Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I suffer from severe constipation; does this affect my weight loss? How should I manage it?
Yes, gut health and weight loss are closely linked. When waste accumulates in the intestines, your metabolic capacity drops, which often leads to an early weight-loss plateau. I will guide you through a process of first optimizing your intestinal environment and then gradually increasing your basal metabolic rate.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), chronic constipation is viewed as more than just bloating; it is a state where unnecessary waste products, known as 'Dameum' (phlegm-fluid retention), accumulate in the body. Dameum obstructs the flow of Qi and blood, which slows down the pace of weight loss.
Our systematic approach follows these stages:
1. Initial Phase (Weeks 1-2): 'Intestinal Detoxification.' Rather than relying on immediate medication, we focus on restoring intestinal motility. For those with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency), where digestive and absorptive functions are weakened, we provide prescriptions to improve the internal gut environment alongside dietary adjustments.
2. Intermediate Phase (Weeks 3-4): 'Metabolic Activation.' Once gut health is restored and systemic inflammation decreases, we introduce herbal medicines that actively promote the burning of body fat. As 'Eohyeol' (blood stasis/stagnant blood) is cleared, you will feel your body becoming significantly lighter.
3. Maintenance Phase (After 1 Month): 'Homeostasis Maintenance.' We establish habits of consuming probiotics and dietary fiber to create an environment that prevents the yo-yo effect.
Before becoming a practitioner, I personally struggled with poor eating habits and learned through trial and error that 'opening the exit' (promoting elimination) is far more efficient than simply starving yourself. When you visit the clinic, we will carefully assess your current intestinal state together.