Q. I see a lot of diet-friendly drinks at places like Mega Coffee these days. Which ones would you recommend, Doctor?

I recall a time when I used to drink four or five Americanos a day under the excuse of being busy, only to find myself unable to sleep and suffering from chronic heartburn. Before becoming a practitioner, I certainly experienced the pitfalls of excessive caffeine intake myself. Diet drinks have clear advantages: they reduce sugar intake to minimize insulin spikes and temporarily boost metabolism. Specifically, black coffee acts as a diuretic, which can make you feel as though bloating and edema are being flushed out. However, there are precautions. Excessive caffeine can easily lead to palpitations and anxiety. In TKM, those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—characterized by weak digestive function—may experience gastrointestinal mucosal irritation and further depletion of Qi if they consume these drinks on an empty stomach. Furthermore, artificial sweeteners found in zero-sugar syrups can disrupt the gut microbiome, often leading to abdominal bloating. Ultimately, 'what is good' is less important than 'what is your current state.' If you have an accumulation of Dam-eum (痰飮, phlegm-fluid), causing a heavy feeling in the body, warm teas are preferable. If you feel sluggish due to poor circulation caused by Eo-hyeol (瘀血, blood stasis), a light stimulant may actually be helpful. Rather than relying on a single beverage, I suggest finding a personalized management plan that considers both your constitution and current health status. Please feel free to visit the clinic for a detailed consultation.