Can people with spleen and kidney yang deficiency eat red dates?

Feb 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, during a medical check-up at the hospital, my doctor told me that I have some deficiency in the yang energy of the spleen and kidney. He mentioned that this can be improved through dietary adjustments. Therefore, I would like to learn more about this condition—can someone with spleen and kidney yang deficiency eat red dates (Chinese dates)?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, spleen-kidney yang deficiency is a common constitutional condition, primarily manifesting as cold intolerance, cold limbs, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, indigestion, and other related symptoms. Patients may generally consume red dates in moderation, which can help the body recover.

Red dates have the function of warming and tonifying the spleen and stomach, invigorating qi, and nourishing the blood. For patients with spleen-kidney yang deficiency, moderate consumption of red dates can provide certain benefits. Red dates can replenish qi in the spleen and stomach, enhance digestive function, improve symptoms such as poor appetite and indigestion, and help alleviate common gastrointestinal issues experienced by individuals with spleen-kidney yang deficiency. Additionally, red dates are rich in iron and vitamin C, which aid in hemoglobin synthesis, improve oxygen transport capacity in the blood, and can contribute to improving the constitution associated with yang deficiency. Although red dates are beneficial for patients with spleen-kidney yang deficiency, it is important to follow the principle of moderation, as excessive consumption may lead to an internal accumulation of damp-heat.

In daily life, patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, engage in appropriate physical activity, and maintain an optimistic mindset in order to promote overall health improvement.