Post-Chuseok diet: What to eat after salty holiday feast

Following the Chuseok holiday, some individuals may experience bloating or a feeling of increased heaviness. This is typically due to consuming higher levels of sodium in their diet, through foods like jeon, galbi, japchae, soups, stews, and sauces. To resume a healthier eating pattern, incorporating potassium-rich foods into meals can be beneficial. Rather than avoiding food altogether, consuming potassium can aid in managing the effects of excessive sodium intake.

Potassium is essential for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function, and it helps regulate the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Most importantly, it assists the body in eliminating excess sodium. This can help lower blood pressure, which may rise after a salty holiday feast. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2025 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans indicates that potassium promotes sodium excretion and reduces vascular resistance, thus supporting healthy blood pressure levels.

To incorporate potassium into your post-Chuseok meals, focus on including a variety of potassium-rich foods. These include fruits such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruit, as well as vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes. Salting food should be done sparingly, and it's advisable to consume potassium-rich foods throughout the day rather than in a single large meal.