Q. I want to manage my diet using sandwiches like Subway. How does a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic approach the combinations or methods for this?

The most dangerous part of planning a diet is blindly following combinations that are said to be 'good' for everyone. Even before becoming a practitioner, I struggled with dizziness when I strictly ate only chicken breast and vegetables. From a TKM perspective, I focus on three key factors when analyzing a sandwich diet: 1. Checking for Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo): For those with weakened Spleen function and poor digestion, consuming excessive raw vegetables can cool the abdomen and slow down metabolism. For these patients, I recommend grilled onions or sauces with warming properties. 2. Managing Phlegm-Fluid Retention (Dam-eum) and Edema: 'Dam-eum' refers to a state where waste products accumulate and stagnate in the body. If you are prone to swelling, the sodium in processed meats like ham or bacon can exacerbate this condition. It is better to opt for lean proteins such as roast chicken or turkey. 3. Addressing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) and Blood Flow: If your body feels heavy due to poor circulation—a state known as blood stasis—you should incorporate plenty of green leafy vegetables rich in antioxidants to help purify and circulate the blood. Ultimately, the core is understanding 'what your body needs right now.' Adjusting everything from the bread to a single spoonful of sauce based on your current physiological state is the best way to avoid the yo-yo effect. When you visit the clinic, we will first examine your constitution and metabolic state to determine which specific ingredients are best suited for you.