Q. I've heard that perilla oil dieting is trending lately. Do you recommend it, Doctor?

Perilla oil diets are frequently mentioned on social media, and from a theoretical standpoint, they offer advantages by providing healthy fats like Omega-3, which increase satiety and help reduce inflammation. However, from the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we must consider those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen's function is weakened, the body lacks the capacity to process greasy or oily foods. If someone with this constitution consumes perilla oil indiscriminately, it can lead to the accumulation of 'phlegm-fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮), making the body feel heavy and causing dizziness. I recall a time when I changed my own diet too impulsively and suffered from severe indigestion for several days. Ultimately, the success of any diet depends on whether your body can actually assimilate the nutrients. If you have strong digestion and need to manage inflammation, this method is worth trying. Conversely, if you typically experience slow digestion and frequent edema (swelling), it may become a burden to your system. Therefore, before starting a perilla oil regimen, I recommend checking if you have an accumulation of 'blood stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) or a weak digestive system. If you are curious about the right path for your specific body type, please feel free to visit the clinic for a consultation.