Q. I've been managing my diet lately with konjac jellies and snacks. What do you think about this, Doctor? Do you recommend them?

I once tried eating only konjac to lose weight quickly, and I remember feeling incredibly dizzy and depleted. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, konjac is a 'nutrient-empty' food with very low calories, which requires caution. The advantages are clear: they are helpful for curbing 'false hunger' when you have cravings and can temporarily slash sugar intake. Using them very occasionally as a supplement on days when appetite control is particularly difficult is acceptable. However, the drawbacks are more significant. Konjac is difficult to digest. In particular, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛)—a deficiency in the Spleen and Stomach—who already have weak digestive functions may experience increased bloating or diarrhea. Moreover, because they lack nutrients, long-term consumption may lead the body to perceive a 'state of starvation,' causing your basal metabolic rate to plummet. If you have a constitution prone to 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste or phlegm-fluid—simply starving yourself or replacing meals with konjac can actually damage your metabolism. Rather than forcing yourself to endure hunger, it is better to first strengthen your body's vital energy (Qi) so that your appetite stabilizes naturally. Think of konjac as a 'temporary measure' to be used sparingly. To achieve a healthy body without the 'yo-yo effect,' you need a customized diet and TKM prescriptions tailored to your specific constitution. I encourage you to visit the clinic so we can discuss a plan that works for you.