We are now officially in winter! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are associated with this season. They are considered our deepest organ, and house our Pre-Natal Qi (“chi”).

Pre-Natal Qi is the life force that your parents passed on to you before birth, and winter is the season to slow down, rest more, and reflect. All of these actions help to nourish Kidney Qi, which is what keeps us strong as we age. Looking at health through the TCM lens, when other organ systems become weakened, the kidneys send its energy as support.

Water is the element for wintertime and the kidneys in TCM. As in western medicine, one of the best elixirs for health is plenty of clean water. Even though we may not feel thirsty because we’re not out in the summer sun, remember to continue to drink at least 8-10 glasses through these shorter days. Food can also be used to nourish various organs. Here are a few that TCM considers especially supportive of the kidneys: foods with a salty taste such as miso, sea salt, or tamari; beans and seeds -especially black sesame seeds; seafood, seaweed, and bone broth.

As with any health plan, make sure to talk with your health practitioner to tailor which foods and supplements are right for your system. Here at MaMa Jean’s, you can be sure that we carry clean, healthful options for all of the foods mentioned above. Come shop with us to taste and feel the difference!