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한의사 추천 가이드
한의사 추천 가이드

Q. What is your perspective on the popular ketogenic (LCHF) diet from a Korean medicine standpoint? Would you recommend it for me?

A.

There is no method as attractive as the ketogenic diet for training the body to burn fat, especially given its satiety and blood sugar stabilizing effects. However, if your digestive capacity is weak, it can be detrimental, causing 'Keto Flu' symptoms like lethargy or constipation. Therefore, it is crucial to first examine whether this approach suits your Spleen and Stomach (Bi-wi) function and your specific constitution.

📝 Detailed Answer

I once tried a meat-only diet myself to lose weight. I remember feeling dizzy and lightheaded every afternoon, so I truly empathize with patients going through that. The ketogenic (LCHF) diet is a regimen with very distinct pros and cons. First, it is highly effective at improving insulin resistance because it prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar. The reduced stress from not having to endure constant hunger is also a major advantage. However, the drawbacks are significant. In Korean medicine, we often diagnose the early-stage lethargy known as 'Keto Flu' as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo). When Spleen function is weak, the body cannot convert ingested fats into energy, leaving you feeling utterly exhausted. You must be especially cautious if you have a history of poor digestion. Undigested fat can turn into Phlegm-Fluid (Dam-eum), a type of metabolic waste, which can actually cause your body to swell and feel heavy. Furthermore, for those who experience high stress and symptoms of Qi Stagnation (Gi-che), a high-fat diet may further block the flow of vital energy. No method is universally good or bad. The priority is to check if your body is ready to burn fat and if your digestive system is strong enough. Let’s start by analyzing your constitution together. It will be much healthier and safer to begin by supplementing any functional deficiencies with herbal medicine.
#recommendation #pros-cons
Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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