Q. I've been drinking Mega Coffee's diet latte frequently these days. As a Korean medicine doctor, what diet method do you recommend?

The appeal of low-calorie drinks like diet latte is clear. They reduce calorie burden, and the caffeine in coffee temporarily boosts metabolism. Also, when craving sweets during a diet, one cup can soothe the mind. However, from a Korean medicine perspective, there are several concerns. First, cold beverages burden the spleen-stomach (biwi). In Korean medicine, the spleen is responsible for digestion and fluid metabolism. Continuous intake of cold energy can lead to spleen deficiency (biheo), making one prone to edema and bloating. Second, artificial sweeteners and additives can create phlegm-dampness (dameum) in the body. Accumulated phlegm-dampness makes the body feel heavy and easily fatigued, making weight loss more difficult. Third, these drinks contain almost no nutrients, so they cannot support a long-term diet. Ultimately, diet is not just about cutting calories. It is necessary to check whether qi and blood (gi-hyeol) flow smoothly and whether digestive function is adequate. Therefore, I recommend herbal medicine or acupuncture tailored to the patient's constitution, and dietary guidance focusing on warm teas instead of cold drinks, and nutritionally balanced meals. Everyone is different, so let's examine together in the clinic.