Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "hair is the surplus of blood" and "its beauty lies in the hair". The condition of the hair is closely related to the qi and blood and the function of the organs. The growth and shedding of hair reflects the abundance or deficiency of kidney essence.
People with abundant kidney qi have thick and shiny hair, while those with insufficient kidney qi may experience hair loss, dryness, and graying. Additionally, older people often experience hair loss due to insufficient qi and blood and depleted kidney essence. If a young person experiences hair loss, it could be a sign of kidney and blood deficiency.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the consumption of grains can nourish the kidneys and promote hair growth. Throughout history, health experts have advocated for a healthy diet that includes "grains for replenishment and fruits for nourishment", meaning that the body needs to consume a certain amount of staple foods, fruits, and vegetables every day. Insufficient intake of staple foods can lead to qi and blood deficiency and insufficient kidney qi. The recommended daily intake of staple foods for a healthy adult is around 400 grams, with a minimum of 300 grams. Even during weight loss, staple foods should not be completely avoided.
Dietary Supplements
It is important to include foods that benefit the kidneys, nourish the blood, and promote hair growth in our diet. Foods such as sesame, walnut kernels, longan flesh, and dates can be beneficial for preventing hair loss. Regular consumption of foods that promote hair growth and darkening, such as soy products, fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and eggs, helps increase the raw materials for synthesizing melanin. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends consuming foods that nourish the blood and kidneys to promote dark and lustrous hair, such as walnut kernels, black sesame seeds, black beans, black dates, and black fungus. These foods are rich in protein and essential trace elements needed for hair growth and beauty.
Diet Therapy
Peanut and Red Date Stewed Pig's Trotters: 50 grams of peanuts, 10 red dates, and 500 grams of pig's trotters. Wash the peanuts, red dates, and pig's trotters, and stew them together until cooked. Consume once a week. This dish is beneficial for kidney health, spleen nourishment, and hair growth.
