Q. Is the trendy 'tuna ssamjang' (seasoned soybean paste) diet a good choice from a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective?

Many people follow trendy diets only to experience digestive discomfort shortly after. Based on clinical perspectives, here is a detailed breakdown. On the positive side, the combination of protein from tuna and dietary fiber from wrap vegetables provides long-lasting satiety. This is a much healthier method than extreme fasting as it minimizes muscle loss. The primary concern is the sodium content in ssamjang. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), the accumulation of unnecessary waste and fluid in the body is referred to as 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention). High sodium intake can prevent fluids from draining properly, leading to the formation of Dameum, which makes the body feel heavy and sluggish. Additionally, you must consider your digestive capacity. Those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), a condition where the Spleen function is deficient, may experience bloating or gastrointestinal distress when suddenly increasing the intake of raw vegetables. Ultimately, the answer depends on your current bodily state. If you are prone to edema or have weak digestion, use the ssamjang sparingly and lightly blanch the vegetables instead of eating them raw. Listen to your body's signals and adjust accordingly.