There are conflicting opinions around healthy vaginal pH levels. While some health experts say it is of utmost importance to keep it in balance, others that are more radical say it is a matter of life and death.
Do not worry, pH regulation is easier than you think! Let us start with the first and try to understand its importance. PH represents the power of hydrogen over our body, after all pH means "hydrogen potential". So, we can understand it as the measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body.
The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, in which 7 is considered neutral. When it is lower than 7 it is considered an acidic pH and if it is higher than 7 it is basic or alkaline. Keep in mind that to take care of your health, your levels should always be above 7. The good news is that when you become aware of it, you can turn it 180 degrees and improve pH levels to feel better than ever!
How can I reduce the acidity?
For natural remedies to restore pH balance, it is important to be careful with your diet and the pH levels of the food you eat. In general, foods of animal origin cause our acidity levels to rise. Instead, plant-based foods help us alkalize.
As we need a balanced pH, it is best to consume both types of food in a balanced way. At the same time, you should eliminate highly acidic foods, such as fast and processed foods. In addition to the foods you eat, stress can also affect your pH levels. To improve it, practice deep breathing, keep eating vegetables, and drink plenty of water.
Tips to keep your pH regulated
The best thing about following an alkaline diet is that it is associated with an increase in growth hormone or, as we like to call it, the “fountain of youth” hormone. This particle helps you eliminate excess fat, improve libido and have a constant feeling of well-being.
More fruits and vegetables
Many fruits and most vegetables are alkaline in nature. When it comes to greens and veggies, try to avoid pickled or frozen ones.
Avoiding bread
Unless you opt for a minimal amount of sprouted grains, you should try to avoid tortillas, sourdough, white bread, whole grains, and brown rice. On the acid-alkaline scale, most grains fall into the acid range.
Be careful of condiments
Most condiments such as ketchup, miso, mayonnaise, or mustard, are very acidic. Also stay away from canned vegetables, canned tuna, and peanut butter.
Say hello to beans and seeds!
Soybeans, navy beans, and lima beans are highly alkaline. While caraway, cumin, fennel, and sesame seeds are good for increasing pH as well.
Only stevia for sweetening
Popular sugar alternatives like honey, xylitol, and beet sugar are all acidic. But luckily stevia is alkaline! Who would have known?
Reduce alcohol, dairy products, and coffee
That habit of drinking wine and eating cheese is not doing your pH any favours. Coffee is not helping you either. Try to minimize the consumption of these foods.
The importance of healthy vaginal pH
The vaginal pH tells us the level of acidity or alkalinity in the vaginal mucosa. When there is an imbalance, it can be prone to vaginal infections. If you want to start testing your vaginal pH levels, do not be alarmed if you see changes – this is normal throughout your menstrual cycle and at different stages of your life.
During menopause, childhood and puberty, the vaginal pH is neutral and between 6.8 and 7.2. Now, in women of childbearing age we can see the biggest changes:
- Menstruation: neutral pH with values close to 7.
- Premenstrual phase: acidic pH between 3.8 and 4.2, due to the production of lactic acid. In this phase, a hostile environment is created for pathogens.
- Rest of the cycle: vaginal pH is acidic, but less than in the premenstrual stage, as it varies between 4.0 and 5.0.
- Pregnancy: acidic pH, similar to that of the premenstrual phase and, in general, less than 4.5.
How to test your pH levels
You can test your pH regularly to see how your body is doing. Keep in mind that, ideally, your pH should be between 7.30 and 7.45. Only then will you know that you have optimal levels and that you are on your way to a healthy life.
To measure it, you can buy pH test strips at stores like Dis-Chem, Clicksor at any pharmacy. Then follow one of these two procedures:
- With urine: Every morning, place a little of your urine on the strip and wait for the results. Although it is possible to test multiple times throughout the day, try to stick to a set schedule each morning. At this time of day, your body will be more acidic, and it is the result you want to change.
- With saliva: Wait at least two hours after eating to measure the pH of the saliva. Fill your mouth with saliva and then swallow it. Repeat this step again, to make sure your saliva is clean. Then put some saliva on the pH strip and you are done.
Remember: your ultimate goal is to get your urine pH between 6.5 to 7.5. What are you waiting for? Take control of your pH! Being healthy is easier than you think if you put your mind to it. Take care of yourself and love yourself daily with an alkaline diet!
The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.
Sources:
Felicetti, Marcus Julian. (2012). How to Balance Your pH to Heal Your Body. USA: Mind Body Green. Recovered from: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6243/How-to-Balance-Your-pH-to-Heal-Your-Body.html
Rojas, Laura. (2015). Vaginal pH: what it is and how to keep it in balance. Spain: On Firm Ground. Recovered from: https://www.ensuelofirme.com/el-ph-vaginal-que-es-y-como-mantenerlo-en-equilibrio/
How to balance the pH of your body. (sf). Colombia: Health Answers. Recovered from: https://saludrespuestas.com/equilibrar-ph-cuerpo/
How to balance the pH. (2017). Colombia: Very Fitness. Recovered from: https://muyfitness.com/balancear-ph-como_28499/
