Vaginal dryness occurs when there is not enough moisture produced by the body due to a drop in estrogen levels. This fluctuation in estrogen can be caused by menopause, stress, childbirth, imbalance in the diet and certain medical conditions as well as smoking cigarettes. Along with various creams and lubricants available, eating certain foods that stimulate estrogen production can help reduce the incidence of vaginal dryness.
Phytoestrogens
Researchers at the University of Naples in Italy reported in a 2005 study that certain phytoestrogens aided in the prevention of vaginal dryness. Whole soy products such as soy milk, tofu and soybeans are rich in isoflavones from phytoestrogens. Red clover too is high in isoflavones, and flaxseed is high in lignans, another phytoestrogen. Additionally, cherries, apples, nuts, seeds and legumes are high in phytoestrogens. The British Medical Journal reported a study in 1993 that found that women who consume 45 g of phytoestrogens daily experienced some relief from vaginal dryness.
The Sept./Oct. 2007 issue of Menopause, the Journal of the North American Menopause Society reported that a plant called Pueraria mirifica, grown in Asia, offers women hope in reducing vaginal dryness and that it is reported to have higher levels of phytoestrogens that are stronger than even those found in soy products and red clover.
Suggested serving sizes:
Soy: 45 mg of high-quality soy products daily alone or a combination of other products.
Red clover tea: 1 tsp. dried herb per cup of boiling water; consume one to three cups a day. This provides 40 mg of isoflavones.
Flax seed: 2-4 tbsp. daily. Start with 2 tbsp. until you get used to the fiber content.
Ginseng
Paulette Hurteau of Vanderbilt University discusses the effects of ginseng on female hormones and mentions that it possesses many of the same properties and effects on the vaginal walls as does estrogen. Consuming ginseng greatly reduces vaginal dryness and pain from intercourse.
Hydration
Drink 8-10 glasses of plain water daily to remain hydrated.
Healthy Fats
Consume healthy fats regularly as part of your overall eating plan. Healthy fats include fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, which are high in healthy fats--but these fish are high in mercury, so use caution in the frequency of your consumption. Include omega-3 oils, such as flaxseed, and omega-6 oils, such as evening primrose and borage oils, and olive oil.
