Q. Diet pastas and alternative noodles are really popular these days. From a TKM doctor's perspective, which ones would you recommend?

I have personally tried various trending diet foods; while they seemed promising at first, I eventually suffered from significant digestive discomfort. Many patients experience a similar cycle of trial and error. Alternative noodles certainly have benefits: they slow the rise of blood glucose levels and reduce the intake of simple carbohydrates. For office workers who find it difficult to suddenly restrict their portions, these options provide both psychological satisfaction and satiety. However, caution is necessary. The primary components of these noodles—such as concentrated dietary fibers or sugar substitutes—can cause gastrointestinal distress for certain individuals. In Traditional Korean Medicine, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function, have impaired digestion and absorption. For these individuals, overconsuming such foods often leads to abdominal bloating and excessive gas. Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that these are not 'magic foods' that prevent weight gain. If your body has accumulated 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—phlegm-fluid retention that stagnates metabolism—how your body burns energy is far more important than the specific food choice. Therefore, dietary recommendations vary by individual. Alternative noodles are helpful for those with strong digestion who struggle with appetite control, but they can be detrimental to those with a fragile stomach and a tendency to swell. Please assess your current digestive state before choosing a substitute.