Kidney health is a health issue that everyone of us should pay attention to and take seriously. As we all know, the kidneys are one of the indispensable and extremely vital organs in our body, having a great impact on the overall health of the body. Therefore, it is crucial to seize the opportunity to nourish them properly. Now that it is summer, how can we tonify the kidneys more effectively in summer?
Summer is a season with high temperatures, hot weather, complex climate, and numerous viruses. If you are not careful, it is easy to be invaded by diseases, so you need to be more mindful of kidney nourishment. The hot weather and abundant internal heat in summer naturally lead to rapid depletion of physical energy. The seasonal characteristics of long days and short nights, the disruption of daily routines in summer, and the excessive consumption of raw, cold foods and drinks all undoubtedly deplete men's vitality. Consequently, a loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping at night, frequent colds, aches and weakness, frequent urination, and excessive sweating are common occurrences. As men struggle through this, they experience weight loss, a haggard appearance, and are plagued by illnesses. So how should one nourish the kidneys in summer? Today, I will introduce a few common health methods:
Avoid heat and do not indulge in excessive cold: In summer, people tend to crave coolness more. While this may provide temporary comfort, it is detrimental to health. The hot weather and low air pressure in summer can weaken the body's resistance, making one susceptible to colds. If a cold is caused by a streptococcal infection, it can lead to acute nephritis. Therefore, do not indulge in excessive cold. When using air conditioning, be sure to control the temperature, ideally around 26°C.
Foot soaking has excellent kidney-protecting effects: Foot soaking is a simple and convenient method for nourishing the kidneys. It should be done frequently not only in winter but also in summer. Soaking your feet in warm water before bed helps promote blood circulation in the body. At the same time, the nerves that have been tense all day and the kidneys that have been tired all day can be thoroughly relaxed and fully soothed through foot soaking, making you feel comfortable. After soaking your feet, it is recommended not to engage in other activities and to fall asleep after a few minutes for better kidney-nourishing effects. You can also add Forsythia suspensa, Honeysuckle, Isatis root, and Chrysanthemum to the foot soak to help reduce heat and clear internal heat.
Maintain a balanced mindset and exercise reasonably: Because of the summer heat, people's moods tend to be more irritable. The more this happens, the more harmful it is to the body, so it is even more important to maintain a calm mind and exercise reasonably. As the temperature rises, some people's tempers flare. Too much stress can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause kidney damage. Maintaining an optimistic mood and a broad-minded attitude can improve immune function. Regular, persistent aerobic exercise can not only improve cardiovascular function but also help eliminate free radicals in the body and protect the kidneys.
Drink less beer and more water: People tend to drink more beer in the summer, but to maintain kidney health in summer, one should drink more water and less beer. Drinking plenty of water can dilute urine and allow it to be excreted quickly, thereby protecting the kidneys. Most men do not recognize the importance of drinking water. Some even think that drinking beer is better than drinking water, but they fail to realize that drinking large amounts of beer can cause uric acid to deposit, leading to obstruction of the renal tubules and causing kidney damage, especially for patients who already have kidney disease, which can worsen their condition. The daily water intake should generally be maintained at around 1500 milliliters, and it should be increased appropriately when sweating a lot in summer.
Be cautious with Chinese and Western medicines that can harm the kidneys: All medicines have some toxicity, and improper use can cause significant damage to kidney health, so medication should be taken with caution. Gastrointestinal infections and other diseases are common in summer, so attention should be paid to medication. Western medicines such as sulfonamides, kanamycin, gentamicin, and streptomycin have a certain degree of kidney toxicity and should be avoided as much as possible. In traditional Chinese medicine, Aristolochia, Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis, Caulis Akebiae, Radix Aristolochiae, and Radex Aristolochiae Fangchi also have a certain degree of kidney toxicity. The "culprit" is the aristolochic acid they contain, which should also be paid special attention to.
Combine with reasonable diet therapy: Nourishing the kidneys in summer also focuses on diet therapy. As the saying goes, "food is the first necessity of the people," and a scientifically reasonable diet is key to protecting health. Choosing the right diet therapy to nourish the kidneys can nourish the body without causing harm. For example, the porridge made from Atractylodes macrocephala, goji berries, and Chinese yam can strengthen the spleen and nourish the kidneys. In summer, dampness is abundant and can easily damage the spleen and stomach. Atractylodes macrocephala tonifies the spleen, expels dampness, warms the stomach, and aids digestion. Chinese yam can regulate the human immune system, while goji berries have the function of nourishing the liver and kidneys. Cooking these three ingredients together into a porridge can have the effect of strengthening the spleen and kidneys, and tonifying the muscles.
Every one of us depends on healthy kidneys, so maintaining kidney health is crucial. Following the seasons for health preservation can achieve better health effects. Therefore, to nourish the kidneys in summer, everyone should start with lifestyle and diet and not be careless.