Astragalus, as a common traditional Chinese medicinal material, is widely believed to be able to tonify qi and blood. Although there are rumors that frequent consumption of Astragalus water may lead to kidney failure, kidney specialists point out that Astragalus actually has a certain protective effect on the kidneys. Traditional Chinese medicine theory holds that Astragalus has a warm nature and sweet taste, and moderate use can effectively enhance the body’s immune function and antibacterial ability, so soaking Astragalus in water will not pose a threat to kidney health. On the contrary, traditional Chinese medicinal materials containing aristolochic acid, such as Aristolochia debilis, Guanmutong, Cinnabar, and Tien-Hsien Liquidambar, are the real culprits of kidney damage.
In daily life, certain habits may quietly harm kidney health:
– Excessive greasy diet: a preference for greasy foods not only increases the burden on the kidneys but also can lead to obesity and related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, thereby potentially damaging kidney blood vessels, increasing the risk of kidney disease. – Inadequate water intake: dehydration leads to concentrated urine, increases the risk of calcium salt deposition, promotes the formation of kidney stones, and may cause urinary system infections. – Preference for salty taste: a high-salt diet forces the kidneys to work overload, increases the risk of hypertension, disrupts kidney blood flow, and may lead to long-term kidney function damage. – Frequent staying up late: lack of adequate sleep depletes yang qi, in traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the foundation of yin and yang, staying up late can lead to kidney deficiency, manifesting symptoms like sexual dysfunction. – Habit of holding urine: urine retention can easily lead to bacterial growth in the bladder, once ascending infection affects the kidneys, it can cause nephritis and even uremia. – Enjoying sugary drinks: sugar, caffeine, and phosphate in these drinks can promote calcium loss, elevate urine calcium levels, and increase the risk of kidney stones.
In summary, correct use of Astragalus will not harm the kidneys, but maintaining good lifestyle habits is the cornerstone of protecting kidney health. Avoiding excessive greasy diet, ensuring sufficient water intake, controlling salt and sugar intake, maintaining regular sleep habits, timely urination are crucial for preventing kidney diseases. If any of the above bad habits exist, adjustments should be made promptly to reduce potential harm to the kidneys.
