Patient Experience
A 72-year-old retired ship captain from the Black Sea region, lifelong heavy smoker with COPD, presented with unexplained 15kg weight loss over 4 months despite normal appetite. Dr. Koç discovered through detailed dietary recall that his traditional high-fat fish stew diet had been replaced by his concerned daughter with commercial 'healthy' meal replacements lacking sufficient calories for his metabolic needs. A culturally-tailored high-calorie traditional meal plan restored his weight in 8 weeks.
A 19-year-old national ballet dancer preparing for international competition developed sudden food intolerances and restrictive eating patterns that threatened her performance. Dr. Koç identified orthorexia nervosa triggered by social media 'clean eating' trends. Through collaborative work with a sports psychologist and creation of a performance-focused nutrition plan emphasizing timing rather than elimination, the dancer returned to optimal performance in 3 months.
A 42-year-old software engineer and recent immigrant from Turkmenistan presented with persistent digestive issues unresponsive to standard Western treatments. Dr. Koç researched traditional Turkmen food preparation methods and identified that his body wasn't producing sufficient enzymes for the sudden switch to processed Turkish foods. A transitional diet incorporating fermented traditional foods alongside gradual introduction resolved symptoms completely.
A 58-year-old female factory worker with type 2 diabetes developed severe hypoglycemic episodes after starting new medication. Dr. Koç discovered through meticulous food diary analysis that the patient was skipping breakfast due to early shifts but drinking sweetened tea, creating dangerous glucose fluctuations. A practical shift-work nutrition protocol with portable protein-rich breakfast options eliminated episodes within days.