Q. I've been drinking a lot of low-sugar drinks lately, like those diet lattes from Paik's Coffee. From a TKM doctor's perspective, do these actually help with weight loss?

I occasionally drink low-sugar beverages when I crave something sweet between patients. However, I've noticed that they can sometimes lead to bloating or slight dizziness. Before becoming a practitioner, I also mistakenly believed that as long as the calories were low, it was beneficial. The advantages are clear: they prevent sharp spikes in blood glucose, which reduces the excessive release of insulin and lessens the severe drowsiness often felt after a meal. However, there are drawbacks to consider. Sugar substitutes can disrupt the gut microbiome. In TKM, those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-Heo/脾虛) may experience slower digestion and increased abdominal bloating when consuming these ingredients. Furthermore, since the brain perceives sweetness without receiving actual glucose, it can trigger a 'reward mechanism' that leads to intense false hunger and cravings for more stimulating foods. From a TKM perspective, individuals prone to accumulating Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-Eum/痰飮)—metabolic waste products—may find that artificial additives further slow down their overall metabolism. Ultimately, the key is not just 'what you drink,' but 'how your body processes it.' Drinking one occasionally for a mood boost is fine. However, if it has become a daily habit, I recommend first assessing your current digestive state and metabolic strength. Please feel free to visit the clinic if you would like a personalized consultation.