BRD Clinic
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I've been eating oatmeal and diet breads lately for my meals. How does Traditional Korean Medicine view this kind of diet?

While alternative foods are generally beneficial, your individual digestive capacity comes first. Rather than blindly following a health trend, the key is to adjust the quantity based on the current state of your Spleen and Stomach (Bi-Wi). I recommend a gradual approach to ensure your body can properly process these foods and convert them into energy.

I have personally experienced digestive distress and dizziness by stubbornly sticking to trendy diet foods in the name of health. While oatmeal and alternative breads are excellent choices for maintaining stable blood sugar levels, they may not suit everyone from a TKM perspective. Specifically, for those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo), a sudden switch to a high-fiber diet can be counterproductive. When digestive power is low, coarse grains can linger in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid), which are metabolic waste products. Therefore, I suggest the following approach: 1. Assess Digestive Capacity: Monitor whether your stomach can handle these foods. If you experience bloating or excess gas after eating, you must reduce the portion size. 2. Incorporate Warm Properties: Grains like oatmeal can have a cool nature. Pairing them with ginger tea or warm water can help support the functions of the Spleen and Stomach. 3. Manage Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol): Dietary changes alone may not resolve circulatory stagnation. By clearing 'blood stasis,' you can revive your metabolism, ensuring that nutrients from alternative foods are used for energy rather than stored as fat. 4. Gradual Transition: Instead of a 100% immediate switch, have an 'adaptation period' by mixing these foods with your regular meals while observing your body's reaction. Ultimately, the answer is not 'the food others say is good,' but 'the food that makes your body feel comfortable.' If you still feel heavy or sluggish despite the diet change, please visit the clinic so we can examine your digestive health together.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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