Q. I've heard that protein-focused diets are the trend these days; how does your clinic guide patients on this?

I have actually experienced the pitfalls of trendy high-protein diets myself, only to find my digestion sluggish and my complexion becoming dull. This is a classic example of 'inefficient protein intake.' The human body does not automatically utilize protein just because it is consumed. The key factor here is Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo). When you push high amounts of protein into a body with weakened Spleen function, undigested residues remain in the system; in TKM, this is referred to as Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum). The accumulation of Dam-eum often leads to a feeling of heaviness in the body and increased edema. At Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic, we provide a structured approach: First, we diagnose your digestive capacity to see if your Spleen and Stomach (Bi-wi) functions can handle a high-protein load. Next, based on your Sasang constitution, we recommend whether animal-based or plant-based proteins are more suitable for you. Simultaneously, we focus on clearing Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) and Phlegm-Fluid to ensure that nutrients are delivered to the cells without obstruction. Finally, we utilize herbal medicine and acupuncture to boost your basal metabolic rate, creating an optimal internal environment where protein is efficiently converted into muscle. Ultimately, the battle is not about 'what you eat,' but 'how you absorb it.' Let's work together to determine if your body is currently prepared to process a high-protein diet.