Top Foods To Stop White Discharge in a Healthy Way

Vaginal discharge or leucorrhea occurs due to physiological as well as pathological reasons. This discharge is released from the glands of the cervix and vagina. It is made from the microbiome and fluids from the vaginal cells. Every female has her own characterization of the discharge and is also dependent on the time of the menstrual cycle. With changes seen in any of the aspects, you must contact the clinician at the earliest. The discharge may get affected in certain situations like pregnancy, ovulating period, or intake of contraceptive pills.

Vaginal health is important and should be taken care of by maintaining hygiene, practicing safe sex, getting yearly check-ups, and getting infections treated. The discharge is based on how much oestrogen is released. Vaginal discharge may vary according to the expression of the oestrogen levels. For example, an increase in oestrogen levels leads to stimulation of the cervix leading to excessive stimulation of the vaginal discharge.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge:

1. Non-infective

● Physiologic

● Cervical ectopy

● Foreign bodies: retained tampon, piece of toilet paper

● Vulval dermatitis

● Tumours of the vulva, vagina, cervix

2. Non-Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

● Bacterial vaginosis

● Candida infections

3. Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

● Chlamydia trachomatis

● Neisseria gonorrhoeae

● Trichomonas vaginalis

Other less common reasons why discharge occurs could be sexual abuse resulting in injury during childhood, irritation in the genital areas due to involuntarily passing of stool or urine causing discharge, stress, anxiety, before and after menstruation, systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus, usage of various products such as hygiene sprays, perfumes, laundry soaps, menstrual pads, sometimes vaginal creams or lubricants, vaginal contraceptive rings, and, allergies to latex, latex condoms.

Types of Vaginal Discharge:

White

A thick, white discharge occurs at the beginning and end of your cycle. Usually, itching is not present in the normal discharge. If itching is present, this may indicate a yeast infection.

Clear and stretchy

It is an indication of “fertile” mucus, which suggests you’re ovulating.

Clear and watery

This occurs at different phases of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising.

Yellow or green

A thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odour that may indicate a persistent infection.

Brown

This happens right after periods as a cleansing activity of your vagina.

Spotting blood

This occurs in mid-cycle or when ovulating. Sometimes in early pregnancy, you may have spotting or a brownish discharge at the time your period would usually come.

What does a healthy discharge look like?

Normal physiological discharge changes occur during the menstrual cycle. The discharge is usually thick and sticky. It becomes wetter, more transparent, and more stretchy for a short duration around the time of ovulation. These changes do not occur in women using oral contraceptives. Abnormal vaginal discharge is characterised by a shift in colour, consistency, volume, or odour. It may be associated with symptoms such as itch, soreness, dysuria (painful urination), pelvic pain, or intermenstrual or post-intercourse bleeding.

Look for these Signs and Symptoms:

Abnormal white discharge may present with various signs and symptoms depending on the underlying cause. The changes in the bacterial microflora will alter the quantity as well as the quality of the discharge leading to various symptoms such as rash, itching, foul smell, soreness, pelvic pain, pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria), discomfort, and painful sexual intercourse.

Micro organisms	Colour	Odour	Symptoms	Signs	Line of treatment*
Vulvovaginal candidiasis	Red	Non-offensive odour	● Thick white discharge ● Vulval itch	● Redness of vulva ● Oedema	Antibiotics in the form of oral pills or gel to insert in the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis	White	Fishy odour	● Thin discharge ● No discomfort or itch	● Discharge coating of vagina	Antibiotics such as metronidazole, clindamycin or tinidazole
Trichomoniasis	Yellowish green	Offensive odour	● Scanty to profuse or frothy yellow discharge ● Vulval itch or soreness ● Low abdominal pain	● Inflammation of vulva & vagina ● Discomfort while urinating	Antibiotics such as metronidazole or tinidazole

Disclaimer – *These medications are strictly to be taken with a doctor’s advice and prescription.

Tips for your Vaginal Care:

After using the toilet, wipe from front to back so as to avoid getting bacteria from the anal (rectal) area to your vagina.
Avoid bubble baths.
Usage of pantyliners daily.
Detergents or fabric softeners may contain irritants that may cause vaginal irritants and should be replaced.
Latex in condoms and sperm-killing gels may act as irritants for some women. If so, you must consult your doctor about other types of birth control.
Wear cotton underpants during the day.
Avoid wearing underpants at night.
Douching on a regular basis.
Bathe daily and dry pat your genital area.
Avoid using coloured or perfumed toilet papers, deodorant pads and tampons.
Avoid wearing restrictive or tight synthetic clothing such as underpants, pants, swimming suits, and pantyhose.

Best Foods to Eat to Stop White Discharge

The treatment is easily available in our local markets and kitchens. These recipes are convenient to make and offer relief to women.

Fenugreek Seeds

These seeds are known to maintain pH levels and boost immunity. Intake should be done by diluting the seeds in hot water. You can also do this by cooking the seeds in one litre of water for thirty minutes. Have the water once it cools down.

Ladyfinger

A readily available vegetable in every house, the ladyfinger is a helpful way to reduce vaginal discharge as well as odour. This is done by boiling the okra and having the thick slurry. You can also do this by soaking the lady’s finger in yoghurt.

Coriander Seeds

It is one of the easy home remedies to stop the white discharge. Soak a few spoons of coriander seeds overnight; later, strain and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.

Probiotic Foods

Lactobacillus species are a dominant part of the healthy vagina. Lactobacilli species are present in food items like curd, buttermilk, kefir, and pickles. Intake of these will aid in regulating the microbial flora, improvising the pH of the vagina, & stopping the harmful bacteria from getting attached to the vaginal tissues. It also helps in resolving yeast-like infections.

Indian Gooseberry

Commonly known as Amla, it is locally & readily available berry in our local markets. Chop them into small pieces, and soak them in the sun for a few days. Later, grind it into a powder form. For consumption, take 2 spoons of powder and the same amount of honey and take it daily for the best effect. Another diluted recipe can be mixing the powder with water and honey until the symptoms subside.

Pomegranate

The juicy fruit is a remedy for the discharge problem. You can consume it raw with seeds or grind it to make its juice. Not only the fruit itself, but you can also use the leaves to make its paste and combine it with water to consume it daily in the morning hours.

Tulsi

Also called basil leaves, this herb is not only used for many religious purposes but also has a lot of medicinal importance. It can be taken in the form of juice with honey or sugar syrup. This can be consumed twice a day for the best results. This can be consumed with milk also.

Rice starch

Extract the rice starch while cooking the rice. Once the rice is boiled, separate the water from it. Cool the liquid down and drink it. This starch water is of great help in reducing the white discharge.

Guava leaves

These help in reducing the discharge and also the odour. Pick a few guava leaves and put them to boil in water. Once reduced to half, strain the leaves. After cooling it down, the water should be consumed.

Ginger

Ginger holds a lot of medicinal value in house remedies. Dried ginger pieces should be ground to powder and boiled in adequate water. Drink this liquid to reduce the white discharge.

Turmeric

Turmeric holds an essential value as an antibacterial and antifungal agent — these properties aid in reducing the white discharge.

Garlic

Rich in its antioxidant properties, garlic helps to reduce excessive white discharge.

Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe gel has amazing soothing and moisturizing properties. Along with the amazing anti-microbial properties, aloe vera gel will provide relief from irritation and itching. This further helps stop the growth of harmful bacteria in the vaginal area.

Coconut Oil

It is derived from the flesh of the coconut and has many uses for your body’s wellness. Having excellent antifungal properties, making it one of the best remedies. Get pure coconut oil and apply it to the affected vaginal area.

Cranberry Juice

Slush down a yummy glass of cranberry juice without sugar. The tannins present in cranberries help in stopping the growth of harmful bacteria. Cranberry tablets can also do the magic for reducing the white discharge.

Banana

The high fiber content in ripe bananas helps regulate the quantity of white discharge.

Water

Hydration is essential for the overall fitness and wellness of the human body. Just like dehydration makes your face or skin dried or parched, your water intake will also pose problems to your vulval health. One more reason to gulp eight to nine glasses of water is great for reducing the discharge, keeping the area odour free, and helping the body eliminate waste products.

Take your Vitamins

Deficiency of Vitamin C and Vitamin D can also be one of the causes of white discharge. Have loads of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and sweet limes and make the early morning sunshine your best friend.

What foods should you avoid?

Sugar

Hold onto your sugar cravings, as they are unsuitable for your vaginal health. Cut down on your intake of icecreams, puddings, custards, etc. Excessive sugar can damage the friendly bacteria of your vagina, that is, the Lactobacilli, which create a healthy environment in your vagina.

Processed Foods

Food items like bread, cheese, canned vegetables, and meat items like sausages, bacon, ham, savouries, cakes, and biscuits diminish your immune system leading to the growth of harmful bacteria. All this can lead to deterioration of your vaginal health which can lead to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Hot and Spicy food

Reduce the consumption of hot and spicy food in your diet.

Mushrooms

Ayurveda suggests cutting down on eating mushrooms as they are fungi themselves which may increase the chances of infections.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a total no for females who are facing the problems of excessive white discharge.

Caffeine and Soft Drinks

Reduce the intake of excessive tea, coffee, and aerated drinks.

Takeaway

Keep your vaginal health your top priority and use these home remedies if you see any changes. However, even after using all these remedies, if the vaginal discharge does not get better, it is better to consult your doctor at the earliest opportunity.

FAQs

1. What should you eat after white discharge?

Your diet should include intake of citrus fruits, okra (bhindi/ladyfinger), and probiotic items such as curd, buttermilk, cranberry juice, and pomegranate to reduce the amount of white discharge.

2. Is white discharge every day normal?

Yes, 2-5ml of white or clear-like, almost odourless discharge is normal for all women. Although, the amount and consistency are variable from woman to woman.

3. Is excessive discharge bad?

Excessive white discharge can be due to physiological changes such as menstruation, sexual arousal, or near ovulation period. But excessive sticky, thick and bad odour can be an indication of infection. Thus, it is essential to visit a doctor when such changes are seen at the earliest.

4. Can stress cause vaginal discharge?

A shoot in emotional discomfort or stress can lead to an increase in the white vaginal discharge and also causes a foul odour. This may also increase self-consciousness or discomfort.

5. When to see your doctor?

You should seek professional help when you start noticing changes in colour, consistency or other symptoms such as itching, soreness, rash, frothy or cottage cheese-like discharge, bad smell, or burning sensation during urination.

6. Should you take medications to reduce or stop discharge?

Antibiotics or antifungals, which are essential for reducing the white discharge, should not be taken on your own. Medications should always be consumed after consulting a medical professional and with a proper prescription.

References:

Written by Dr. Hiral Vora

Dr. Hiral is a Periodontist from Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Maharashtra. She has a keen interest in scientific writing and has co-authored several papers in esteemed journals. She believes words have the power to heal. She enjoys leisure reading, experimenting in the kitchen and exploring new places.

Reviewed by Dr. Manavi Raj

Dr. Manavi is a healthcare professional with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. She has a diverse history of working in healthcare, writing and social media marketing. Outside of work, she enjoys dabbling with paints and loves the outdoors.

Best Foods To Stop White Discharge in a Healthy Way