Protecting your kidneys can help you live longer

There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine that goes “If you want to live longer, protect your kidneys.” Although the meaning of "kidney" is different in Chinese and Western medicine, this sentence applies to both. Old Chinese medicine practitioners remind us that if people can protect their kidneys and reduce the incidence of kidney diseases, their overall life expectancy will increase.

What foods should we eat to maintain kidney health?

1. Meat

Bone marrow: It can moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys, make the skin moist and the complexion rosy. It is suitable for people with kidney deficiency, weak body, and loss of essence and blood.

Pig kidney: can replenish kidney deficiency, mainly treat back pain, spermatorrhea, night sweats, and ear diseases caused by kidney deficiency.

Loach: Rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins and niacin, etc. It has the effects of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi, nourishing the kidney and producing essence. Adult men can drink loach soup regularly to nourish their bodies, enhance their physical strength and improve their sexual function.

Quail: Quail meat is not only tender and delicious, but also rich in nutrients. Quail meat and quail eggs contain a variety of essential amino acids, inorganic salts, etc. It has the effect of replenishing kidney qi and strengthening the waist and knees, and is a wonderful tonic.

Mutton: In "Bencao Shiyi", mutton is compared with ginseng, and is considered to be a top-grade meat that can warm the body, strengthen the body and improve health. Modern nutrition science has also confirmed that mutton is not only rich in nutrients, but also contains trace amounts of sex hormones, which do have an aphrodisiac effect. However, mutton should not be eaten with vinegar or tea, otherwise it will reduce the aphrodisiac effect, produce tannic acid protein, and cause constipation.

Pigeon meat: Pigeons are also known as "white phoenixes". Male and female pigeons mate frequently and have strong reproductive abilities. Pigeon meat and pigeon eggs are rich in protein, chondroitin, vitamins, iron, zinc and other nutrients. It has the effects of nourishing the kidney, replenishing essence, warming yang and invigorating qi.

Dried scallops: can nourish the kidney and yin, and are especially suitable for people with kidney yin deficiency.

Sea bass: It can nourish the spleen and stomach, moisten the liver and kidneys, and benefit the tendons and bones. It is suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach, and liver and kidney yin deficiency.

Sea cucumber: It can replenish kidney yang and is a good aphrodisiac. It is suitable for people with kidney deficiency.

Shrimp: can nourish the kidneys, strengthen yang, and invigorate kidney qi. It can be taken by those who suffer from kidney yang deficiency, such as soreness of waist and legs, impotence, and infertility.

Mulberry: It can nourish the liver and kidneys, nourish yin and nourish the skin. It is especially suitable for people with kidney yin deficiency.

Yam: It can strengthen the spleen and kidneys, replenish the deficiency and strengthen the essence. It is suitable for people with kidney deficiency to eat it regularly.

Hawthorn: Contains ursolic acid, which can reduce the deposition of animal fat in blood vessel walls and has a certain effect in preventing or alleviating arteriosclerosis. For example, you can eat some fresh hawthorn, drink water soaked with dried hawthorn, or add hawthorn to stewed meat, which can not only add flavor but also aid digestion.

Sesame: It can moisten the liver and kidneys, and is suitable for people with kidney deficiency who suffer from sore waist and weak legs, dizziness, tinnitus, dry and falling hair, and premature graying of hair.

Chestnut: It can nourish the spleen and stomach, is good for the kidney and nourishes yang, and is most suitable for people with kidney deficiency and low back pain.

Walnut: It can nourish the kidney and strengthen essence, moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements, and strengthen the muscles and bones. It is especially suitable for people with kidney yin deficiency.

5. Drinks

Boiled water: Boiled water should be kept fresh, drink 3-4 times a day, 1 small bowl each time. Boiled water can increase circulating blood volume, enhance liver cell vitality, and facilitate the elimination of metabolic waste, thereby protecting the liver.

Green tea: clears away heat, detoxifies, helps digestion and relieves greasiness.

Rose tea: soothes the liver and relieves depression.

Lycium barbarum: It can nourish the kidney and liver, improve essence and eyesight. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly people with kidney deficiency, and has the effect of prolonging life.

Cordyceps sinensis: It can protect the lungs and kidneys, strengthen kidney essence, and is suitable for people with kidney deficiency.

Eucommia ulmoides: It can nourish the liver and kidneys, improve the essence and energy, strengthen the tendons and bones, and is especially effective for low back pain and weakness in the limbs caused by kidney deficiency.

Gorgon fruit: It can nourish the kidney and spleen, and is suitable for people with spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, and frequent urination.