Q. I only eat chicken breast and sweet potatoes every day. What kind of diet do you recommend at a Korean medicine clinic?

Many people start with an overly restrictive diet of just protein and vegetables, but this often leads to sudden fatigue and dizziness because the digestive system becomes exhausted. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), excessive fasting or restrictive dieting can lead to 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), a state where the Spleen's function is impaired. When the Spleen is weak, the body cannot effectively absorb nutrients, leading to edema, a slowed metabolism, and gastrointestinal distress—especially in patients who already suffer from bloating or cold extremities. Rather than following a 'trendy' diet, I recommend assessing your current internal state first. If your body has accumulated 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) or 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis), these must be cleared first. Only then can your body efficiently metabolize the food you consume. By combining a customized herbal prescription tailored to your constitution, you can manage your appetite more easily and prevent a drop in overall vitality. Since every individual's constitution differs, a diet that works for others may not work for you, and an initial adjustment period is necessary to monitor your body's reaction. If you feel overwhelmed by your current regimen or have hit a weight-loss plateau, I encourage you to have your metabolic function evaluated from a TKM perspective.