The ketogenic diet is very popular these days, and I am interested in trying it. I'd like to know a Korean Medicine doctor's perspective on this diet.
While the ketogenic diet is effective for stabilizing blood sugar and maintaining satiety, individuals with weak digestive systems may experience bloating or significant lethargy. Based on clinical observation and personal experience, reactions vary greatly depending on the individual. Instead of blindly following trends, it is crucial to first assess whether you have 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo), which refers to weakened digestive functions.
I have personally experienced the ketogenic diet; while I initially saw weight loss, I soon struggled with dizziness and constipation. From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, while this diet is excellent for improving insulin resistance and shifting the body into a fat-burning state, it can be detrimental if your digestive power is insufficient. A high-fat intake can easily lead to the accumulation of 'Phlegm-fluid' (Dameum), a type of metabolic waste. If you feel bloated or heavy, this waste is likely the cause. In TKM, this is often rooted in 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo). When Spleen function is impaired, nutrients are not properly transformed and instead turn into toxins, leading to 'Qi Deficiency' (Giheo) or 'Blood Stasis' (Eo-hyeol). Whether this diet succeeds depends entirely on your 'Constitution' (Che-jil)—specifically whether you have excess internal heat or a cold, sensitive system. Our clinic helps diagnose these imbalances and provides supplementary treatments to manage digestive issues or energy depletion that may arise during the diet.
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