Q. I often drink protein shakes instead of eating when I'm busy. How exactly do they help with weight loss, and are there any side effects I should worry about?

I have also experienced dizziness and bloating after replacing meals with shakes, which led me to question their long-term health benefits. The mechanism of protein shakes is straightforward: they suppress hunger and prevent the metabolic slowdown associated with muscle loss. However, in TKM, the Spleen system (脾系) must engage in the physical act of chewing and digesting food to circulate Qi effectively. Consuming only liquids can lead to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), where the digestive system becomes inactive and weak. This state allows 'Phlegm-fluid (痰飮)'—a form of metabolic waste—to build up in the body, causing swelling and creating a constitution where weight is hard to lose. Additionally, consuming cold shakes can lower the temperature of the abdomen, potentially causing Blood Stasis (瘀血) and disrupted circulation. Shakes are meant to be supplements, not replacements for the vital energy gained from chewing whole foods. If you encounter indigestion or constipation, your body is sending a red flag. I recommend evaluating whether this approach truly aligns with your unique constitution.