How should I approach popular diets involving Subway sandwiches or dairy products like cheese from the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine?

In Traditional Korean Medicine, we believe that how your body processes food is just as important as the food itself. A diet that works for one person might cause fatigue or dizziness in another if their 'Spleen Qi' (the energy responsible for digestion) is weak. When 'Spleen Qi Deficiency' (Bi-heo) is present, even nutritious foods like raw vegetables or dairy aren't fully metabolized. Instead, they can turn into 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), leading to bloating or edema. Furthermore, we must address 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol) and other stagnant toxins that lower metabolic efficiency. By clearing these circulatory pathways first, your dietary efforts become significantly more effective. We also consider the 'Cold' or 'Warm' properties of food. Raw vegetables are naturally 'Cold' in nature, which can dampen the 'Digestive Fire' in some individuals, while the heavy, damp nature of cheese can obstruct the flow of 'Qi.' We guide patients to balance these by incorporating cooked vegetables or warming medicinal herbs tailored to their specific constitution. Ultimately, our goal is to use customized herbal prescriptions to naturally regulate appetite and enhance metabolism, helping you achieve a sustainable health rhythm without the exhaustion of generic dieting.