Q. Diet pasta and other food substitutes are really popular these days. As a TKM doctor, do you recommend these kinds of diets?

These days, diet pastas and sugar substitutes have become incredibly convenient. I've actually tried them myself to manage my diet, and I fully understand the appeal—but I've also experienced the bloating and discomfort that can follow. The biggest advantage is that they help prevent blood sugar spikes and reduce the intake of refined flour, which significantly lowers the stress associated with strict dieting. However, there are caveats. The specific fibers or sweeteners used in these substitutes can easily cause indigestion depending on your constitution. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is often related to 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). For those with a weakened Spleen system, these hard-to-digest substitutes can lead to excessive gas or lightheadedness. Furthermore, these foods do not necessarily prevent the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮), which are metabolic waste products in the body. If you overconsume them under the assumption that 'it's a substitute, so it's fine,' it may actually hinder circulation, similar to the effects of 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血). Ultimately, the key is not whether a food is labeled 'healthy,' but whether your body can actually process it. I suggest checking your current digestive state and whether you suffer from frequent edema. The most efficient approach is to visit a clinic to determine your specific constitution before tailoring your diet.