What to eat for yang deficiency
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xueying
Introduction
Kidney deficiency can be divided into yin deficiency and yang deficiency. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the key to tonifying the kidneys lies in first identifying whether it is kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, or kidney qi deficiency. Individuals with yang deficiency should consume more warming foods that nourish kidney yang and strengthen spleen yang, such as rice, dog meat, lamb, chicken, pork belly, Poria (Poria cocos), leeks, chili peppers, sword beans, and cinnamon bark. Those with yang deficiency accompanied by constipation should eat warming, moistening foods that promote bowel movements.
Yang deficiency can affect marital life, reduce one's sense of happiness, and negatively impact work and daily living. What should one eat for yang deficiency?
What to Eat for Yang Deficiency
Kidney deficiency can be categorized into yin deficiency and yang deficiency. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the key to tonifying the kidneys lies in first identifying whether it is kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, or kidney qi deficiency. Those with yang deficiency should consume more warm-natured foods that nourish kidney yang and support spleen yang, such as rice, dog meat, lamb, chicken, pork belly, poria (Poria cocos), leeks, chili peppers, hyacinth beans, and cinnamon bark. Individuals with yang deficiency and constipation should eat warming, moistening foods that promote bowel movements, such as walnut kernels, dried scallops, sea cucumber, and sea shrimp. Those with yang deficiency accompanied by diarrhea should opt for warming, nourishing, and anti-diarrheal foods like glutinous rice, carp, river shrimp, dried ginger, and Sichuan pepper.
Walnuts. Sweet and warm in nature, entering the kidney and lung meridians. Functions include tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the lower back, consolidating essence, stopping diarrhea, warming the lungs to relieve asthma, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. This food is suitable for constipation caused by spleen-kidney yang deficiency or intestinal dryness. It is not recommended for individuals with heat syndromes, yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire, or diarrhea.
Lamb is sweet and warm in nature, entering the kidney and spleen meridians. Its functions include replenishing deficiencies, invigorating qi, warming the middle burner, and dispelling cold. It is suitable for conditions such as spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, cold pain in the abdomen, and vomiting due to deficiency-cold. It should be avoided by those with heat syndromes, yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, or skin sores. Also, it should not be consumed together with buckwheat or pumpkin. People with yang deficiency may generally consume warm or hot foods, but moderation is important—excessive intake may impair body fluids and lead to symptoms of yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health and a happy life.
