The spring is warm and tender, a good time to nourish the liver and kidneys

This is the 3765th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

In spring, everything grows and nature presents a vibrant scene. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that man and nature are an organic whole, and the characteristics of the liver correspond to spring. Therefore, in accordance with the characteristics of the natural growth and comfort of Yang Qi, the priority of human health care in spring is to nourish the liver. In addition, the liver and kidneys have the same origin, and nourishing the liver and kidneys are equally important, so while nourishing the liver, we must also pay attention to nourishing the kidneys. So, how can we nourish the liver and benefit the kidneys in spring? Let's talk about some must-know common sense.

1. Express your emotions

As the saying goes, "All diseases come from qi." People have seven emotions. If the seven emotions are not smooth, it will affect the normal work of the liver and kidneys and the growth of yang energy, leading to organ dysfunction and a host of diseases. Therefore, spring health care should also focus on mental conditioning, keeping an open mind and optimistic mood, so that the liver qi can flow smoothly and the qi and blood can be regulated, so as to achieve the purpose of disease prevention and health. Therefore, this requires us to learn to control and manage our emotions. When encountering things, we should not get angry directly, but vent them in time, so as to avoid the situation of liver qi stagnation and make the body healthier.

2. Eat less

The diet in spring also needs to conform to the changes of nature. Eat more foods that have the effect of warming and replenishing yang energy, such as red dates, yam, etc., which also have a good effect of nourishing the spleen and stomach. In different seasons, we need to take different nutrients to supplement the needs of the body. Eating more seasonal vegetables or wild vegetables in spring can supplement the vitamins and inorganic salts needed by the body. In addition, diet is not to eat less or not eat, but to quit drinking, smoking and all foods and drugs that are harmful to the liver and kidneys, such as pickled and smoked foods, canned foods with preservatives, etc. The liver must rely on the kidneys in many places. Metabolic waste that remains in the blood after being decomposed by the liver must be screened and eliminated by the kidneys. Therefore, patients with kidney disease should strengthen dietary management, such as patients with proteinuria should avoid eating bean foods, and patients with nephritis should avoid eating seafood, bamboo shoots, etc.

3. Proper work and rest

Many people work in front of computers for a long time due to work needs, and their sleep quality is not good. Or they often stay up late due to personal habits, which often leads to liver blood deficiency, such as calcium deficiency, dizziness, constipation, dry eyes, etc. Women will have less menstrual volume or pale color, and the body often feels tired. "Tired" is the body's distress signal to you, and adequate rest is a good way to nourish the liver. As the "Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic" said, "In the third month of spring, ... sleep at night and get up early, walk in the courtyard, let your hair down and relax your body, so as to make your spirit alive, ... this is the response of spring energy and the way to keep healthy. If you go against it, it will hurt your liver." Only by taking more rest, knowing how to rest, and working and living in a rhythmic way can people become more and more energetic.

4. Exercise your body

Human beings are organic entities. Regular exercise can make us energetic and strong. As early as the Han Dynasty, Hua Tuo advocated exercise to prevent diseases. He pointed out: "The human body needs to work, and the movement can help digestion of food, blood circulation, and prevent diseases." I would like to remind you that you can choose the right exercise method according to different environments. Appropriate exercise can help the body's qi and blood flow smoothly and resist diseases.

Finally, I hope that all my friends can follow the natural order during this beautiful spring day, regulate their emotions, eat in moderation, work and rest appropriately, exercise, nourish their liver and kidneys, and gain health!

Author: Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chief Physician, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor

Gong Xuezhong