Vestibulitis is a condition in which the skin and mucous-producing glands in the lower part or opening of your vagina become inflamed, causing pain, redness, pressure and urinary problems. Many women have suffered from physical and emotional consequences of vestibulitis, according to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, often with unsuccessful treatment attempts. Fortunately, topical ointments, soaking affected areas in baking soda-containing water and dietary changes may help minimize your symptoms.
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Women with vestibulitis often have excessive levels of oxalates, natural substances in plant foods, in their urine. The crystallization of excess oxalates can cause urinary symptoms of vestibulitis, according to the UIHC, such as sudden or frequent urges to urinate. For this reason, doctors often recommend a low-oxalate diet. Your diet should also contain sufficient amounts of calories and nutrients, including antioxidants, which support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease.
Foods to Limit
A standard low-oxalate diet contains 40 to 50 mg of oxalates per day, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Because high-oxalate foods contain more than 10 mg of oxalate per serving, you can generally consume up to five collective servings per day. High-oxalate grains include wheat, amaranth and buckwheat. Fruits and vegetables high in oxalates include berries, other than fresh strawberries, kiwi, concord grapes, figs, currents, beans, leafy greens, zucchini, celery, eggplant, carrots, sweet potatoes and okra. Chocolate, black pepper, soy sauce, nuts and seeds are also oxalate-rich.
Foods to Emphasize
Many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and low in oxalates, including cherries, grapefruit, red and green grapes, mangos, melons, nectarines, bananas, papaya, raisins, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, chives and radishes. Low-oxalate starches include barley, rice and corn-based cereals, wild rice and barley. Cheese, butter, vegetable oil, salad dressing and all meats and fish, other than sardines and liver, also contain few oxalates. Low-oxalate condiments include ketchup, mustard, maple syrup and natural herbs and spices.
Beverages
Staying well hydrated allows your body to flush excessive oxalates out through urine. Choosing appropriate beverages, however, is important. High-oxalate beverages, which may worsen your urinary symptoms, include cow's milk, soy milk, coffee, tea and dark beer. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages in particular, which may have diuretic, or fluid-flushing, effects. Safer, low-oxalate options include herbal teas, cola soft drinks, cherry juice and cranberry juice. Drinking 8 oz. of cranberry juice per day may reduce bladder irritation associated with vestibulitis, according to the UIHC.
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