What exactly is the ketogenic diet that’s so popular lately? I'm curious about the mechanism of how cutting out carbs leads to weight loss.
A ketogenic diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats to switch your primary energy source from glucose to fat. When glucose is scarce, the liver burns fat to produce 'ketones,' facilitating fat loss. However, in Traditional Korean Medicine, those with a 'Spleen Deficiency (Biheo)'—meaning a weak digestive system—should be careful, as this high-fat approach can be counterproductive and even harmful.
I have actually tried cutting out rice to eat only meat myself, but I ended up suffering from dizziness and bloating within just a few days. The principle of the ketogenic diet lies in insulin regulation. Normally, carbohydrates spike insulin, which promotes fat storage; however, cutting carbs keeps this hormone low, allowing the body to enter 'ketosis,' where it burns stored fat for fuel. The problem is that this process isn't seamless for everyone. In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we pay close attention to 'Spleen Deficiency (Biheo)' and 'Phlegm-Dampness (Damyum).' If someone with a weak Spleen—the organ responsible for digestive energy—suddenly consumes excessive fat, the body cannot break it down properly. This leads to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-Dampness' (metabolic waste), causing a vicious cycle where you swell up rather than lose weight. Furthermore, excessive protein and fat intake can lead to 'Blood Stasis (Eohyeol),' making the blood stagnant and turbid. Rather than blindly following trends, you must first assess if your digestive system has the 'stamina' to handle a high-fat load. Instead of struggling through trial and error, let's work together to find a balanced path tailored to your specific constitution.
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