Q. I’ve heard the Mediterranean diet is very healthy and I’m thinking of trying it. As a Korean Medicine practitioner, do you recommend it? Are there any precautions I should be aware of?

I once struggled with dizziness and indigestion after blindly following a popular diet, so I understand the importance of finding what works for your unique body. While the Mediterranean diet is globally recognized for its health benefits, it requires slight adjustments to harmonize with the Korean constitution. From a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective, this diet is outstanding for clearing Blood Stasis (Eohyeol, 瘀血), as the high-quality fats in olive oil and nuts soothe chronic inflammation. Its high fiber content also helps prevent or expel 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮), which is the accumulation of pathological moisture in the body. However, precautions are necessary. For those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo, 脾虛) and weak digestive fire, the 'cold' nature of raw vegetables can be harmful. A cold stomach can hinder digestive enzymes, sometimes making it harder to lose weight. Furthermore, even high-quality olive oil is still a fat; if your bile secretion is suboptimal, excessive intake can cause nausea. Since no single diet fits everyone perfectly, if your digestion is weak, I recommend blanching vegetables to consume them warm and gradually increasing your olive oil intake. Treat your diet like a medical prescription and carefully observe how your body responds.