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Basics & Causes
Basics & Causes

Q. You recommended a diet centered around tofu and cabbage; how exactly does this help with weight loss?

A.

The goal is not simply to restrict calories, but to reduce the overall burden on your body. This dietary shift eases digestion, which naturally optimizes your metabolic rate. Cabbage provides dietary fiber to cleanse the intestines, while tofu provides protein to prevent muscle loss. From a Western medical perspective, this reduces insulin resistance by preventing blood sugar spikes; in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), it removes accumulated 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) from the stomach to clear the pathways for the flow of Qi.

📝 Detailed Answer

I once experienced severe constipation and dizziness when I tried to lose weight using only chicken breast and sweet potatoes. Based on that experience, I recommend a method focused on 'comfortable emptying.' Our bodies expend a significant amount of energy on digestion. Greasy or irritating foods leave residues in the gastrointestinal tract, which TKM refers to as 'Dam-eum' (痰飮). When these sticky wastes accumulate like phlegm, metabolism slows down and the body tends to bloat. Cabbage acts as a 'cleaner' that washes away this Dam-eum. Its rich dietary fiber expels intestinal toxins and protects the gastric mucosa. I specifically add tofu because patients with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛)—a deficiency in the Spleen/digestive function—often feel bloated and fatigued when consuming heavy meats. Tofu is a plant-based protein with a high absorption rate, providing energy without straining the internal organs. The overall mechanism is as follows: [Removing waste with cabbage $ ightarrow$ Maintaining basal metabolism with tofu $ ightarrow$ Recovering gastrointestinal function]. Rather than forced starvation, this process creates an environment where your body can efficiently utilize energy. Since the optimal amount varies by individual, I will provide a more detailed dietary guide tailored to your current digestive state during your next visit.
#cause-explanation #cause-chain
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

Last reviewed 2026.05.13

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