Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is naturally alkaline, and adding it to the water raises the pH and alkalinity. Baking soda isn’t always the best chemical to use. In such cases, it’s better to use soda ash (sodium carbonate) to raise the pH. It does so quickly, without affecting total alkalinity.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base. This means that when people dissolve baking soda in water, it forms an alkaline solution. For example, a 0.1 molar solution of baking soda has a pH of around 8.3.

Lemon juice will lower pH when added to water. Lemon juice has a pH of about 2.3 (very acidic), while most water is in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 for pH (slightly acidic to somewhat basic). Lemon juice lowers the pH of water, but it can also kill beneficial bacteria. Flavonoids give lemons their antimicrobial properties.

Typically, you use acids to lower the pH level in your water. Hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid) lowers pH levels in water. You can purchase muriatic acid at most hardware stores; it is typically used to clean bricks.

Soda ash/sodium hydroxide injection This treatment method is used if water is acidic (low pH). Soda ash (sodium carbonate) and sodium hydroxide raise the pH of water to near neutral when injected into a water system. Unlike neutralizing filters, they do not cause hardness problems in treated water.

Add lime, wood ash or a specially formulated solution to the water to raise the pH, or add sulfur, phosphoric acid or a pH-lowering solution lower the pH. If you’re adding solid materials to a liquid solution, allow the material to soak in the water for a few hours to allow it to “steep.”

Signs and symptoms of an unbalanced vaginal pH

1. a foul or fishy smell.
2. unusual white, gray, or green discharge.
3. vaginal itching.
4. burning when you urinate.

Natural remedies to restore balance

1. Avoiding harsh soaps and douching. Soaps typically have a high pH, and using them to clean the vaginal area may increase vaginal pH.
2. Taking a probiotic supplement or suppository.
3. Changing tampons regularly.
4. Using barrier protection during sex.

Cranberry juice Compounds in cranberries could balance the vagina’s pH level, and its acidic property helps fight bacteria that cause infections.

Even “pH balanced” soaps, including Dove, are generally at a 7, which is neutral, but still too alkaline to be truly good for skin. Because of clever marketing and “1/4 moisturizer!” claims, Dove soap is commonly viewed as a gentle moisturizing cleansing bar.

If you’re looking for a healthy feminine wash, here are a few of the best on the market.

• Best Overall: Dove Sensitive Skin Bath Bars.
• Best Budget: Basis Sensitive Skin Bar.
• Best for Yeast Infection: CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar Soap.
• Best Natural: Good Clean Love Balance Moisturizing Wash.

Instead of using your normal peach-flavored body wash on your vulva, opt for a mild, unscented soap, such as a Dove beauty bar or a pH-safe wash (check the labels). Just remember, no going inside of the labia. You can also try using pH-correct wipes.

While soap doesn’t cause yeast infections per se, it should be avoided in all women, but most especially in those with problems with frequent vaginal discharge or irritation.

A new study by University of Michigan Health System researchers finds that the presence of yeast in male sex partners do not make women more prone to recurrent yeast infections.

Here are some of the most common causes of yeast infections and their fixes: The Wrong Body Wash – Using body washes and soaps that have the wrong pH and use harsh ingredients like sulfates, glycerin, parabens can help cause yeast infections.

Can you get it from bath water? It’s unlikely that a yeast infection can be transmitted directly through bath water, but there are some caveats that you should keep in mind. As a rule, showers are better than baths when you’re in the process of treating a yeast infection.

In reality, you cannot “catch” a yeast infection from someone else if you use their bathwater. Instead, people with a yeast infection may choose to take showers, use water and unscented soaps to clean themselves, thoroughly dry their bodies after showering, and regularly launder their towels and washcloths.

There is no scientific proof that periods will “flush” a yeast infection. It’s possible to have a yeast infection during your period, and it can be especially uncomfortable. It’s important to consult a health care provider if you have symptoms of a yeast infection during your period.