Special Diet Topics
Q. I keep eating whenever I'm stressed. Are there any specific ways to control my appetite?
A.
Stress-induced 'false hunger' is not a matter of willpower, but a signal that your body's internal balance is disrupted. Instead of simply resisting, it is crucial to assess your current state. Please check if you experience the following: ✓ Sudden cravings for specific foods ✓ Urge to eat when feeling depressed or anxious ✓ Continuing to eat even when full ✓ Feeling immediate regret or guilt after eating. If two or more apply, it is likely a stress-related regulation disorder rather than simple greed.
📝 Detailed Answer
Many people struggle with binge eating during periods of high stress, often realizing that appetite is not just about hunger, but a complex link between the mind and the internal organs.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this condition is often viewed as Gan-gi-ul-gyeol (肝氣鬱結), or 'Liver Qi Stagnation.' When the energy of the Liver fails to flow smoothly and becomes congested, it leads to emotional sensitivity. This, in turn, affects the digestive system, causing Bi-heo (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function. When the Spleen's function is weakened, energy metabolism becomes inefficient, causing the body to crave 'quick energy' such as sweets and refined carbohydrates.
Furthermore, if accumulated 'Eohyeol' (瘀血, blood stasis) or 'Dameum' (痰飮, phlegm-fluid retention) hinders the circulation of Qi and Blood, the brain may perceive satiety more slowly. This creates a repetitive cycle where you feel 'full in the stomach but bored in the mouth.'
In this state, restrictive dieting can be counterproductive, as the body perceives it as starvation, triggering further binge eating. Instead, it is helpful to drink warm teas to resolve the stagnation of Qi or take light walks to clear out Dameum. If self-regulation feels overwhelming, seeking TKM treatment to restore the natural flow of energy is a more efficient path to recovery. We can work together to identify where the energy blockages are in your body.
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Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director