Q. There are so many protein shakes and supplements available for dieting; as a TKM doctor, which ones do you recommend?

I have personal experience trying various trendy protein products during my own dieting days, only to find myself feeling bloated and dizzy. I realized I was forcing my body to take in more than my digestive system could handle. Having gone through that trial and error, I truly empathize with this struggle. Protein supplements certainly have advantages: they save time and allow busy professionals to quickly meet their nutritional needs. They are also useful for maintaining muscle mass, which helps prevent a drop in your basal metabolic rate. However, the drawbacks are clear. Refined proteins can cause excessive gas during digestion or trigger diarrhea depending on one's constitution. In Traditional Korean Medicine, if you have 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency/脾虛)—a state where the Spleen's function is weakened and digestive power is low—high-protein supplements can place a significant burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, those with severe 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention/痰飮) may find that protein metabolic by-products are not excreted efficiently, leaving the body feeling heavy. If you suffer from 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis/瘀血), where blood circulation is stagnant, excessive protein intake may potentially increase blood viscosity. Ultimately, the core issue isn't the brand, but whether 'your body is ready to absorb it.' If you experience indigestion or skin breakouts, I recommend pausing the supplements and focusing on whole, natural foods to restore your body's internal balance first.