Top 9 Foods that Fight STDs

As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” What you eat impacts your overall health and wellness. Eating healthy, nutritious food can support your immune system, which benefits that extend to your sexual health. Did you know that there are foods that fight STDs?

Most sexually transmitted infections stem from viruses and bacteria that spread during sexual contact. Several common foods have antiviral or antibacterial properties that can boost your immune system and help your body fight infections.

You should always consult a doctor if you are having STD symptoms, but let’s dive into some foods you can include in your diet to improve your overall health.

All About STDs

Most STDs spread through contact with an infected person’s semen, saliva, or genitals. Some common STDs include:

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV/AIDS

Untreated STDs can lead to issues like infertility or ectopic pregnancy, but the good news is that STD testing is easy and accessible. With a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD testing, a doctor can diagnose you and prescribe the necessary treatment. Most STDs are treatable and won’t affect your life long-term.

How to Protect Yourself from STDs

Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infection starts with these steps:

• Get tested regularly: Knowing your STD testing status is crucial to your sexual health.
• Communicate with your partner(s): Keep clear lines of communication open to maintain your sexual health and theirs.
• Use condoms: When used correctly, condoms are highly protective against STDs
• Get vaccinated: People of all genders should get the HPV vaccine.

How to Know if You Have an STD

While symptoms alone cannot tell you for sure that you have an STD, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or Rapid STD Testing to schedule same-day STD testing:

• Bumps, sores, or a rash near the genitals or anus
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Cramping or pain in the pelvic area, groin, or abdomen
• Painful urination or sexual activity
• Sores in the mouth
• Aches, pains, chills, or fever

Top 9 Foods Against STDs

Though consulting your doctor should be your first defense against STDs, everyday foods and herbs have proven helpful in naturally supporting your immune system to fight off infections.

If you’re wondering about herbs for STD treatment, here are some foods that fight STDs and can support your sexual health.

Ginger

Useful for killing off oral pathogens, ginger is a natural antibiotic that’s a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for helping with bacterial infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.

It can help fend off yeast infections and even reduce the pain associated with some STDs. Ginger is also excellent for fighting nausea from illness or food poisoning!

Can ginger cure syphilis infections? No, ginger is not a substitute for doctor-prescribed antibiotics. Scientists are still studying the effects of ginger on bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Garlic

Fresh garlic contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. One of the oldest natural healing foods, it can fight off many infectious diseases like vaginal yeast infections. While it won’t cure chlamydia naturally, garlic is good to eat when you’re treating chlamydia with antibiotics.

Garlic also contains a chemical compound called allicin that kills germs and strengthens the immune system. 

Honey

Containing lots sugar, hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, and peptide bee defensin, honey has a low pH and antibacterial properties. If you eat raw natural honey, an enzyme called glucose oxidase in the honey can help kill bacteria. Just make sure you choose raw, organic honey—high-fructose corn syrup with honey flavoring won’t offer the same benefits.

Cabbage

This vegetable is a detoxifying powerhouse full of antibacterial properties that are good for your liver, bladder, and colon, especially if you’re dealing with HPV. Some studies show that cabbage can inhibit cancer growth, so this leafy vegetable benefits your immune system in more ways than one.

Horseradish

You can eat horseradish to naturally treat a urinary tract infection, thanks to its antimicrobial properties. This food is especially popular as a natural remedy for sinus infections, bronchitis, and urinary bladder infections.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil isn’t just good for your moisturizing your hair and skin. Coconut oil an effective antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, and it contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which can help fight yeast infections.

Coconut oil is even a fantastic lubricant that works double time in reducing bacteria exchange during sexual activity.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known as an at-home treatment for genital warts. Applying a small amount to genital warts kills the virus and helps clear up outbreaks, but it may irritate your skin, so speak to your doctor instead of relying solely on your pantry for treatment.

Turmeric

With powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is also a potent antibacterial due to a compound called curcumin, which is known to yield many health benefits, including helping with arthritis and general pain. If you have painful swelling around your genitals due to an STI, try some turmeric-infused recipes.

Cranberry Juice

Containing an antibacterial property, cranberries offer natural prevention for urinary tract infections and pelvic inflammatory disease. Berries like cranberries are also helpful in combating heart disease.

Most Effective Treatment for STDs

While certain foods that fight STDs can help support your health, it’s essential to consult your doctor when treating sexually transmitted infections. Modern medicine has effective treatment options for common STDs, including:

• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Standard treatment is antiviral and topical medication, with suppressive therapy for those who experience frequent breakouts. 
• Chlamydia: Instead of relying on herbs to cure chlamydia (which won’t work), you can clear up the infection with a course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes. Retest after three months to ensure that the infection has cleared.
• Syphilis: Most doctors recommend early treatment with Penicillin for syphilis infections. If you’re allergic to Penicillin, alternatives like Azithromycin are available.
• Gonorrhea: Your doctor may prescribe multiple antibiotics to fight a gonorrhea infection due to some strains developing antibiotic resistance.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): With no standard treatment, warts may clear up on their own. Your doctor may prescribe topical medication, freeze removal, or surgery for persistent warts. Removing warts does not cure the virus; you can still transmit HPV to others. 
• Trichomoniasis: Treated with antibiotics, the cure rate of Trichomoniasis is almost 90%.

When taking antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe pills, injections, or a topical cream. Whatever the type of antibiotic, always complete the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms go away.

The First Step in Treating Any STD Is Getting Tested

Can STDs be cured naturally? The answer is no. By eating foods that fight STDs, you can support your sexual health, but you can’t cure STIs like syphilis and chlamydia just by changing your diet.

Rapid STD Testing makes testing, diagnosis, and deciding on a treatment plan easy! Find a testing center near you, and schedule your rapid STD test today!