Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a common form of vaginitis---that is, an inflammation or infection of the vaginal tissues. It results from an imbalance in the naturally occurring, healthy bacteria that are always present in the body. According to Medpedia, most of the bacteria in healthy vaginal tissues are lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid. This acidic environment fends off invading and problematic bacteria, which may be introduced through sex, douching and the use of intrauterine birth control devices. If the lactobacilli become outnumbered and unable to do their protective job, BV may result. Nutrition-savvy health care providers believe that encouraging a strong immune system might help re-balance these external tissues.
High-Fat Foods
In a novel study published in the September 2007 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," researcher Y. H. Neggers and colleagues reported on the relationship between dietary intake and bacterial vaginosis. They concluded that total fat is the only macro- or micronutrient that is significantly associated with BV, although the reasons are still unclear. As rates of high-fat intake went up in the study population, so did the incidence of BV.
Alcohol
If your doctor prescribes metronidazole, a common BV treatment, in either gel or tablet form, abstain from alcohol while undergoing treatment. The combination of the drug with alcohol can result in a number of reactions including headache, vomiting, and breathing difficulty.
Gluten
A study by Lisa M. Bodnar and colleagues published in the April 2009 "Journal of Nutrition" concludes that vitamin D deficiency is associated with BV in the early stages of pregnancy. Women with celiac disease run the risk being deficient in vitamin D if they don't follow a gluten-free diet, so their risk of BV may also be increased. Wheat, rye, semolina and matzo are the most common foods that celiacs should avoid, notes the Mayo Clinic.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition": Dietary Intake of Selected Nutrients Affects Bacterial Vaginosis in Women; Yasmin H. Neggers, et al.; September 2007
- "OBG Management": Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis; Paul Nyirjesy, M.D.; November 2006
- "Journal of Nutrition": Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis in the First Trimester of Pregnancy; Lisa M. Bodnar, et al.; April 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Gluten-Free Diet
- Medipedia: Bacterial Vaginosis
