Q. Cabbage diets are really popular lately. Do Korean medicine clinics recommend this kind of diet?

I once had an experience where I exclusively ate one 'superfood' and ended up bedridden with a severe physical collapse; I felt so dizzy I could barely function. The appeal of the cabbage diet lies in its high fiber content, which provides a quick sense of fullness, and Vitamin U, which protects the gastric mucosa. For those looking for a light dietary adjustment, it can be a viable option. However, there are downsides. For those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛)—meaning poor digestive function—consuming large amounts of raw cabbage can lead to severe bloating rather than weight loss. When nutrition is overly skewed toward one source, 'phlegm-fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum) can accumulate in the body, preventing the efficient removal of metabolic waste. This often manifests as difficulty waking up in the morning and a feeling of heavy, lethargic limbs throughout the day. Ultimately, the key is whether your body is currently prepared to process this specific food. For individuals with strong digestion and a 'hot' constitution, cabbage can be medicinal; however, for those with cold extremities and a 'cold' stomach, it may actually become a burden. Rather than blindly following a trend, the most efficient path to health is to first identify the levels of blood stasis (瘀血, Eo-hyeol) and phlegm-fluid in your system, then align your diet and prescriptions accordingly. Please feel free to visit us so we can carefully examine your constitution together.