pH levels vary throughout the body, for example, a low pH is necessary for optimal digestion in your stomach, making it more acidic, whereas other parts of the body would be better with a neutral or even a higher pH. When it comes to vaginal health, we want a more acidic pH. A normal vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.51. If your vaginal pH is too high, your risk of getting a vaginal infection or imbalance increases, like BV (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections, which can lead to an unpleasant smell, discharge, and uncomfortable itching. Like the microbiome in our digestive system, sinuses, and skin, the vaginal microbiome is the first line of defense against infections. Disruption in the normal microbiome3 results in an elevated pH and an increased risk of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and, when pregnant, premature delivery, and pregnancy loss. The most important group of healthful bacteria in our vaginal area is the Lactobacillus species. The Lactobacillus bacteria in the vaginal area secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which create a more acidic pH. As a result, a deficiency of Lactobacillus in the vaginal area leads to an increase in vaginal pH and an increase in the risk of vaginal infections4. Don’t leave your tampons in too long. When you are having your monthly cycle, the blood in the vaginal area naturally increases the vaginal pH. If you keep the blood around too long, as can happen when you don’t change your tampon frequently enough, your pH will increase and, as a result, allows the unhealthy bugs to overgrow. In general, change your tampon every four to six hours. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. When you take antibiotics for anything, like a sinus infection, for example, it, unfortunately, kills off some of those healthful Lactobacillus species in your vaginal area, too. This results in a higher pH and increased risk for overgrowth of yeast and unhealthful bacteria in your vaginal area. While antibiotics are important, in some cases, they are actually unnecessary. Many upper respiratory infections, including sinus infections, are viral, and your body can naturally fight them off with proper rest and hydration. Check with your doctor and make sure an antibiotic is necessary before you take one. Probably the best lubricant to use at this time, that has not been shown to damage the good bacteria in the vaginal area, is olive oil. But this can damage latex condoms, so best to avoid when using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. What does this mean? Whole foods, lots of healthy vegetables, fruits, beans, ground flaxseeds, and nuts all can provide the food to help the good healthy bacteria in the body grow. Fermented foods that are rich in Lactobacillus are also helpful. These include unsweetened yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. In addition, you want to avoid a high-sugar diet that can feed the wrong yeast and bacteria in your body. Boham lives in Valatie, NY, and lectures on a variety of topics, including women’s health and breast cancer prevention, insulin resistance, heart health, weight control, and allergies. She is on the faculty of the Institute for Functional Medicine.
