Keep Your Kidneys Healthy This Winter
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is considered the season of the kidneys. It's believed that the cold weather places extra strain on this vital organ system, which governs energy reserves, fluid balance, and overall vitality. Winter is seen as a time to conserve energy and nurture the kidneys for long-term health.
Let’s have a look and see some of the reasons our kidney’s might need some extra love in the winter months as well as look at tips for keeping kidneys healthy and happy!
Dehydration Risks
While we tend to associate dehydration with hot summer days, it's a sneaky pervasive issue in winter. Colder weather suppresses thirst signals, which leads us to drink less water. In addition, indoor heating systems can dry out the air, which can subtly dehydrate the body and place extra burden on the kidneys.
Heightened Immune Function
Your kidneys play a critical role in filtering blood and maintaining the balance of minerals and waste products. In winter, when the immune system is under increased stress from cold and flu season, the kidneys are often working overtime to process waste from immune responses. Also many cold and flu medications also place an additional load on the kidneys.
Cold Weather and Circulation
Cold weather constricts blood vessels, which can impact the blood flow to these vital organs. This can lead to a temporary dip in their efficiency, making it all the more crucial to keep them healthy.
Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Happy
Stay Hydrated: Make sure you’re drinking lots of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid over consuming dehydrating things like caffeine, and alcohol (I know!) Warm herbal teas (like nettle or dandelion root) are kidney-friendly and cozy this time of year!
Consider a Humidifier: Although it’s not much of an issue here on the humid west coast, those living in other parts of the world may wish to use a humidifier during the cold months where central heating can dry out the air in your space.
Warm Your Core: Protect your lower back from the cold with layers to keep your kidneys warm and supported.
Eat Kidney-Nourishing Foods: Think black beans, walnuts, bone broth, cranberries, and seaweed.
Reduce Salt: Keep sodium intake moderate to avoid overloading your kidneys.
Supportive Supplements: Cranberries and goji berries are supportive to kidney health and can be enjoyed as food, or in capsule forms.
Stay cozy and keep those kidneys happy this winter.