Q. I eat out often because I'm an office worker; do you have any tips for choosing Korean menu items?

Many people believe that traditional Korean food is inherently healthy and often add generous amounts of gochujang (red chili paste) to bibimbap, not realizing that these seasonings contain significant amounts of sugar. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), a weakened digestive state is referred to as 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). When the Spleen's function is compromised, food is not metabolized properly and accumulates in the body. Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates in this state easily leads to the formation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dameum, 痰飮), a type of metabolic waste. When this Phlegm-Fluid obstructs circulation, it causes the body to feel heavy and bloated. Therefore, I recommend changing your 'eating sequence' when dining out. Start with vegetables, such as namul or salads, to ensure a gradual rise in blood glucose levels. Follow this with proteins like meat or fish, and save the rice for the very end in a small portion. Additionally, if you are experiencing 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血) where circulation is congested, clear soups or steamed dishes will be more comfortable for your system than greasy meats. Since the ideal menu varies depending on your current constitutional state, visiting the clinic for a professional diagnosis is the fastest and most accurate way to determine your dietary needs.