Reviewed by최연승대표원장
When can I expect to see results if I take herbal medicine while practicing intermittent fasting?
While results vary by individual, most patients feel a lightness in their body within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Since the herbal medicine manages hunger and prevents the loss of energy during fasting, you can enter the adaptation phase much more smoothly than through calorie restriction alone.
Many people attempt fasting with sheer willpower, only to experience dizziness and fatigue, which often leads to binge eating. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we prioritize optimizing the 'condition of the body' over simply eating less.
The first week is an adaptation period where 'Dameum' (痰飮)—the accumulation of metabolic waste and phlegm—is expelled from the body. During this time, the herbal medicine suppresses 'false hunger' and boosts your metabolic rate. By the second week, you will likely notice a reduction in bloating and visible changes in your body composition. After about a month of consistency, your constitution gradually shifts toward a state where the body more efficiently utilizes stored fat as energy.
However, those with 'Bi-heo' (脾虛), or a deficiency in Spleen function, may experience a sharp drop in energy if fasting is too aggressive. A weak Spleen impairs digestive and absorptive capacity, leading to rapid exhaustion. This is why I customize the fasting duration and the potency of the herbal formula based on each patient's specific condition.
Ultimately, the speed of weight loss is less important than how comfortably your body accepts the process. When you visit the clinic, I will assess your current digestive health and energy levels to design a personalized schedule that allows for the most sustainable and least strenuous weight loss.