Hello everyone, I am Old Liu!
The kidneys are known as the “foundation of vitality.” They not only relate to reproduction but also serve as the source of energy and life force in the body. There is an old saying: “A strong kidney means a healthy body; a weak kidney leads to illness.” The fast pace and high pressure of modern society have caused many male friends to unknowingly deplete their body’s “kidney energy.” Today, let’s discuss five signs that often indicate poor kidney health in men, hoping that you can prepare in advance and take precautions.
waking up tired and unable to lift your spirits
“The plan for the day lies in the morning,” which should be a time of energy and refreshment, yet some men still feel weak all over after waking, as if they haven’t slept all night.
According to the latest health research report, about 30% of adult men experience poor sleep quality due to decreased kidney function, frequently waking at night, which in turn affects their mental state in the morning. This is not just a simple case of “not enough sleep,” but one of the signals of weakened kidney function.
Countermeasure: Adjust your daily routine to ensure sufficient sleep; consume black foods (such as black sesame and black beans) in moderation, as traditional Chinese medicine believes black foods benefit the kidneys and help nourish kidney energy.
Weak waist and knees, unable to exert strength
The “waist is the home of the kidneys,” and kidney deficiency leads to weak waist and knees, making walking difficult. In modern workplaces, a sedentary lifestyle with little exercise has made this symptom increasingly common among young men. Statistics show that men who work long hours at a desk have a nearly 50% higher risk of kidney function decline compared to those who exercise regularly. This not only affects daily life quality but may also be a reminder from the body that it’s time to pay attention to kidney health.
Countermeasure: Regularly perform exercises for the waist, such as yoga or jogging; appropriately supplement calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bone health, which also helps restore kidney function.
Frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and nighttime urination
The kidneys are vital organs in the urinary system, and any issues with them are most intuitively reflected by abnormal urination. Increased nighttime urination, especially more than twice, or frequent and urgent urination during the day, are signs of decreased kidney function. Research shows that those who frequently wake up at night to urinate have a significantly higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
Countermeasure: Reduce sodium intake to avoid increasing the burden on the kidneys; avoid drinking large amounts of water before bed; if symptoms persist, see a doctor for examinations.
Early graying of hair and severe hair loss
“The health of the hair reflects the kidneys,” and the growth and luster of hair directly indicate kidney health. When kidney essence is insufficient, hair easily loses nourishment, becoming dry and brittle, and can even turn gray or fall out prematurely. In modern society, many men experience this phenomenon earlier due to high work pressure and irregular lifestyle habits.
Countermeasure: Maintain a balanced diet, eating more foods rich in protein and iron; appropriately massage the scalp to promote blood circulation; use mild hair care products to reduce chemical damage.
Declining memory and slow reaction times
Traditional Chinese medicine believes “the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow,” meaning that the strength of kidney function directly impacts the memory and reaction speed of the brain. Insufficient kidney essence and lack of nourishment to the brain can result in memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and slow reaction times. This is undoubtedly a significant challenge for professionals who need high concentration.
Countermeasure: Ensure adequate sleep to give the brain sufficient rest; consume beneficial foods like walnuts and sesame in moderation; maintain a positive mindset and engage in brain-training activities, such as reading and solving puzzles.
The kidneys, this unassuming yet crucial organ, constantly affect our quality of life and health status. As men, we should pay more attention to our kidney health, starting from the little things in daily life, adjusting our routines, eating reasonably, and exercising appropriately to care for this “foundation of vitality.”
