The Ketogenic (Keto) diet seems very popular lately. How exactly does it work for weight loss?
The Ketogenic diet works by switching the body’s primary fuel source from carbohydrates to fat. By minimizing carb intake to lower blood sugar and suppress insulin, the body is forced to burn stored fat to produce 'ketones' for energy. This metabolic state, known as ketosis, effectively turns the body into a fat-burning machine. It is not merely a calorie-restrictive diet but a fundamental recalibration of your entire metabolic system.
I once experienced the 'Keto flu'—dizziness and lethargy—when I tried cutting carbs too abruptly. It is a common struggle for many patients, and it highlights that this isn't just about eating less. Our bodies naturally prefer glucose as fuel; when that supply is removed, the body switches to burning stored fat through a process called ketosis, which thrives in a low-insulin environment. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this process is similar to clearing 'Dam-eum' (metabolic phlegm-fluid). When the Spleen is weak ('Spleen Deficiency' or Bi-heo), the body fails to convert food into energy, and it instead accumulates as waste. While Keto can act as a form of shock therapy to jumpstart a stagnant metabolism, it must be approached carefully based on your individual constitution. For instance, those with 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol) might find that a high-fat diet puts undue stress on their blood vessels. A healthy approach requires restoring the Spleen’s transformative power first. I recommend we check if your body is currently prepared to process such a high fat intake before you begin.
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