BRD Clinic
Only people currently living in Korea with their own Korean 010 mobile number can apply. Overseas residents are not eligible.

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and a sensitive gut. Is it safe for me to try herbal medicine for weight loss?

Yes, it is certainly possible. However, the approach must be tailored to your specific gut condition. Using medications that simply suppress appetite can actually exacerbate gut sensitivity. Depending on whether you experience frequent diarrhea or chronic bloating, we use specific herbs to either soothe inflammation and strengthen function or facilitate the discharge of waste. By prioritizing your systemic health first, you can manage both your gut health and weight simultaneously.

Many patients experience a direct link between stress and digestive distress, which can severely impact daily quality of life. Therefore, the core strategy for those with sensitive intestines is not to provide 'medication that simply forces you to eat less,' but rather 'medication that puts the gut at ease.' In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is often viewed as Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo). When the digestive function (the Spleen) is weakened, nutrient absorption becomes inefficient, leaving behind metabolic waste. This accumulation creates 'Dam-eum' (痰飮), or phlegm-fluid retention, which makes the body feel heavy and creates an internal environment where weight loss is difficult. Accordingly, we differentiate the treatment approach as follows: 1. For those with frequent diarrhea or abdominal pain: We utilize prescriptions that warm the intestines and boost 'Qi' (vital energy) to improve absorptive capacity. 2. For those with excessive gas and constipation: We focus on removing 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) and toxins to restore natural intestinal motility. Rather than relying solely on probiotics, using herbal medicine that aligns with your body's energy flow can create a much more comfortable intestinal environment. Instead of extreme fasting or using potent stimulants, regulating your body at a pace your gut can handle is the healthiest way to achieve sustainable weight loss without the yo-yo effect.

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Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Dr. Yeonseung ChoeChief Director

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I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and a…. Yes, it is certainly possible. However, the approach must be tailored to your specific gut condition. Using medica

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