Q. I've been eating only tomato-based dishes for my diet. From a Korean Medicine doctor's perspective, is this a good approach? Would you recommend it?

I completely understand the desire to focus on a single 'superfood' when you're motivated to lose weight. Tomatoes are indeed wonderful for dietary management as they are rich in lycopene and provide a great sense of satiety. To start with the benefits: their high water content helps eliminate waste from the body, and their low glycemic index prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar. In particular, cooking tomatoes significantly increases the absorption rate of their nutrients, making them more efficient. However, there are points to consider from a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective. Tomatoes are characterized as having a 'cold' nature. For those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛) constitution—meaning those with naturally weak digestive functions—consuming excessive raw tomatoes can chill the abdomen and easily lead to diarrhea. Furthermore, their strong acidity may irritate the gastric mucosa if eaten on an empty stomach, potentially causing heartburn or dizziness. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, I can offer recommendations based on your condition. If you have a cold constitution, try lightly blanching them or sautéing them in olive oil to eat them warm. Conversely, those with excessive internal heat and severe edema may find that eating them fresh is more beneficial. Ultimately, the key is how your specific body responds to the food. If you experience unusual fatigue or indigestion while on this diet, I encourage you to visit our clinic for a formal constitutional diagnosis.