outside. It is acidic in nature, thereby holding back the growth of many harmful bacteria and yeast. In women experiencing recurrent problems of yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, ACV minimizes the symptoms and hence prevents the next flare-ups of the same kind. Bear in mind that you should always dilute the vinegar because, in its concentrated form, it might irritate the skin, especially in sensitive skin.


3. Baking Soda

Alkaline, baking soda is comprised of sodium bicarbonate, which may help in neutralizing the acidic pH levels in the vagina. This can be especially helpful for those bruised women who suffer from vaginal irritation or odor due to the pH level of the vagina. One such application includes mixing about half a cup of baking soda into warm water for a sitz bath, soaking your lower body in it for 15-20 minutes. Therefore, it can react with the acidic setting in the vagina to help offset the acidity of the milieu and create a more balanced pH.


4. Stay hydrated

Staying well hydrated is a key to many other facets of a person's health, including vaginal health. Drinking enough water keeps natural functions humming at optimum levels within the body, like pH balance. When hydrated, your body can work out its natural detoxification processes, allowing the toxins to be pushed out and excess water to be balanced in the body, including in the vagina. This can also cause dryness, irritation and eventually disturb the normal flora balance in the vagina, along with its pH. You need to drink adequate amounts of water daily—a volume equal to eight 8-ounce glasses—in order to keep your body working right, and that includes the vagina.


5. Keep Away from Irritant Chemicals

The vagina can be irritated by harsh chemicals in scented products, douches, and some soaps. This suggests that mild, non-perfumed soaps used for intimate hygiene would be friendly to the tissues and might aid in the sustenance of the natural pH of the vagina. Everyday harsh soaps and perfumed products can irritate this delicate balance of flora in the vagina, which can lead to infections or discomfort. Mild cleansers with a natural pH, specifically for intimate areas, shall not interrupt the acid balance of the vagina which keeps risky bacteria and yeast at bay.


View More: Does Cinnamon Tighten The Vagina


6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural all-rounder that has some very impressive antimicrobial properties with huge benefits to vaginal health applied to the external area of the vulva. Coconut oil both moisturizes and protects. It shows some antimicrobial activities against some injurious bacteria and fungi that can cause infection of or irritation to the vagina. Topical application of virgin coconut oil is organically 100%, with no chemicals or fragrances that can potentially be irritating to tender skin. While externally applied, coconut oil should not be taken internally or in vaginally large quantities, as this can disrupt the flora and pH levels of a woman's vagina.


7. Garlic

Garlic contains quite strong antimicrobial properties that can be used to fight the growth of yeast and bacteria within the vagina. Thus, raw garlic or supplements contribute to the health of the vagina through balancing infection-free bacteria and fungi. Other women do this by wrapping a peeled garlic clove in gauze, then use it as some sort of a natural suppository which is inserted into the vagina and left there overnight. How this works is basically putting the antimicrobial property of garlic in contact directly with vaginal flora and pH levels. One should, however, undertake this with utmost caution and the proper supervision of a doctor because garlic instigates irritation in sensitive tissues.


8. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice helps to maintain urinary tract health by halting the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall. Further research is clearly still needed on the topic regarding the direct effects on vaginal pH, but many women drink unsweetened cranberry juice to promote overall vaginal health. Another reason for one of those female myths may be because cranberries actually contain proanthocyanidins that can potentially prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the tissue of the vaginal epithelium. This indirectly supports vaginal health through its action on urinary tract health, which prevents infections that might alter the pH balance.


9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a very good substance used as a soother with healing properties. It is mostly recommended for all age-related people in cases of different diseases and skin irritations. If used on the external vulva area, pure, organic aloe vera gel can relieve any discomfort or itching due to increased vaginal pH. The natural antibacterial properties present in aloe vera could further assist in balancing and nurturing good bacteria growth to a healthy vagina by fighting bad bacteria that take hold in and foster infections.


10. Vit C

Vitamin C otherwise known as ascorbic acid is a very basic component of immune function, collagen formation, and body tissue repair in organs, including the vagina. Some studies suggest that vitamin C aids in acidifying the vaginal secretions, thus helping in the process of maintaining a PH. Through vitamin C-rich diets and supplements using citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, maintaining vagina health is thus supported. It is also helpful in the production of collagen, which aids in the developing strength and elasticity of the vaginal tissues. It boosts the immunity level in the body, which helps fight all infections that could lead to bad vaginal pH.


Conclusion:

A balanced vaginal environment can be further supported with the incorporation of natural remedies and healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of infections and discomfort. Women need to be more sensitive to their own bodies, keep themselves clean always, and seek medical consultation whenever symptoms of pH imbalance become chronic, so that it is diagnosed and treated without further complications. Coupled with those natural ways and making informed choices, this goes all the long way in maintaining optimal vaginal health and general well-being for a woman.


Please book an appointment with the Best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.