Q. Many people drink protein shakes when dieting. What is your professional opinion on them? Do you recommend them for me?

I have personal experience with over-ambitiously replacing all three meals with shakes, only to end up with an upset stomach and dizziness. I truly understand the desperation to lose weight, but doing it the wrong way can harm your health. The benefits of shakes are clear: they provide a convenient source of high-quality protein for busy professionals, helping preserve muscle mass. However, the biggest drawback is the lack of chewing. Our brains recognize satiety through mastication; simply drinking a meal often leads to early hunger. From a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective, whey-based proteins can easily lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum) depending on one's constitution. This can be understood as stagnant, turbid liquid waste within the body. When it accumulates, circulation stagnates, making the body feel heavy. We often link this to 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛, Bi-heo) symptoms. If those with weak digestive energy consume cold shakes repeatedly, they often suffer from abdominal distension or constipation. It would be a shame if a product bought for your health ended up acting as a toxin. Therefore, my recommendation depends on the individual. They are a great alternative for busy people with strong digestion, but for those with sensitive intestines or a 'cold' stomach, I recommend warm, whole-food meals. Shakes should always be a 'supplement' rather than a staple. During your visit, I will carefully examine your gastrointestinal health to determine which dietary approach is most efficient for you.