BRD Clinic
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Doctor, many people eat Subway when dieting. From a Korean Medicine perspective, which combinations would you recommend?

While focusing on vegetables is great, cold-natured ingredients can be burdensome depending on your constitution. Those with strong digestive power will suit fresh veggie sandwiches, but if you have a cold constitution, be sure to pair them with warm-natured proteins to maintain balance.

I also visit Subway frequently when I'm busy. However, from a practitioner's perspective, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the advantage is the abundance of fresh raw vegetables. The high fiber content aids bowel movements and provides a quick sense of satiety, while the variety of protein options makes it easy to balance nutrients. However, there are precautions. Raw vegetables and cold sauces are 'cold' in nature. If you are in a state of Bi-heo (脾虛, Spleen deficiency/weakened digestive function), consuming these cold foods can lead to abdominal pain or bloating. I personally struggled with this in the past when I over-relied on salads alone. Sauce selection is also critical. High-sugar sauces spike blood glucose levels, which can trigger 'false hunger.' Especially for those with Dam-eum (痰飮, accumulation of phlegm and fluid/metabolic waste), managing sugar intake is essential. Ultimately, there is no single 'perfect menu.' If you have a high metabolic rate and good digestion, a vegetable-heavy combination is ideal. However, if you have cold extremities and slow digestion, I recommend lightly toasting your bread or choosing warm-natured proteins. The key is to choose your menu based on your current bodily constitution.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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