The Kidneys have a list of tasks to complete during the day, including controlling blood pressure by releasing hormones, controlling red blood cell production, balancing fluids, returning vitamins and minerals to the bloodstream, excreting drugs and waste products, balancing acidity and managing the amount of blood in circulation.
The Kidneys are also the hub for balancing Yin and Yang in the body and store the foundation of Life, an essence called 'Jing'. This Kidney essence is regarded as essential for reproduction, growth and development. Kidney Jing is inherited. Unfortunately, aging, stress and a busy lifestyle can deplete Jing.
Signs your Kidneys may need strengthening:
- tiredness/exhaustion
- cold feet
- swollen ankles
- a lack of drive or motivation
- lack of willpower
- shortness of breath on exertion
- back pain/knee pain/bone issues
- asthma which is worse with cold weather
- fear/ scary dreams/ fear of change
- incontinence
- irregular menstruation or infertility
- craving salty foods,
- Struggling to warm up (touch your lower back with the back of your hands to see if the skin is cold)
VITALITY formulas taken regularly, along with the following behaviors, will help support your Jang energy.
- Covering up the lower back so the Kidneys are protected from the cold.
- Eat warm foods especially in winter.
- East nourishing foods such as cabbage, chives, fennel, leeks, onions, potato, radish, scallions, sweet potato, yam, aubergine, seaweed, cherries, grapes, mulberry, goji berries, walnuts, chestnuts, pistachio, lotus seeds, black sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, chive, basil, black beans, lentils, kidney beans, and buckwheat, oats, quinoa, corn, black rice.
- Avoid salt and try to use salt that has no additives such as anti-caking agents (sodium aluminosilicate. E535, E536, calcium silicate).