Rather than seeking treatment after illness, it is better to nurture health before illness occurs.
Using dietary supplements to nourish the body can reduce the likelihood of kidney deficiency, which is a commendable approach. However, if symptoms of kidney deficiency are already present, the foods used for dietary supplementation also need to be adjusted accordingly.
This is because kidney deficiency can be categorized into different patterns, among which Kidney Yin Deficiency (Shen Yin Xu) and Kidney Yang Deficiency (Shen Yang Xu) are the most common. The focus of nourishment for the two differs, and adjustments should be made based on one’s specific kidney deficiency pattern.
So how do we differentiate between Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency?
This requires judgment based on the body’s manifestations, as Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency exhibit different symptoms.
If it is Kidney Yang Deficiency (Shen Yang Xu), it often leads to external cold. Symptoms include lack of energy, easy fatigue, lower back pain, weakness in the legs, frequent urination, and incontinence. The body is weak and prone to cold, requiring warming and tonifying treatments.
If it is Kidney Yin Deficiency (Shen Yin Xu), it often leads to internal heat. Symptoms include night sweats, insomnia, irritability, difficulty controlling emotions, and dizziness. There may also be excessive sweating in the palms, soles, and chest.
Once the type of kidney deficiency is confirmed, dietary adjustments should be made accordingly.
For Yang deficiency leading to internal cold, those with Kidney Yang Deficiency can choose warming foods such as ginger (Sheng Jiang), longan (Gui Yuan), chestnuts (Li Zi), and walnuts (He Tao) for cooking. These foods are easy to prepare and suitable for quick cooking after work. Lamb (Yang Rou) and eel (Shan Yu) are also good for tonifying Yang, and can be cooked according to personal energy needs.
Kidney Yang Deficiency should primarily focus on warming and tonifying Yang, and one may also take Gui Fu Di Huang Wan under the guidance of a physician.
Those with Kidney Yin Deficiency can consume foods that nourish Yin and moisten dryness, such as winter melon (Dong Gua) and lily bulbs (Bai He). They may also take Liang Wei Di Huang Wan for treatment, which consists of Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, and Shan Yao (the “Three Tonics”) and Fu Ling, Ze Xie, and Dan Pi (the “Three Drainers”). This formula tonifies Yin gently, making it suitable for those with Yin Deficiency.
Moreover, contemporary young people’s tastes tend to lean towards stimulating foods, with spicy, salty, and oily diets putting considerable pressure on the kidneys. Whether it is Kidney Yang Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency, reducing the intake of such foods is beneficial for health.
In addition to dietary supplements, there are many good methods for nourishing the kidneys in daily life.
Maintaining a calm and unhurried mindset also contributes to kidney nourishment. The complexities of young people’s lives can easily lead to irritability, and if there is no outlet for this frustration, it can become a breeding ground for illness.
A disturbed mind can lead to various ailments, and it also affects the recovery from kidney deficiency. Maintaining personal physical and mental health is equally important.
If one finds it difficult to regulate emotions, it may help to talk to friends or seek medical assistance. After a busy workday, taking a walk to relax and maintaining a balanced work rhythm is advisable.
Additionally, appropriate exercise is also beneficial for kidney nourishment.
After work, one can engage in slow jogging during leisure time, and take a leisurely walk after meals to aid digestion. Gentle activities such as Tai Chi (Tai Ji), Wu Qin Xi, and yoga are excellent choices.
After experiencing kidney deficiency, it is best to avoid intense exercise, as the body’s functions may not support high-intensity workouts, and excessive exercise can be counterproductive.
In daily life, maintaining a reasonable routine is also helpful for kidney nourishment.
Staying up late playing on the phone and delaying sleep puts considerable pressure on the kidneys.
What should be a time for rest and recovery becomes a period of overwork for the kidneys, which is detrimental to kidney nourishment. Maintaining a reasonable sleep schedule and facing the new day with sufficient energy is beneficial for mental health and is a good remedy for kidney nourishment.
If you are unsure whether you have kidney deficiency or are unclear about the type and degree of your kidney deficiency, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly when feeling unwell, follow the physician’s diagnosis, and take medication as prescribed. At the same time, develop the aforementioned reasonable daily habits to scientifically and healthily nourish the kidneys.
Warm Reminder:
1. Over-the-counter medications should be taken according to the instructions or under medical advice; please read the instructions carefully before use.
2. Prescription medications should be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician.3. Use medications cautiously; TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, and different conditions require different medications. Therefore, if you feel unwell, it is best to consult a qualified physician at a local hospital.
4. For patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, or liver disease, if feeling unwell, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and not to self-medicate.
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