Q. I'm planning to eat processed foods like chicken breast hot bars for diet management; what is your opinion as a TKM doctor?

I completely understand the appeal, as preparing fresh meals every day is a daunting task. I have personally experienced digestive discomfort in the past when blindly sticking to a strict chicken-breast-only diet. Processed chicken breast products are excellent for busy professionals because they are convenient and provide a precise, calculated amount of protein, making a sustainable diet more realistic. However, the additives and sodium levels are concerns from a TKM perspective. Such ingredients can easily lead to the formation of 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) in people with sensitive digestive tracts. Dameum refers to a state where metabolic waste is not properly discharged and accumulates in the body, often resulting in a feeling of heaviness and bloating. Specifically, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen-Qi (impaired digestive function), may expend excessive energy just trying to digest processed proteins. This can ironically lead to increased fatigue and dizziness. The key is to use these products according to your body's specific condition. If your digestion is strong, these convenient options are fine. However, if you frequently experience bloating, I recommend consuming whole, unprocessed foods. We can plan a diet that is much easier to maintain by first analyzing your current physiological state.