BRD Clinic
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Many people eat Subway for their diet; which menu items would you recommend as a TKM doctor?

Sandwiches packed with vegetables are an excellent choice. However, please be aware that most of these ingredients have a 'cold' nature. While those with strong digestion can enjoy them as is, I recommend those with a cold constitution to add ingredients with 'warm' properties or pair the meal with a cup of warm tea.

I also occasionally opt for Subway when I'm busy. However, I've had a few experiences where insisting only on the freshest, raw ingredients led to abdominal discomfort the next day. Based on those experiences, here is my advice from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective. First, the abundance of dietary fiber provides great satiety and helps prevent rapid spikes in blood glucose, which is a significant advantage. If you choose bread that reduces refined carbohydrates, it is an even better choice. However, there is a caveat: the high volume of raw vegetables means the meal has a 'cold' nature. In TKM, consuming excessive cold foods when one has 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛)—a weakened digestive function—can lower digestive efficiency. Those with weak digestion may actually experience bloating or edema (swelling) as a result. Therefore, I recommend choosing based on your body type. If you have a lot of internal heat and digest well, a vegetable-heavy combination is ideal. Conversely, if you have cold extremities and slow digestion, neutralize the cold nature by choosing menus with moderate fats and proteins, such as steak or bacon. Additionally, try pairing your meal with warm ginger or cinnamon tea. This helps prevent the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮)—metabolic waste products in the body—making your diet much more effective. Ultimately, the key is to adjust your food choices to match your body's internal temperature.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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