Q. Many people are focusing on high-protein diets these days; how does a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) clinic approach this?

I have personally experienced the pitfalls of blindly following trendy diets, dealing with bloating and dizziness despite my medical background. The key is not just 'what you eat,' but 'how you absorb it.' In Traditional Korean Medicine, we analyze this process in stages: First, we address Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛). If you insist on eating only chicken breast while your Spleen function is weak and digestive power is low, it places a burden on the stomach and leads to excessive gas. Restoring digestive capacity is the first priority. Next, we focus on removing Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum, 痰飮). When metabolic waste accumulates, the by-products of protein metabolism are not excreted properly, leaving the body feeling swollen and heavy. Furthermore, we manage Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血). Proper blood circulation is essential so that nutrients are efficiently delivered to the muscles and energy is consumed effectively. Finally, we match protein sources to your specific constitution (Sasang typology). Some individuals thrive on animal proteins, while others feel much better with plant-based proteins. Following a generic plan without knowing your constitution can lead to rapid fatigue. Ultimately, the priority is to normalize your body's internal system of digestion, absorption, and excretion. I recommend we determine which stage your body is currently in before deciding on your nutritional strategy.