How to improve your kidney health and achieve a healthy glow before pregnancy?

Traditional Chinese Medicine says "The kidneys house the prenatal essence," and since ancient times, they have been considered the source of life. The kidneys affect a woman's ability to conceive a new life, so expectant mothers must pay attention to nourishing their kidneys, not only to improve their complexion but also to help in the conception of a healthy baby. So how to nourish the kidneys before pregnancy? A more convenient way is to start with your diet.

Yam Pancakes

If you have the following problems, it means you need to tonify your kidneys:

1. You feel a soreness or coldness in your lower back.

2. You are experiencing significant hair loss.

3. You have loose teeth.

4. You are becoming more and more forgetful.

5. You have frequent urination at night.

Foods that are beneficial for kidney health

1. Yam. It is the top food choice for kidney nourishment, holding a "president" or "vice president" position in this regard, with a very significant effect. Besides nourishing the kidneys, yam also has a noticeable effect on supplementing the lungs and spleen. It is useful not only before pregnancy but also after to nourish the fetus. 50g-200g can be consumed daily.

2. Walnuts. Walnuts can slow down the consumption of kidney essence. People who persist in eating walnuts from a young age generally have better hair, teeth, and eyes in old age. At the same time, walnuts are shaped like a brain. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that "like cures like," so eating more walnuts before and during pregnancy can result in a smarter and more active child, and new mothers will recover more easily.

3. Black Dates. Traditional Chinese Medicine records that black dates are sweet, astringent, and have a cold nature. They contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, and various vitamins, with the highest content of Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. They have the effect of nourishing the spleen and stomach, and nourishing kidney yin and blood. Expectant mothers who want to nourish their kidneys can eat more black dates.

Recommended Kidney-Nourishing Recipes

【Mother Hen Stew with Cordyceps】

Mother Hen Stew with Cordyceps

Prepare 1 mother hen and 10 grams of cordyceps. First, clean the hen, removing the internal organs, and blanch it in boiling water. Place the hen and cordyceps in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer over low heat for one and a half hours. Add salt to taste before serving.

Instructions: Drink once a day for 3 to 4 consecutive days. Helps to tonify the kidneys, replenish essence, and warm the yang.

【Mutton Soup】

Goji and Ginger Mutton Soup

Prepare 250 grams of mutton, 15 grams of Epimedium, 15 grams of Curculigo, and 15 grams of ginger. Place all ingredients in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer over low heat until the mutton is tender.

Instructions: Drink once a day. Has the effect of warming the kidneys and assisting yang.

【Jujube Seed and Lily Soup】

Prepare 15 grams of jujube seeds and 50 grams of fresh lily. Soak the fresh lily in water overnight. Decoct the jujube seeds in water to make a medicinal broth, strain it, then add the lily to the broth and cook until the lily is tender.

Instructions: Take once a day, drink the soup and eat the lily. Helps to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, clear heat, and nourish yin.【Lotus Seed and Longan Soup】

Longan and Lotus Seed Soup

30 grams of lotus seeds, 30 grams of longan pulp, 20 red dates, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Soak the lotus seeds until they swell, peel and remove the cores, then wash them. Place them with the washed longan pulp and red dates in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer until the lotus seeds are soft. Add rock sugar to taste.

Instructions: This recipe has the effect of nourishing the heart's blood and strengthening the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for anemia, fatigue, neurasthenia, palpitations, forgetfulness, and restless sleep.

【Celery Egg Custard】

Celery Leaf Steamed Egg Custard

300 grams of celery, 1 egg yolk, a little flour, and 1 cup of rich meat broth. Wash 300 grams of celery, cut into sections, and cook in a pot with water for a short while. Add a little flour and 1 cup of rich meat broth, then add 1 egg yolk. Best served warm.

Instructions: Celery is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and P, and also contains a lot of minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. In addition, it has ingredients like protein, mannitol, and dietary fiber.