BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I'm planning to eat mostly chicken breast for my diet; as a TKM doctor, what kind of diet would you recommend?

While protein-focused diets help maintain muscle mass, those with naturally weak digestive systems may experience bloating and lethargy. Instead of blindly following a high-protein regimen, I recommend designing a diet based on your specific digestive capacity and metabolic strength.

Even as a TKM practitioner, I've experienced digestive distress while following trendy diets in the past. High-protein diets, such as those centered on chicken breast, have clear advantages: they prevent muscle loss, provide long-lasting satiety, and help regulate blood sugar levels. However, there are distinct drawbacks. Protein leaves behind significant metabolic waste during breakdown. Specifically, those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛) constitution—where the digestive function is impaired—struggle to absorb protein efficiently, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the intestines. This often results in edema (swelling) or a lingering, dizzying sense of fatigue. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is viewed as the stagnation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮, accumulated metabolic waste). If this overlaps with 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis or stagnant blood) that blocks circulation, you may find yourself in a frustrating cycle where your weight remains unchanged despite strict dieting, while your overall condition deteriorates. The answer varies by individual. For those with robust digestion, high-protein diets are efficient. However, for those who frequently experience bloating or low energy, integrating vegetables and grains is a much faster and healthier path to weight loss. I suggest assessing your current bodily constitution first before finalizing your meal plan.

Meet the clinician

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

View clinician profile

Clinician review

Page summary and review information

Page summary

I'm planning to eat mostly chicken breast for my…. While protein-focused diets help maintain muscle mass, those with naturally weak digestive systems may experi

A reviewed summary isn't ready yet, so the page description or a general note is shown instead.

The clinic is outside telephone hours

You can leave your inquiry now.

Leave an inquiry Call anyway