Not all diets are created equal—because not all bodies are. Explore 8 global nutrition trends and reveal how does TCM and functional medicine merge~
We live in a world overflowing with nutritional advice. From TikTok to textbooks, people are debating which diet is "the best": Keto? Mediterranean? Plant-based? But here’s the real twist—what works for one person might completely fail for another. So, why is that?
To find out, I dove into an analysis of the eight most popular global nutrition trends and summarized their core principles, controversies, and ideal user profiles in a comparative table below.
1. The Eight Global Nutrition Schools—Each With Its Own Tribe
My recent analysis shows that globally, eight major nutrition trends dominate the conversation: Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Mediterranean, Plant-Based, Low-Carb, Anti-inflammatory, Functional Nutrition, and High-Protein Diets. Each has its own logic, science, and loyal followers. But they also come with controversies—ranging from kidney stress to nutritional deficiencies. These diets often reflect the cultural, metabolic, or even moral values of different communities. The problem? Most of them assume a one-size-fits-all body.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Original Functional Nutrition?
Interestingly, when comparing these dietary schools, I find functional nutrition school seems to echo core spirit with one ancient healing system: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM has long emphasized eating according to your body type, emotional state, and the seasons. At the heart of TCM dietary wisdom lies the concept of "constitution"—a classification of each person’s natural physical and energetic tendencies. Some are prone to heat, others to cold; some thrive on raw foods, others need warmth and tonics. Just like functional nutrition promotes personalized, adaptive strategies, TCM avoids generic solutions. Instead of asking “What’s the best diet?” it asks, “What’s best for you right now?”
Conclusion: Personalized Over Popular
The takeaway? There’s no perfect diet—only a diet that’s perfect for you. Whether you lean into Western functional nutrition or Eastern pattern-based eating, the key is the same:
- Understand your body constitutions
- Listen to its needs at current stage as health is dynamic and evolving
- Choose what supports your unique constitution and current state.
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