Can loach tonify the kidneys and enhance yang?
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, loach has certain kidney-tonifying and yang-enhancing supportive effects. However, it can only be used as a dietary therapy ingredient and cannot replace medical treatment with medications. In daily life, to maintain kidney health, in addition to moderately consuming dietary ingredients such as loach, one should also maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in appropriate physical exercise, which is more beneficial for maintaining stable bodily functions.
Generally speaking, loach has certain auxiliary effects in tonifying the kidneys and enhancing yang, but it should only be regarded as a dietary therapy ingredient and cannot replace medical treatment. The detailed analysis is as follows:
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), loach has a sweet taste and neutral nature, and is associated with the kidney meridian. It is traditionally believed to benefit the spleen and kidneys, promote diuresis, and detoxify the body, thus providing supportive improvement for symptoms such as fatigue and soreness in the lower back and knees caused by kidney deficiency. In terms of nutritional content, loach is rich in high-quality protein, amino acids, and essential minerals like zinc and selenium. Moderate consumption can help supplement nutrients and indirectly support kidney function regulation.
When consuming loach, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and fully cooked to avoid parasitic infections. Intake should also be moderated, as excessive consumption may increase gastrointestinal burden, leading to discomforts such as bloating and indigestion. Moreover, kidney deficiency can manifest in various types, and调理 methods should be individualized—relying solely on loach is unlikely to address the underlying issues.
In daily life, to maintain kidney health, in addition to moderately consuming dietary ingredients like loach, one should also maintain regular作息, avoid overexertion, and engage in appropriate physical exercise, all of which contribute to maintaining stable bodily functions.
