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
