Q. There are so many diet foods at Costco; from a Korean Medicine doctor's perspective, which ones would you recommend?

Costco is filled with products that appear healthy, and even I have occasionally bought too much only to find they didn't suit me. From a clinical perspective, low-sugar and high-protein products are efficient for busy professionals to manage blood glucose. However, they have drawbacks; artificial sweeteners can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to bloating or indigestion in some individuals. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), those with 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛)—meaning weakened digestive function—may find these processed diet foods counterproductive. When digestive capacity is low, relying strictly on high-protein or synthetic substitutes can lead to the accumulation of 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), which are metabolic wastes or phlegm-like fluids. This often manifests as lethargy or dizziness. The answer ultimately depends on your body's current state. While a chicken breast shake might work for one person, a bowl of warm vegetable porridge could be a more effective path for another. The priority should be clearing 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and toxins to restore digestive health first. If you are curious about the best food combinations for your specific constitution, please visit the clinic for a personalized consultation.