This service is only for foreign residents in Korea. Overseas residents are not eligible.
EN

English consultation available — No language barrier

한의사 추천 가이드
한의사 추천 가이드

Q. As a TKM doctor, do you recommend the trending Starbucks diet custom drinks?

A.

Reducing sugar and caffeine is a great start. However, since every individual's constitution reacts differently, it is more important to observe your own digestive state and internal heat levels than to strictly follow a viral recipe. The key is finding a customized drink that aligns with your specific body type.

📝 Detailed Answer

I've actually tried some of those 'low-sugar recipes' trending on social media out of curiosity. Interestingly, I occasionally experienced dizziness or insomnia after drinking them. Before building my clinical experience, I also fell into the trap of believing that 'lower calories always equal better results.' There are clear advantages to these custom drinks: they help maintain a diet by reducing refined sugar intake while providing psychological satisfaction. However, there are caveats. Depending on one's constitution, artificial sweeteners can cause indigestion, and excessive caffeine can lead to a state of 'forced energy,' where the body exhausts its reserves rather than generating true vitality. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, those in a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo/脾虛), characterized by weak digestive functions, may experience increased bloating when consuming cold drinks or those containing sugar substitutes. Furthermore, for individuals with an accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum/痰飮)—metabolic waste products in the body—it is far more efficient to promote circulation with warm-natured teas than to force wakefulness with caffeine. Ultimately, the answer is that it depends on the individual. A recipe that works for others may be like wearing clothes that don't fit your own body. First, check whether your body is currently experiencing edema (swelling) or a severe lack of energy. Selecting a beverage based on your current physiological state is the smartest way to approach a diet.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

← Back to 한의사 추천 가이드

Related Resources

Useful Next Reads

Current page As a TKM doctor, do you recommend the trending Starbucks diet custom drinks?

Continue with the most relevant guides and care pages.

Best Next Read Program

백록감비정

굶지 않고, 힘들지 않게. 표준 처방 태블릿으로 복용 설계(용량·시간)로 개인화하여 요요 없이 건강하게 체중 관리를 도와드립니다.

View program