When the kidney qi is deficient, we can improve this condition by adjusting our diet and lifestyle habits. In terms of diet, choose foods that are beneficial to kidney health, such as goji berries, black sesame, leeks, lotus seeds, and eggs, all of which are nourishing for the kidneys. Conversely, reduce the intake of foods that may cause kidney deficiency, such as unrefined seed oil, bamboo shoots, celery, winter melon, almonds, and water chestnuts. Especially in spring, pay attention to food choices, focusing on tonifying the kidneys and avoiding kidney deficiency.
Good lifestyle habits are equally important for maintaining kidney health. Ensure an adequate amount of rest, a well-balanced diet, regular daily routines, moderate exercise, especially strengthening exercises for the waist, and foot massages and alternating hot and cold water baths before bed can effectively promote blood circulation and enhance kidney function.
Exercise is an essential part of maintaining overall health, such as practicing anal contractions, which not only improves physical fitness but also has a nourishing effect on the kidneys. Paying attention to signals of one’s own health is also crucial; kidney deficiency may manifest as hair loss, irregular menstruation, aversion to cold, emotional fluctuations, lower back pain, and memory decline. Once these signs are noticed, timely and scientifically kidney nourishing methods should be adopted.
It is important not to blindly tonify the kidneys, as improper use of medications may burden the kidneys, especially for those with existing renal impairments. Inappropriate kidney tonification may also interfere with the correct diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
For insufficient kidney qi, the following foods are recommended: sesame can tonify the liver and kidneys, nourish the five viscera; millet can nourish kidney qi; cowpeas (mung beans) are helpful for kidney deficiency regulation; beef marrow, dog meat, and lamb bones can warm and tonify kidney yang; pig kidneys and clams are also good choices for tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the body. Combining dietary therapy with good lifestyle habits can effectively alleviate the discomfort caused by insufficient kidney qi and improve quality of life.
