Keeping Your Girly Parts Healthy

  Image from: Getty Images

As a woman, it seems that I have to always be mindful of what I eat, drink, the type of detergent I use and even the type of body wash I use. All  in an attempt to avoid those dreaded infections.  You may be all too familiar with them, the yeast infection that seems to appear every few months despite the use of over-the-counter drugs and medications prescribed by the doctor. Or even better yet, the bacterial vaginosis, (sometimes called 'BV') which my doctor says there is no real known cause.

After having to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of these infections one too many times, I have looked into more natural ways of preventing and curing them.  I came across this list of superfoods on Women's Health.com  that can help keep your nether regions free and clear of any infections.

Grab: Blueberries
From vision-protecting vitamin C to appetite-quelling fiber, there are plenty of reasons to be sweet on these tiny antioxidant powerhouses. And scientists now believe that, like cranberries, blueberries battle urinary tract infections.

Pour on: Kefir
Yeast infections put a serious damper on bed play. "Having lots of fermented milk products, including kefir, is a good way to reduce infections," VanBeber says. These products may add beneficial bacteria to the vagina, keeping infectious bacteria in line, early research indicates. Blend 1/2 cup low-fat plain kefir (we like Lifeway) with a cup of milk, a handful of berries, and a tablespoon of almond butter for a creamy smoothie. 

*From Women's Health Magazine: www.womenshealthmag.com 

Home Remedies for Infections

(Taken from www.ayurvediccure.com)

• Dip a tampon in plain yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, and insert into the vagina twice a day until your symptoms clear up. Repeat  until symptoms disappear.
• Peel a fresh clove of garlic and make a little tampon by wrapping it in cheesecloth and tying with unwaxed dental floss. You may leave a bit of floss to pull it out afterward. Insert it in vagina and leave there for several hours, say overnight, and remove it in the morning. For severe infection, try this in the morning and during night both. Repeat this until one day after the symptoms disappear. 
• Pour a few drops of Teatree oil (available from natural health stores) on a lubricated tampon & insert into the vagina. It is an effective home remedy for yeast infection.
• Add 1 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in 2 cups of water and put 1 garlic clove in it. Let it stand for some time and use this for douching.

  I make it a habit to eat yogurt (my favorite is Dannon Activia!) just about everyday and drink some water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in it about once a week to lower the chance of bad bacteria overgrowth in my body.

Have you tried natural ways to keep your girl parts healthy? 

*If you suspect you have an infection, be sure to see your physician first.