Q. How can I start a personalized diet tailored to my constitution?

A constitution-based diet is about finding what works for you. As a Korean medicine doctor, I once tried random fasting and trendy diets, only to experience yo-yo effects—that’s why I believe constitution matters. 1. **Constitution Diagnosis**: In Sasang constitutional medicine, people are classified into Taeyang, Taeumin, Soyang, and Soeumin. For example, Taeumin have a strong liver and weak lungs, making them prone to weight gain; Soeumin have a weak spleen, leading to poor digestion and bloating. At a clinic, pulse, abdominal palpation (bokjin), and tongue diagnosis (seoljin) are combined for accuracy. I was skeptical at first, but after my own diagnosis, I saw how well it matched my habits and symptoms. 2. **Dietary Adjustment**: Each constitution has suitable and avoidant foods. For instance, Taeumin digest slowly, so they should limit greasy and sweet foods; Soyang with excess heat may develop spleen deficiency if they overconsume cold drinks or fruits. I won't claim 'eat this and lose weight,' but shifting your eating pattern toward what makes your body feel comfortable is key. 3. **Herbal Medicine**: Herbal formulas correct constitutional imbalances. For spleen deficiency with low metabolism, spleen-tonifying (bobi) herbs are used; for heavy body due to phlegm-fluid, phlegm-resolving (geodam) prescriptions are considered. If blood stasis (eohyeol) is present, blood-activating (hwalhyeol) herbs are added. However, not all constitutions get the same formula. 4. **Lifestyle Correction**: Exercise intensity and type differ by constitution—endurance training suits Taeumin, while light aerobic activity is better for Soeumin. Sleep and stress management should also reflect constitutional traits; e.g., Soyang benefit from calming meditation. 5. **Re-evaluation**: Visit every 4–8 weeks to monitor changes and symptom improvement. Constitutions are not fixed for life—they can shift with lifestyle or health status. It may feel difficult at first, but as you apply each step, you'll have an 'aha' moment. I did. Start slowly and don't overexert.