BRD Clinic
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There are so many protein products for dieting these days. What is the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) on this kind of protein intake?

While protein is essential, excessive intake can be risky. In TKM, we prioritize your body's digestive and absorptive capacity. The key is to choose your protein intake based on your individual 'digestive power' rather than blindly following high-protein trends. Please refer to the guide below to find the method that best suits your body condition.

I have also experienced a phase where I relied solely on protein shakes, believing that 'protein is everything.' However, I eventually started feeling bloated and dizzy. It turned out that I was consuming more than my digestive capacity could handle. In TKM, this state is viewed as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When you force a high-protein diet while your digestive organs—specifically the Spleen—are weak, it can actually lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Here is a step-by-step guide to consuming protein healthily: 1. Check Your Digestive Power: If you feel bloated after meals or experience poor bowel movements, your current protein intake may be excessive. 2. Clear 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮): If undigested waste has accumulated in your body, it is better to consume protein alongside warm vegetables rather than relying on supplements. 3. Diversify Protein Sources: Choose whole, natural proteins over processed shakes to reduce the burden on your liver and kidneys. 4. Manage Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血): If blood circulation is stagnant, a high-protein diet alone can make your body feel heavy. Combine your diet with light physical activity to promote circulation. 5. Find Your Personal Balance: Rather than unconditionally increasing protein, finding the 'optimal amount' tailored to your digestive capacity is the shortest path to a diet without a yo-yo effect. Protein products can be beneficial, but the priority is whether your body can actually absorb them. Instead of struggling through trial and error alone, I recommend visiting our clinic to first assess your current digestive state and constitution.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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There are so many protein products for dieting…. While protein is essential, excessive intake can be risky. In TKM, we prioritize your body's digestive and abso

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