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Vestibulitis Diet

Vestibulitis is a disease of inflammation that affects the vestibule, the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina, causing both pain and surface irritation. Vestibulitis is indiscriminate, striking women at any age and affecting them regardless of sexual history. Although the cause of Vestibulitis is unknown, physicians are able to treat this condition through a combination of prescription medications and a restricted diet.

  1. Vestibulitis and Diet

    • A solid dietary approach for treating Vestibulitis will attempt to minimize foods and substances that trigger inflammation or irritation in the affected region. The best diet for treating Vestibulitis is an elimination diet, a dietary plan consisting of a list of foods that you should not consume. In treating Vestibulitis, the key is to reduce consumption of acidic foods that will alter the pH content of the urine, which would otherwise trigger irritation as it leaves the body. According to the Interstitial Cystitis Association, a low-carbohydrate, low-oxalate diet is best for helping people overcome Vestibulitis naturally.

    Diet Recommendations

    • Oxalates are extremely acidic chemicals that are present in a variety of foods that can easily upset the normal balance of your urine, leading to unnecessary irritation. Acidic foods containing oxalates include eggplant, grapes, rutabaga, squash, tofu, spinach, green peppers, chocolate, peanuts, beans, celery, berries and beer. Remember that low-oxalate diet is not a "no-oxalate" diet, so you can consume foods that contain oxalates in limited quantities as long as you do not notice a relapse of symptoms. Beyond that, you should keep your diet as low-carb as possible--aim for less than 50 grams a day, with the majority of your carbs coming from fruits and vegetables. Try to split your carbs evenly across your daily meals if possible. Beyond that, fill your diet with plenty of lean protein (low-fat beef, chicken, turkey, and fish) and unsaturated fats such as almonds, olive oil and fish oil.

    Monitoring Progress

    • Note that tolerance levels for oxalates between individuals can vary greatly. Thus, in attempting to ascertain the amount of oxalates you can consume without suffering, it might help to keep a food journal for a few weeks. List the oxalate-containing foods you consume and your resulting symptoms, and over time you will develop an accurate picture of what you are able to eat without irritating your condition.

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