Q. I'm doing intermittent fasting; is it safe to take herbal medicine at the same time? Will there be any side effects?

I personally remember a time when I over-ambitiously combined fasting with a strict diet and felt dizzy for several days—it was a bit of a trial-and-error experience. This is why I take a very cautious approach when patients practice fasting. When combining herbal medicine with fasting, I focus on these key stages: 1. Digestive Function Assessment: For those with Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo, 脾虛), taking medicine on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal distress. In such cases, I adjust the timing of the dose or incorporate herbs that protect the stomach lining. 2. Checking for Waste Accumulation: If the body has a high accumulation of Phlegm-Fluid (Dameum, 痰飮) or Blood Stasis (Eohyeol, 瘀血), sudden fasting can cause toxins to stagnate, leading to headaches or nausea. A prescription that first promotes circulation is necessary. 3. Energy Level Regulation: When blood sugar is low due to fasting, herbs that overly stimulate metabolism can cause heart palpitations or insomnia. It is crucial to fine-tune the concentration of the medicine based on your condition. 4. Complementary Dietary Planning: Rather than simply starving, we must determine which nutrients to replenish when breaking the fast to improve your constitution and prevent the yo-yo effect. Ultimately, safe weight loss begins with assessing your body's 'reserve capacity.' If you share your current fasting schedule, I can propose a customized prescription that aligns perfectly with your rhythm.