Q. The Ketogenic (Keto) diet seems very popular lately. How exactly does it work for weight loss?

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.