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

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.