Q. What do you think about the perilla oil diet that's popular these days? Would you recommend it?

I have personally experienced the discomfort of following a trendy health fad only to suffer from indigestion for several days. From a nutritional standpoint, the omega-3 fatty acids in perilla oil are excellent for reducing inflammation and increasing satiety, which helps in controlling food intake. However, from the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), caution is required. If a person is in a state of 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛), meaning their digestive function is weak, a sudden high-fat diet can lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮). This refers to the stagnation of unnecessary waste products in the body. For such individuals, perilla oil can act as a trigger for indigestion and lethargy rather than a health aid. Furthermore, those with severe 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血)—where blood circulation is sluggish and clotted—should be careful. When blood quality is poor and circulation is blocked, the body's ability to metabolize fats decreases, meaning the diet will not be as effective as expected. Regardless of how healthy a fat is, the key is whether your body is prepared to process it. Rather than blindly following a trend, evaluate whether your current digestive state and constitution can handle a fat-rich diet. The safest approach is to visit a clinic for a professional diagnosis of your physical condition before making a decision.