Some of the best foods for the TCM kidney are black in colour (Corresponding colour in the 5-element theory), such as blackberries, black sesame seeds, black beans, seaweeds, black chia seeds and wild rice.

I was born 10 weeks early and had scoliosis and asthma as a child. The hair on my head didn’t grow until I was two, my teeth were all crooked, and my left ear was all weird-looking. Talk about kidney essence deficiency! My hubby lost all the hair on his head by the time he was 24, and his memory has always been really bad. Between the two of us, we really need to take care of our TCM kidneys.

 

Food for Kidneys in TCM

 

Also specific to nourishing Essence, bone soup and other organ meat are needed according to TCM. Being a vegetarian doesn’t suit my palate, but if you’re a meat eater, go ahead and knock yourself out! Or you may recommend these to your Kidney deficient patients.

Here are the healing foods for each TCM KD pattern. Bon Appetit!

Food for Kidney TCM

 

 

Nourishing Kidney Health with TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys play a crucial role in overall health and vitality. They are considered the foundation of our body’s essence, or “Jing,” which is responsible for growth, development, and reproduction

 

The Power of Black Foods

According to the 5-element theory, the colour black is associated with the Water Element and the Kidneys.

Incorporating black-coloured foods into your diet can help strengthen and nourish your kidneys:

  1. Black beans: These “grains of the kidney” can tonify the kidneys, calm the mind, and improve eyesight.
  2. Black sesame seeds: Rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, they can help with constipation and prevent premature graying of hair.
  3. Black rice: Known as “medicinal rice,” it’s rich in anthocyanins and has anti-oxidative, hypolipidaemic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
  4. Seaweed: Nori, for example, is an excellent source of iodine and can help maintain thyroid health.

 

Additional Kidney-Nourishing Foods

For those dealing with Kidney Yin deficiency, consider incorporating:

  • Grains: Millet, barley, oats, and rice.
  • Legumes and nuts: Tofu, tempeh, miso, pine nuts, and water chestnuts.
  • Fruits: Apples, tangerines, persimmons, pears, and various berries.
  • Animal products: Oysters, clams, mussels, duck, and eggs.

 

Bone Broth and Organ Meats

While I don’t consume these, bone soup and organ meats are traditionally recommended in TCM for nourishing Essence. If you’re not vegetarian, these can be powerful additions to your kidney-supporting diet.

 

You might also like Healing Food for TCM Lung Patterns, Healing Foods for TCM Spleen, Healing Foods for the TCM Heart, and Healing Foods for TCM Liver Patterns.

Keep rocking it with TCM!

Clara
TCM Geek

PS: Have you signed up for my TCM courses yet? Click here, it’s FREE!