Today, let's talk about those fruits that seem delicious but may not be friendly to the kidneys, and how to protect our kidneys from the perspective of Chinese medicine.
I met an anxious patient in the outpatient clinic who was holding a physical examination report that showed that she had early-stage kidney cancer.
She was very confused because she had always thought that she was living a healthy life, especially like to eat all kinds of fruits.
In further communication, she mentioned kiwifruit, which she eats almost every day.
Today, let's talk about those seemingly delicious;
In fact, fruits that may not be kidney-friendly, and how to protect our kidneys from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine.
First, kiwifruit is not the "hidden culprit" of kidney cancer
Kiwifruit, this small fruit, has amazing nutritional value.
It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and also aids digestion and boosts immunity.
Many people love its sweet and sour taste and use it as a daily healthy snack.
There is a key point here, which is "the right amount".
For a fruit like kiwifruit, eating one or two a day is enough to provide the nutrients your body needs.
If you eat too much, you may find yourself with a bit of an upset stomach because kiwi also has some natural acids.
For people with healthy kidneys, the high potassium content of kiwifruit does not directly cause kidney cancer;
But if there is a problem with kidney function, then you need to be careful.
The kidneys are an important filter for the body, helping us eliminate excess potassium.
If you consume too much potassium, your kidneys may not be able to filter it out, which can lead to high levels of potassium in your blood, also known as hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia is harmful to both the heart and muscles, so be sure to pay attention.
Second, what are the three kinds of fruits that should be avoided?
1. Watermelon
That big watermelon, a mouthful full of juice, is a thirst-quenching artifact.
However, this cold watermelon can be called "ice beauty" in Chinese medicine;
Because of the cold nature, eating too much is like blowing cold wind on the kidneys, and when the yang energy is weak, the body is prone to problems.
Especially friends with poor kidney function, greedy watermelon is like adding another dose of "cold medicine" to the already tired kidneys.
So, let's take it easy and enjoy the coolness of watermelon, but don't let it become a burden on the kidneys, moderate amount is king.
2, lemon
Lemon, the sour taste, makes people feel refreshed, and there is a lot of vitamin C, which is good for the body, but don't forget, it is very acidic.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes balance, and too much acid may make the kidneys "cry acid", which means that;
Excessive intake of lemons may irritate the kidneys and prevent them from working properly.
As we usually say, if you eat too much sweets, you will have a toothache, and if you eat too much sour food, your kidneys may also "protest".
Especially for patients with kidney disease, you have to be more careful, although lemons are good, don't be greedy.
Drinking it in moderation and adding a little honey is a smart choice to enjoy the benefits of lemon while reducing its acidic irritation.
3. Pineapple
Speaking of pineapples, it's a tropical star, sweet and sour, juicy and unforgettable.
But friends, the enthusiasm of this pineapple is not only the taste, the protease it contains is like a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, these enzymes help digestion, but on the other hand, if they are excessive, they can cause additional "work stress" on the kidneys.
The kidneys are like a hard-working cleaner, and they have a lot of tasks every day;
If you give it some extra "junk" - protease, it may be a little overwhelmed.
Especially for those who already have a heavy burden on their kidneys, the "enthusiasm" of pineapple may become a "burden".
3. How to correctly consume fruits from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine?
1. Cool "fire extinguisher" - cold fruit
For example, watermelon, bananas, apples, they are like a cool breeze in summer, which can help you reduce fire and relieve heat, clear heat and detoxify.
If you are the kind of hot constitution that is prone to heat and dry mouth;
These cold fruits are your "fire extinguisher" to help you balance your body's heat.
2. Sweet "moisturizer" - cool fruit
Oranges, grapefruits, kiwi fruits, they are like sweet rain and dew, which can quench thirst, clear heat and detoxify.
If you have a yang deficiency constitution and often feel cold hands and feet, these cool fruits can help you replenish body fluids;
But don't be greedy, or it may make you "colder". ,
3. Warm heart "little sun" - warm fruit
Lychee, longan, persimmon, these are like small stoves in winter, which can replenish the qi and warm up the body.
If you have a cold constitution and are always afraid of cold, these warm fruits are your "little sun", but eating too much will also make you "hot" uncomfortable.
4. Fruit "golden rule"
Traditional Chinese medicine reminds that although the fruit is good, don't be greedy.
Eat one or two servings a day, which is about the size of two fists, which not only satisfies the appetite but also does not burden the body.
Also, remember to wash the fruit before eating it to prevent small bacteria from causing trouble.
5. The "law of love" of physique and fruit
Everyone's physical condition is different, and the choice of fruit should also vary from person to person.
For example, people with a cold constitution should eat less cold fruits, otherwise it may add "cold" to your "cold".
So understanding your physique and choosing the right fruit is like finding a partner who can complement you and make your body more harmonious.
In general, the fruit wisdom of Chinese medicine is to let you choose the right fruits according to your physique and enjoy the health they bring.
At the same time, it is also necessary to have moderation, so that the body can always smile and be healthy.