Q. I've been sticking to low-calorie snacks to avoid weight gain, so why hasn't my weight changed and why do I feel so bloated and swollen?

Artificial sweeteners stimulate the brain's sweetness receptors, which can trigger insulin secretion even without actual energy intake. This cycle often leads to increased cravings and stubborn body fat. From a TKM perspective, these processed ingredients lead to Spleen Deficiency (脾虛). The Spleen is responsible for the function of Transport and Transformation (運化)—the process of converting food into vital energy. When the Spleen is overburdened by artificial additives, its function falters, and instead of energy, it produces Phlegm-fluid (痰飮). This is a sticky, pathological waste product that accumulates in the body, causing you to feel heavy and swollen. Furthermore, overindulging in artificial sweetness can lead to Qi Stagnation (氣滯), resulting in indigestion and a feeling of oppression in the chest. Rather than simply cutting calories, the key to improving your constitution is consuming 'real food' that your digestive system can process naturally. If you currently feel stagnant and bloated, focusing on restoring Spleen function to discharge accumulated waste is the essential first step toward a healthier metabolic balance.