Diet Guidelines for Kidney Yang Deficiency

The Kidney organ network not only includes our bodies’ ability to eliminate wastes through the urine, but also includes the overall reserves stored in our bodies.

A diagnosis of Kidney Yang deficiency means that the reserves that warm the body are weakened and unable to perform their functions.

A diet that includes nourishing and warming foods can help to preserve and restore Kidney Yang.

For a Kidney Yang deficiency diet it is best to:

  • Consume fresh foods that are cooked.
  • Food that is lightly prepared helps to ensures that nutrients are preserved and are more readily digested and absorbed.
  • Also eating smaller meals more frequently and enjoy meals by sitting down to relax while you eat and chewing thoroughly to savor flavors is recommended.
  • Warming foods and spices like animal meats and cinnamon are recommended.
  • Cold natured foods such as raw vegetables need to be avoided to avoid further damaging the Energy.
  • Where ever possible choose organically grown foods.

Specific foods for Kidney Yang deficiency

  • Cooked grains, soups, rice, oats, roasted barley, sweet rice, spelt
  • Parsnips, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, pumpkin, squash, carrots, yams, peas,
  • Garlic, turnip, stewed fruits
  • Chick peas, black beans, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachios
  • Lamb, beef, chicken, lamb, goat and beef kidneys
  • Mackerel, tuna, anchovy, salmon
  • Black pepper, fresh ginger, dry ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary,
  • Turmeric, star anise, nutmeg, fenugreek, chives, spring onions, fennel,
  • Molasses, rice syrup, barley malt, dates

Foods to restrict or avoid

  • Raw fruits, raw vegetables, sprouts, spinach, salads
  • Soybeans, tofu, soy milk, long grain rice, seaweeds
  • Dairy (cheese, milk, yogurt, etc.)
  • Cold foods like ice cream or smoothies
  • Iced drinks including ice water
  • Excessive salt, vinegar and refined sugars