The kidneys are like the body's "water purifier", filtering and cleaning 200 liters of blood every day, leaving useful things in the blood and allowing metabolic waste to be excreted from the body. At the same time, the kidneys are also known as "factories", which produce many hormones related to human endocrine and metabolism, helping to regulate blood pressure, maintain bone function, and generate red blood cells. Although the kidney is powerful, it is a fragile organ. The survey shows that the incidence rate of chronic kidney disease in China is increasing year by year, with one case per 10 people in the city. Therefore, we should always pay attention to the kidney health and the "maintenance" signal it sends.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney is the innate foundation, the organ that stores essence, and is responsible for physiological functions such as human growth and development, reproduction, and reproduction. Its scope and meaning are relatively broad, and the concept of "kidney deficiency" that we often hear belongs to traditional Chinese medicine. The concept of kidney in Western medicine refers to a pair of broad bean shaped, fist sized organs located on both sides of the spine. Because of different concepts, the standards for kidney health also vary. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the following criteria can demonstrate that your kidneys are relatively healthy.
1. Clear hearing. Li Yuehua, professor of the Geriatrics Center of Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, pointed out that in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the auditory function of the ear is closely related to the rise and fall of kidney qi, and hearing is good if the kidney is good. On the contrary, when symptoms such as tinnitus, restlessness, and decreased hearing occur, kidney yin deficiency can be considered more.
2. The skin is radiant. Professor Yang Li, from Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, told reporters that only with a good kidney can we stay young and delay aging. If the kidneys are not good, people tend to appear old, their skin will become dull, their skin color will also change, their eyes will turn black, and their bags will be obvious.
3. The hair is jet black. Kidney stores essence, and its essence lies in hair. The nourishment of hair comes from blood, but its vitality fundamentally lies in the kidneys. If the kidneys are not good, hair will turn white and lose luster early, and hair loss will occur.
4. Strong bones. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the kidney governs the bone, and the bone is nourished by kidney essence. Only when the kidney is good for the bone is good. Kidney qi decline can lead to osteoporosis, back pain, and even tooth looseness.
5. Good memory. Kidney essence also nourishes the brain. Therefore, poor kidney function may lead to frequent forgetfulness and delayed reactions. From the perspective of Western medicine, once kidney problems occur, they are directly linked to diseases such as nephritis, kidney stones, and renal failure, and may even endanger life. The following four criteria can preliminarily determine the health level of the kidneys.
6. Clear urine with little foam. Zhang Youkang, a professor of nephrology at the First Hospital of Peking University, told the Life Times that if the urine foam suddenly becomes more and does not disappear for a long time, it means that there is more protein excreted in the urine; If the urine color is abnormal, showing a strong brown color, soy sauce color, or turbidity such as rice washing water, it should be taken seriously. In addition, if symptoms such as inability to hold urine or painful urination occur, timely medical attention should also be sought.
7. Wake up early without swelling. The kidney is the organ that metabolizes water in the human body. If the kidney is not good, water will accumulate. Fu Wenjing, Deputy Chief Physician of the Nephrology Department at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, reminds that if you often wake up early with swollen eyelids or swollen feet and legs, you should consider kidney problems.
8. Full of spirit. When there is a problem with kidney function, the waste residue in the body is difficult to excrete from the urine, leading to feelings of lethargy, fatigue, and lack of energy.
9. Normal blood pressure. Impaired kidney function can lead to symptoms of elevated blood pressure, while hypertension can exacerbate kidney damage. "Once hypertension patients have increased nocturnal urine, and diabetes patients have problems with urinary protein or edema of both lower limbs, it means that the kidneys have been damaged." Fu Wenjing said that normal people occasionally have fatigue, so don't worry. Adjusting sleep may improve, but if this symptom lasts at least a week, you must go to the hospital for inspection.