Women's Intimate Health: A Functional Approach

Women's Intimate Health: A Functional Approach

Women's intimate health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in discussions about health and wellness. Hormonal balance, optimal vaginal health, and sexual vitality are critical components of a thriving life.

Functional nutrition is all about bringing back balance to those places that need support to be balanced again, harnessing the power of specific foods that hold powerful nutrients, all to support the aspects of our health naturally in a health promoting way. A diet rich in these nutrient-dense foods can promote hormonal balance and overall feminine health. At Sound Medical Weight Loss we always put focused nutrition at the top of the list for all our patients.

The Role of Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play vital roles in regulating mood, energy, libido, and overall reproductive health. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to issues such as irregular cycles, low libido, and discomfort during intimacy. Hormones can be balanced with foods, supplements, or bio-identical hormone replacement (bioHRT). BioHRT plays a particularly significant role in slowing down the biological clock for postmenopausal women. Adding bioHRT can reduce many of the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbance, depression, achy joints, and vaginal dryness, while protecting our bone density, mental health, and joint health to name a few of its benefits. At Sound Medical Weight Loss, we provide a comprehensive approach to women’s hormone health with our Optimal Program. We offer a hormone management program to our existing patients who have completed a weight loss program for only $149 per month.

Non-Hormonal Treatments for vaginal health include TempSure Vitalia, an FDA approved treatment using gentle heat from radio frequency to stimulate tissue growth and rejuvenation to the vaginal walls. This 30-minute painless procedure improves blood circulation, mucosal lubrication, stress incontinence and sensitivity. We recommend 3 - 5 treatments every 2 weeks for optimal results. Rev up your sex life and reclaim your feminine vitality! Call Sound Medical Weight Loss today to take advantage of our February TempSure Vitalia special!”

Top Foods for Feminine Health and Sexual Vitality

Leafy Greens

• Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with magnesium, which helps reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and supports healthy blood flow.

Fish

• Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote hormonal balance and reduce inflammation.

Flaxseeds

• Flaxseeds and sesame seeds contain lignans that support estrogen metabolism.

Fermented Foods

• Yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut provide probiotics to support a healthy vaginal microbiome.

Berries

• Blueberries and raspberries are high in antioxidants, which support circulation and protect against oxidative stress.

Avocados

• Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamin B6, and potassium, which are essential for libido and hormonal health.

Dark Chocolate

• High-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) can enhance mood and increase blood flow due to its flavonoid content.

Pumpkin Seeds

• These seeds are high in zinc, which is crucial for sexual health and hormone production.

A Simple Recipe for Hormonal and Intimate Health

This delicious smoothie is packed with ingredients that support hormonal balance, healthy circulation, and overall vitality.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened nut milk or coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
• ½ avocado
• ½ cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
• 1 scoop protein powder (SO CLEAN)
• A handful of spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

This smoothie is a quick and easy way to nourish your body and support feminine health. Here is the breakdown:

Smoothie Calorie Breakdown:

Unsweetened Almond Milk (1 cup) – 30 calories

• A light base for the smoothie, contributing minimal calories.

Flaxseeds (1 tablespoon) – 37 calories

• A small but calorie-dense addition, rich in healthy fats and fiber for hormone support.

Avocado (1/2, ~75g) – 120 calories

• Provides creamy texture along with healthy monounsaturated fats for hormonal health and energy.

Frozen Mixed Berries (1/2 cup, ~75g) – 35 calories

• Natural sweetness and antioxidants with low calorie content.

So Clean Protein Powder (2 scoops, ~26g) – 210 calories

• A significant source of protein to balance the macronutrient profile and support muscle repair.

Total: 432 calories

Additional Tips for Intimate Health

• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports circulation and vaginal moisture.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can disrupt hormone production, so incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation.
• Regular Movement: Movement 2-3 times a week improves circulation and supports our overall health.

By incorporating these foods and lifestyle practices, you can support your intimate health naturally. Functional nutrition is not just about eating; it’s about nourishing your body and mind for optimal vitality and well-being by being mindful of the choices we make, supporting the ones we want to see long term, bringing vitality and balance back into our lives.

Written by Dr. Christine James, ND and Sarah Eno, FNTP