Due to high work pressure, many men in modern society experience symptoms of kidney deficiency and lack of vitality. Many people say that eating pork kidneys can nourish the kidneys. Is this statement reliable? What foods can nourish the kidneys?
Is it true that pork kidneys can nourish the kidneys?
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney is the source of life, especially emphasizing its impact on sexual ability. In addition, the deep-rooted belief that "eating what you lack" has made pork kidneys a popular choice for kidney nourishment.
This statement seems to have some basis, but nutrition experts point out that the claim that pork kidneys can nourish the kidneys is not reliable. In traditional Chinese medicine, the term "kidney" does not only refer to the physical organ, but has a much broader meaning. It is believed that the kidneys are the foundation of prenatal life, the root of life, the rulers of water, the receptors of qi, the masters of bones, the producers of marrow and brain, the essence of hair, the storers of essence, and the regulators of the ears and reproductive organs.
Based on the above explanations, it can be seen that in traditional Chinese medicine, "kidney" encompasses not only the physical organ of the kidneys but also the functions of other organs and tissues, including the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, bladder, nervous system, and male and female reproductive organs. Even from the perspective of using form to nourish form, it is a stretch to claim that the "form" of pork kidneys can nourish the "form" of various organs.
Can these foods really nourish the kidneys? Actually, no. The livers and kidneys of pigs, cows, and sheep contain varying amounts of the heavy metal cadmium. Cadmium can induce degenerative changes in male reproductive organs such as the testes and epididymis, ultimately leading to reduced fertility. In addition to cadmium, lead can also directly affect the core organ of the male reproductive system, the testes, causing a decrease in sperm count, an increase in sperm deformity rate, and a decrease in sperm motility, all of which can affect fertility.
What foods can nourish the kidneys?
1. Lotus seeds
Lotus seeds have a neutral nature and a sweet and bitter taste. They can nourish the heart, kidneys, spleen, and help to retain fluids. They are suitable for people with weak constitution, seminal emission, and premature ejaculation, especially those with heart and kidney disharmony leading to seminal emission. As the Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen said, "Lotus meat clears the heart and nourishes the essence, harmonizes the ascending and descending functions of the body, and achieves the miraculous effect of harmonizing the heart and kidneys." Lotus seeds have been used in famous formulas for treating "heart and kidney disharmony leading to seminal emission" such as Qingxin Lianzi Decoction and Ruilian Pill, as well as for treating "emission during dreams" in formulas like Lianrou San.
2. Ginkgo nuts
Ginkgo nuts, also known as white nuts, are recommended to be steamed, fried, or stewed before consumption by people with seminal emission. Li Shizhen stated, "Cooked ginkgo nuts warm the lungs, benefit the qi, relieve cough, shrink urine, and stop leukorrhea. They have a thin qi, thick taste, astringent nature, and contracting effect." In "Bencao Zai Xin", it is believed that ginkgo nuts "nourish the qi, nourish the heart, and nourish the kidneys." Ginkgo nuts are commonly used in folk medicine to treat seminal emission. For example, in "Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine", it is mentioned that ginkgo nuts "treat seminal emission and nocturnal enuresis." In "Hunan Medicinal Plant Records", it is recommended, "Treat emission during dreams: Take three ginkgo nuts, cook them in alcohol, and eat them continuously for four to five days." Professor Ye Juquan from China Pharmaceutical University has two recommendations. The first is to take 10 grams of ginkgo nuts, fry them and steep them in water, add sugar, and eat the soup. Alternatively, grind them into powder after frying and take it with water. The second is to take 2-3 raw ginkgo nuts, grind them into powder, take an egg, make a small hole in it, stuff the ginkgo nut powder into the egg, seal it with paper, and steam it on top of a rice cooker. Eat 1-2 eggs daily.
3. Goji berries
Goji berries have a neutral nature and a sweet taste. They are known for their ability to nourish the kidneys, liver, nourish essence, improve eyesight, strengthen tendons and bones, relieve lower back pain, and prolong life. They are especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly people with kidney deficiency. Goji berries can be made into tea for long-term consumption. As recorded in "Bencao Tongxuan", "Goji berries nourish the kidneys and essence, strengthen the bones with abundant water, and can alleviate thirst, blurred vision, lower back pain, and knee pain." "Bencao Jing Shu" also states, "Goji berries are essential for liver and kidney yin deficiency, fatigue, and internal heat. Among the elderly, about seventy to eighty percent suffer from yin deficiency, so it is regarded as the top-grade food for nourishing essence and improving eyesight."
4. Honey
Honey contains endocrine substances from the reproductive glands, which have significant biological activity in stimulating the glands. It is recommended for individuals with weakened body or diminished sexual function due to age to regularly consume honey products.
5. Seaweed
Seaweed contains a higher amount of sulfur than other plants and animals. Sulfur deficiency can lead to a decline in male reproductive function and reduced libido. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly consume seaweed such as kelp, nori, and sea cucumber.
