Why exactly is it so important to make sure I'm eating enough protein while dieting?
Simply put, it is about protecting your body's 'foundation.' If protein is lacking, your body begins to break down muscle, which leads to a decrease in your basal metabolic rate. This creates a vicious cycle: protein deficiency leads to muscle loss, which lowers metabolism, eventually making your body more prone to gaining weight. It is not just about feeling full, but about creating an internal environment where your body can burn energy efficiently.
Many people attempt extreme fasting out of motivation, but this often leads to dizziness and a total loss of energy. When protein intake is insufficient, the body breaks down muscle tissue to use as an emergency energy source. This causes the basal metabolic rate to plummet, meaning you can gain weight more easily even while eating the same amount as before.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this state is referred to as 'Spleen Deficiency' (Bi-heo, 脾虛). This occurs when the Spleen's function weakens, hindering the proper absorption and transportation of nutrients. When Spleen function declines, metabolic waste known as 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dam-eum, 痰飮) easily accumulates. Dam-eum acts like stagnant debris in the body, obstructing blood circulation and causing edema, which significantly slows down weight loss.
Therefore, prioritizing protein is not merely about building muscle; it is about supporting Spleen function to prevent the accumulation of Dam-eum and 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol, 瘀血—stagnant, unhealthy blood). It is a process of rebuilding your fundamental physical strength and restarting your body's stalled metabolic engine. Since digestive capacity varies by individual, the ideal type and amount of protein differ for everyone. If you visit our clinic, we can analyze your current physiological state to find the right balance for you.
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