Q. When choosing a menu at a fast-food place like McDonald's, what would be the best way to eat from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective?

I occasionally eat burgers when I'm busy, and I've experienced that heavy, dizzy feeling afterward. Having gone through the trial and error of extreme dieting in the past, I truly understand the struggle of balancing convenience with health. From a TKM perspective, the excessive fats and sugars found in fast food easily lead to the formation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention), a state where metabolic waste accumulates and becomes viscous. When Dam-eum builds up, metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛, Spleen deficiency/weak digestive function) will likely experience indigestion and a general sense of heaviness after these meals. Here is my suggested 'second-best' guide for your order: 1. Main Menu: Opt for grilled chicken or pure beef patties over fried patties. The oils in fried breading are primary culprits in causing 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and the accumulation of waste. 2. Sauce Control: Ketchup and sweet teriyaki sauces are high in refined sugars, causing rapid blood glucose spikes. Request less sauce or choose simpler options. 3. Side Dishes: Swap French fries for coleslaw or a salad. The combination of starch and oil in fried potatoes increases 'Seup' (濕, dampness) in the body, which leads to bloating and edema. 4. Beverages: Always choose sparkling water or plain water. High-fructose corn syrup obstructs the flow of 'Qi' (vital energy) and accelerates inflammatory responses. While home-cooked meals are ideal, they aren't always practical in a busy social life. Don't stress too much; start by making 'less harmful' choices. If you need a detailed dietary guide tailored to your specific constitution and digestive health, please feel free to visit the clinic. I would be happy to help you figure it out.