I understand the appeal of these supplements; I have also tried various probiotics and health functional foods in the past, hoping for a quick fix. Probiotics are excellent for improving the intestinal environment, which aids regular bowel movements and boosts immunity. They are particularly helpful for the stubborn constipation that often occurs when you reduce your food intake. However, probiotics alone have limitations in dramatically altering the complex metabolic processes required to burn body fat. For some, they can even cause bloating or gas depending on their constitution. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we often view this state as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo), where the digestive function itself is weakened. In such individuals, beneficial bacteria cannot properly colonize the gut, and metabolic waste known as Phlegm-rheum (Dam-eum) tends to accumulate. In these cases, it is far more efficient to use herbal prescriptions that boost depleted energy (Qi) and remove Blood Stasis (Eo-hyeol) that obstructs circulation, rather than relying solely on probiotics. If you are primarily concerned with gut health, probiotics serve as a reliable supplement. However, if you feel swollen even after drinking water or if your metabolism feels sluggish, you must first address the root cause. While you can combine the two, the priority should be identifying what your specific body type lacks through a professional consultation.