Q. Is intermittent fasting healthy for everyone, or should I be cautious about following the trend?
It depends on your constitution. For those with weak digestive capacities, excessive fasting may inadvertently deplete your vital energy (Qi) and lower your metabolic rate.
📝 Detailed Answer
While intermittent fasting is currently very popular, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Attempting rigorous fasting based solely on willpower can often lead to exhaustion, dizziness, and ultimately a decrease in metabolic efficiency.
From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), each individual possesses a different innate capacity for digestion and absorption. In particular, the following types of constitutions should exercise caution:
- Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛): Those with weak spleen function, characterized by poor digestion and easy fatigue.
- Qi Deficiency (Gi-heo, 氣虛): Those with a low overall capacity for energy production, who may experience severe hypoglycemic symptoms during fasting.
- Phlegm Accumulation (Dam-jeok, 痰積): Those whose gastrointestinal motility is stagnant due to the buildup of metabolic waste.
The key is not simply the duration of the fast, but whether your constitutional state is capable of enduring that fasting period. If you fast blindly, your body may enter a 'survival mode,' which can paradoxically make it harder to lose weight.
💡 Clinical Point
It is safest to first assess your current digestive function and energy levels, then establish a fasting schedule and dietary guide tailored to your specific constitution.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director