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한의사 추천 가이드
한의사 추천 가이드

Q. Do you recommend healthy meals like tofu soybean paste stew (doenjang-jjigae) for a diet, or are there better alternatives?

A.

Tofu and soybean paste are nutritionally excellent. However, high sodium intake or consuming too much broth can lead to edema. Since the ideal diet varies based on your constitution and current health status, I recommend first assessing your digestive capacity and degree of swelling.

📝 Detailed Answer

I have personally tried many so-called 'healthy' diets in the past, only to find that blindly following them sometimes led to digestive discomfort and inefficiency. The advantages of a tofu and soybean paste-based diet are clear: you get high-quality protein and satiety, and as fermented foods, they support gut health. However, there are caveats. The high salt content in soybean paste can cause the body to retain water, leading to edema, and depending on your constitution, legumes may cause gas or indigestion. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛)—a deficiency in the Spleen—may experience bloating even with healthy tofu due to weakened digestive functions. Additionally, those with 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste and fluid—may find that salty soups further hinder circulation. Ultimately, the question is not 'What is healthy?' but 'What can my body currently process?' Recommendations change entirely depending on whether you suffer from poor digestion or morning swelling. If you visit the clinic, I will examine your current metabolic state and the degree of 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) to help you design a personalized dietary guide. Let's find the right balance for your body together.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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