Diets debunked
There are so many different diets out there it is difficult to know if you are on the right one,
And some of you may be tempted to cop and change looking for better/faster results, so what is the truth about the eating plans out there
Intermittent Fasting
Made popular by?
It is believed our ancestors at times went through periods of fasting when food was scarce; a version of this sort of plan 5:2 diet became popular after it was shown on a BBC2 documentary “Eat, Fast & Live Longer.” and Dr Michael Mosely our 70/30 plan has its roots in this research
Claims
The premise is that when we intermittently fast, our body goes into repair mode and slows down, causing beneficial changes at the cellular level, these are reported to include an increase in insulin sensitivity sand improvement in cellular repair. The idea is that can help people lose weight reduce the progression towards age related diseases such as cancer and even add years to your life.
Evidence
There is evidence to suggest that the circadian rhythm fasting approach, where meals are restricted to an eight to 10-hour period of the daytime, is effective, which has been confirmed by the metabolic experts at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. There is some good scientific evidence suggesting that circadian rhythm fasting, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can be a particularly effective approach to weight loss, especially for people at risk for diabetes. (However, people with advanced diabetes or who are on medications for diabetes, people with a history of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not attempt intermittent fasting unless under the close supervision of a physician who can monitor them.)
The Alkaline Diet
Made popular by?
This diet was made popular here in the U.K by Victoria Beckham as well as other celebrities such as Elle Macpherson and Gwyneth Paltrow; it came from the work of Dr Robert O’ Young, who published several books on the subject. (Note Dr. O’Young was jailed in 2017 for illegally treating people at his ranch without scientific training)
Claims
When you metabolise food it creates waste. These reaming chemical can either be acid or alkaline and are often referred to as “ash”. The acid/alkaline theory of disease, which the alkaline diet is based round claims this “ash”, can have a direct effect on your health, acidic ash being, disease causing and alkaline ash health promoting.
This method has been widely criticised for being flawed. Your bodies inbuilt regulatory system (lungs & Kidneys) keep your blood ph level very tightly controlled and it isn’t possible to change this with diet. The only thing you can change is the Ph level of your urine, which is what draws people into this diet.
Claims include prevention of weakening bones, protecting your heart, even curing depression, as well as prevention of cancer.
Evidence
There have been a number of reviews into the Alkaline Diet and whether current evidence supports its claims, Currently there is no evidence to support claims made by the Alkaline Diet is an effective treatment or useful for any of the mentioned claims.
The Meat Only Diet
Made popular by?
Mikhalia Peterson and her dad (A clinical psychologist,) Also Shawn Baker a former orthopaedic surgeon.
Claims
This diet shot into the public domain when Mikhalia put her dad on the program, (he had somewhat controversial views.) She has claimed the diet cured her from serve arthritis, chronic fatigue depression and may many other symptoms that she was previously experiencing.
Evidence
There are many anecdotal claims from people who say the diet has worked wonders but there are been no observational studies or controlled trails, so there is no evidence to support any of its claims.
The Juice Plus Diet.
Made popular by?
Multi level marketing schemes, these tablets are often sold by people you know or who already take them
Claims
The supplements are made from the juices of 30 dried fruits and vegetables. Although the company stated on its website that these tables are not intended to replace fruit and vegetables, it is claimed they can improve your intake of nutrients that benefit your heart health, reduce stress and chronic inflammation, and improve immune function, skin and even dental health.
Evidence
The company links to a lot of industry sponsored research on its website, which supports its claims to increase your nutrients; however none of the research has been carried out by independent companies producing scientific results.