Q. Do you recommend any diet-friendly drinks from cafes like Mega Coffee? From a TKM doctor's perspective, what would be the best choice?

To be honest, there were times when I skipped meals and relied on cafe drinks during busy periods. Eventually, I noticed I felt bloated and my energy levels plummeted; I've been through that trial and error myself. First, let's look at the benefits: drinks with sugar substitutes help prevent blood sugar spikes by reducing sugar intake. In particular, warm teas are excellent for supporting circulation and facilitating the discharge of metabolic waste. However, there are clear drawbacks. Depending on your constitution, sugar substitutes can cause indigestion, and excessive caffeine may lead to heart palpitations. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is often viewed as 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen function is weakened, the continuous intake of cold drinks or irritating ingredients further degrades digestive power. Furthermore, for those with an accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮) or 'Dampness' (Seup-dam, 濕痰)—conditions where metabolic waste stagnates and creates a sluggish state in the body—even sugar substitutes can make the body feel heavy. For such individuals, plain water or mild leaf teas are often more than sufficient. Ultimately, the answer varies based on your specific situation and constitution. Rather than simply seeking a low-calorie drink, it is far more important to consider whether your digestive system can handle that specific beverage. If you are curious about your current body condition, please feel free to visit the clinic so we can find the best solution together.