Q. I'm planning a diet centered around Ssambap (vegetable wraps). From a TKM doctor's perspective, does this sound like a good idea? Would you recommend it?

I have actually experienced this myself—once, in a burst of motivation, I ate nothing but greens and spent the entire day struggling with severe bloating and dizziness. The advantages of a Ssambap-based diet are clear: the high fiber content keeps you full and slows the rise of blood glucose, preventing insulin spikes. Additionally, the potassium in the vegetables helps flush out excess fluids from the body. However, there is a caveat. In Traditional Korean Medicine, we consider the digestive capacity in terms of Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo). For those with a weakened Spleen function—meaning poor digestion and absorption—eating excessive amounts of raw vegetables can put an undue burden on the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to the formation of Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮, Dam-eum), a phenomenon where metabolic waste fails to be excreted and accumulates as a viscous substance in the body. This often results in a feeling of heaviness and chronic indigestion. Ultimately, the answer depends on your current digestive strength. If you typically digest well, this is an excellent diet. However, if you frequently experience bloating and gas, I recommend lightly blanching the vegetables before eating. Diet alone isn't a magic cure. Through my own trial and error, I've learned that the fastest way to see results is to align your diet with your body's current energy levels and digestive state. If you visit the clinic, I can examine your constitution and current digestive health to provide a personalized plan.