Winter Foods and Recipes
Winter foods include foods which nourish our kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands, and build our deep physical reserves for the coming spring. These include legumes, beans; sea vegetables and algae; whole grains, complex carbohydrates; roots and winter squashes; and for those who eat animal products–small amounts of meat and dairy foods.
Dehydrated and reconstituted foods, such as dried fruits, dried seaweeds, dried beans and legumes, and grains all contain concentrated nutrients for building vital essence and life force. Baked, sauteed, and roasted foods, soups, steamed foods, and foods cooked at low temperatures for longer periods of time help to direct nourishment into the kidneys and adrenal glands, and restore the deep regenerative energy of our being.
The winter energy flow resonates with the urinary organs, kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands; and is energetically related to the reproductive organs, where our essential vital life force is held for procreation.
Foods that restore kidney yin, (increase moisture, and cool the body) include tofu, seaweeds, millet, barley, blackberry, blueberry, potatoes, black sesame seeds, spirulina, and black sesame seeds. For those who use animal products, small amounts of eggs, yogurt, and raw white cheeses such as goat or sheep feta and farmer cheese, may be beneficial. Beneficial herbs include prepared rehmannia root, marshmallow root, asparagus root, horsetail, pipsissewa, and nettles.
For restoring kidney yang, (warming the body and decreasing moisture) use a small amount of warming spices such as cloves, fenugreek seed, fennel, anise seed, black peppercorns, ginger, cinnamon; and other spices. Include walnuts, black beans, the onion family–including scallions, leeks, onions; and quinoa. Always include yin restoring foods (such as seaweeds) when using these, as yin energy is much harder to restore than yang energy.
Supplements for Kidney Regeneration
Chlorella, spirulina, and/or wild blue-green algae provide a rich source of RNA and DNA. They protect the body from degeneration, and provide the blueprint for cellular regeneration. These foods have even been shown to reverse the aging process. They should be used very sparingly, as they are highly cleansing and cooling to the body. 1/16 to 1/8 teaspoon added to juice or a smoothie is plenty for most people.
Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for cellular regeneration. They are available from certain cold-pressed oils, especially flax seed oil, evening primrose and seabuckthorn berry oil; or soaked flax seeds. Omega 3 fatty acids help develop and maintain the nervous system, clean out arteries, and renew cells.
