10 Fall Foods That Are Really Good For Your Vaginal Health
Since I talk/write about sex a lot, it’s only fitting that I would talk/write about the vagina quite a bit as well. And since today, the theme is all about foods that are in season during autumn, and foods that are really good for vaginal health, before I get into it, I want to share a bit of the method to my madness.
Aside from the fact that your diet plays a highly significant role in your vagina’s pH levels, how much good bacteria remains in it, how to keep candida under control, and even how much natural lubrication occurs, some foods are also aphrodisiacs — including ones that are in abundance during this time of the year (check out “10 In-Season Fall Foods That Are Incredible Aphrodisiacs”).
Now watch this: Since the fall and winter seasons are actually the best time of year to get up under a cable knit blanket and some flannel (or silk; silk can keep you warm too) sheets with your man and do more than just cuddle (check out “Did You Know Fall & Winter Are The Best Times To Have Sex?”), I thought I would provide you with a 10-point grocery list of fall-themed foods (and recipes) that are delicious, great for your vaginal health and might inspire you to want to “give thanks” with your bae thang — long before Thanksgiving even arrives.
The 10 Best Fall Foods For Vaginal Health
1. Bell Peppers
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Since this is the time of year when colds, the flu, and also COVID (yep, it’s back upticking; be careful out here) like to make their presence especially known, it always works in your favor to consume foods that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants; that way, you can proactively help to keep your immune system nice and strong. Bell peppers are a food that covers this particular base. Plus, they contain vitamins A and E, potassium, and folate. As far as additional benefits go, if you’re looking for a low-calorie food that will maintain your eye health or even keep your anemia in check, bell peppers can handle both of these things as well.
And why are they great for your vagina? Something else in bell peppers is carotenoids; they are a type of antioxidant that’s been proven to help your health when it comes to fighting off free radicals, softening wrinkles, lowering the risk of breast, ovarian,and vaginal cancer, and even lowering the risk of dementia. Carotenoids also help to keep yeast in check, so if you have a fungus sensitivity (like I do), that’s one more reason to pick up some bell peppers soon.
Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup
2. Collards
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Something that brings me a lot of joy is a big bowl of vegan collards with some homemade cornbread in it. CHILE. Every time that I make some, I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it either since collards are a dark, leafy green vegetable, and those are on the superfood list. Shoot, with good reason, too, since collard greens are packed with vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, and calcium, which all work together to strengthen your bones, lower your blood pressure, and keep your liver in good condition. Collards also have fiber that can keep you regular. Plus, if your hair is on the drier side, the properties of collard greens can increase sebum production on your scalp, which can add more moisture to your locks — from root to tip.
Since collards are full of vitamin C, when you eat them, you are helping your vaginal health when it comes to maintaining its pH levels, providing an environment for more good bacteria to grow, and helping to heal bacterial vaginosis from the inside out.
Recipe: Southern Collard Greens 101
3. Sweet Potatoes
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If there is a fall-themed debate that will probably never go away, it’s the argument over whether sweet potato pie or pumpkin pie tastes better. Although I personally like both, I must admit that, overall, I prefer sweet potatoes. Chile, I will throw one in the oven and add some butter, honey, and a dash of salt to it in a heartbeat! I won’t think twice either because it’s a veggie that has fiber, a ton of vitamin C, some vitamin A, copper, manganese, and different forms of vitamin B, too. All of this helps to keep your gut in great shape, boost your brain function, and keep your immunity going strong. Something else that’s cool about the properties of sweet potatoes is that if you battle with some form of systematic inflammation, they can help to treat that, too.
As far as your vagina goes, if you’re someone who has a sweet tooth and you’re also prone to having yeast infections (yeast feeds off of sweets, by the way), sweet potatoes can curb your appetite for sugar in a healthy way while also removing toxins in your system, thanks to the fiber that’s in them. Also, the anthocyanins (which give veggies their natural color) in sweet potatoes help to keep oxidative stress at bay. This is good to know since that type of stress can throw off your vagina’s pH balance and even increase the amount of discharge that you have.
Recipe: Sweet Potato Chili Casserole
4. Key Limes
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If you’re wondering what’s the difference between a regular lime and a key lime one, apparently, key limes are smaller, tend to have a yellower hue, and they have a tartier taste than “standard limes.” On the health benefit tip, key limes contain a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties.
All of this can help your vagina because vaginitis is literally defined as being “inflammation of the vagina.” This means that the more you eat foods that help to keep this from happening, the better off your vagina will ultimately be.
(For the record, limes, in general, can help to prevent kidney stone formation while reducing heart disease and helping to keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking as well.)
Recipe: Key Lime Pie Cupcakes
5. Grapes
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Even though it’s pretty common for people to snack on grapes during the summertime, they’re actually a fruit that is at their best during the fall season. Grapes are low-calorie fruits that are full of water (well over 90 percent), fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, and even copper. Copper is good for you because it can help with bone density (especially in post-menopausal women), it can help to fight off cancer, and can even slow down the signs of premature graying. Some other perks include the fact that grapes can help to keep your cholesterol levels balanced, fight against heart disease and diabetes, and, thanks to the melatonin that’s in them, they can improve your quality of sleep, too.
Something that many don’t know is vitamin K and human papillomavirus (HPV) don’t get along very well. In fact, some studies reveal that a consistent dietary intake of vitamin K can reduce one’s risk of being diagnosed with HPV by well over 40 percent. So, if you like to snack on grapes, now you’ve got even more of a reason to continue to enjoy doing so.
6. Celery
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Celery isn’t the most fun or flavor-fill food on the planet; still, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a solid impact on your health. The antioxidants that are in this particular vegetable help to reduce bodily inflammation, reduce the chances of getting an ulcer, balance blood sugar levels, help to lower blood pressure levels and they can even help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
If you want to boost your sexual desire levels, celery could also help out in that department. That’s because it has androsterones in it; they’re a component of testosterone, which could help to raise your libido and intensify your pheromones. Studies are still ongoing when it comes to all of this; however, since celery is good for you in other ways, too — hey, why not give it a shot?
(Also, if you enjoy celery seeds, there are also studies that connect those to a boost in a woman’s libido and lubrication as well.)
Recipe: Sautéed Celery
7. Mushrooms
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Personally, I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian. BUT when I’m in the mood to take a break from meat, I always find the texture of mushrooms (especially portabella ones) to be a top-tier substitute. If you feel the same, this is another fall-season food that will do your body quite a bit of good. Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, copper, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin D. Mushrooms also help to lower cholesterol levels and boost brain health and, they contain an amino acid that helps to prevent cellular damage (which can lower your cancer risk).
Since various studies reveal that different forms of vitamin B can help with ovarian health, that’s why mushrooms were able to make it on this great-for-your-vagina food list.
Recipe: Easy Mushroom Tacos
8. Guava
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Iron. Vitamin A. Calcium. Potassium. Vitamin C. Fiber. These are just some of the nutrients that your body will receive the next time you decide to have a piece of guava fruit. It’s the kind of food that lowers blood sugar levels, strengthens your heart, gives your immune system some extra “umph” and it helps to keep fine lines and wrinkles from setting into your skin. Guava also has flavonoids and tannins in them; flavonoids contain anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties; tannins have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which make eating things like guava and drinking herbal teas ideal during this time of the year (if you’re trying to avoid catching a cold or the flu).
The reason why guava is good for your vagina is because the nutrients in it are super beneficial if you’re looking for a fruit that can make menstrual cramps less uncomfortable. Apparently, the properties in guava leaf extract target the source of period pain and lessen it. The more you know.
Recipe: Guava BBQ Sauce From Scratch
9. Turnips
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Turnips are interesting because, although the vegetable has a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamin C in it, it’s actually the leaves of the turnips (what we know as turnip greens) that have even more nutrients in them. Nevertheless, turnips have properties in them that fight cancer, protect against E. coli, support your liver, help to keep your weight under control, and reduce bodily inflammation.
Since turnips are technically considered to be a phytoestrogen kind of food (a food that has plant-based estrogen in it), if you’re going through menopause, it’s a healthy way to get more estrogen into your system.
10. Pomegranates
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The reason why this article features a pomegranate as the lead pic is because it’s a fruit that actually symbolizes the vagina — more specifically, the cells inside of your ovaries. Since I’m a Rosh Hashanah observer (the Jewish New Year), I’m a fan of the fruit because, in Jewish culture, they represent things like fertility, love, and righteousness. Health-wise, pomegranates are an amazing source of protein and fiber, as well as a solid source of vitamin C and folate. They’re also rich in antioxidants, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties. If you’re looking to keep your urinary tract in great condition, eat a pomegranate. Want to build up your endurance while you exercise (or have sex)? Eat a pomegranate. Wanna keep your kidneys healthy, get more potassium into your system, or consume a healthy carb? Eat a freakin’ pomegranate!
Since pomegranates are also considered to be an aphrodisiac, of course, they had to round out this fall season food list. They’ve got some data to back ‘em up because pomegranates contain properties that help to lower cortisol (stress) levels so that climaxing is easier, and it can add a bit of testosterone to your system, which can make your libido stronger.
So, whether you choose to cut open a pomegranate and enjoy it raw, treat yourself to some sort of pomegranate salad, or turn up with an alcoholic beverage (like the recipe below), don’t let fall pass you by without indulging in this fruit. As you can see, there are too many reasons for you — and your vagina — to do so. Happy Fall, y’all!
Recipe: Pomegranate Margarita
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- 10 Ways To Have An "Extra Sweet" Vagina ›
- The Foods Your Vagina's Been Craving ›
- Here’s What Your Vagina Wishes You Would Eat LESS Of ›
- Ready To “Prep” Your Vagina For The Fall & Winter Seasons? ›
Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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