Kidney support and better sex

In winter the world is colder and darker outside so we need to create warmth on the inside to protect and nurture ourselves.

Just as things in nature do, we need to create warmth in winter while we wait for new life to emerge in the springtime. And the most natural way to protect our internal organs in winter is to grow a little layer of body fat around them. We are meant to rest up and re-fuel over winter to lay some good foundations for the more active and warm seasons. If you wonder why you want to stay in bed longer, it’s because you are meant to. And sometimes that cold or flu that chains you to your bed can be a good thing, it actually helps you develop more antibodies and definitely promotes a much needed change of pace. Think of it as your body telling you to “take a chill pill and relax”.

Winter is the time to look after your kidneys as they nourish the liver, regulate bone health and the nervous system. The kidneys hate cold so if you have found an extra layer of fat around them in the past month don’t fret. It is exactly what they are calling for. When our kidneys are strong we are strong. A little note for men here, warm kidneys keeps impotence away – they are not called love handles for nothing!

Energy heads to your kidneys during winter according to Chinese Medicine so winter foods are extremely nourishing and boost the kidneys. Slow cooked stews and soups with warming meats are all stations to winter wonderland health. Cups of hot herbal tea of the star anise and ginger varieties will help out your kidneys and liquorice tea is great for your adrenals. It’s also time for pulses, oily fish and seaweeds, which are a super source of minerals. Think warm spices, warm foods and especially kidney beans – it is true they are best for kidney support.

Over-consumption of anything is bad thing, but if you are going to drink alcohol in winter usually spirits will be better for you. Drink the best quality you can buy and sip it neat. But not too much.

Keep up your water intake to support your kidneys during winter and ensure when you are outside your kidneys are wrapped up like warm little pigs in blankets. You want to keep those love handles well loved.