Six weird diet trends: We look at the science

There are always new diet trends, but do they work? Here we explore six weird health kicks. As always, you need to consult your doctor before making any changes – even if you’re in good health.

1: The ketogenic diet

The keto diet has been around long enough for research results. This low-carb, high-fat diet makes your body burn fat for energy, and create ketones for brain health. It reduces blood-sugar levels – good news for diabetics – and lets you lose weight without feeling hungry.

However, it isn’t for everyone. If you suffer from Crohn’s Disease, cardiovascular issues or chronic fatigue, the diet’s lack of high-fibre carbs, too many animal products, and saturated fats like butter and cream could make these conditions worse.

2: Fasting

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a safe way to reduce, but new evidence indicates that when you fast is important. We’ve evolved to eat in the daytime and sleep at night, so extending the night’s fast makes more sense than fasting whole days. Along with a healthy, whole-food diet, IF can work on weight loss, inflammation and the early stages of diabetes.

However, it may not suit someone with an eating disorder or using medication for diabetes.

3: Celery juice

Celery juice helps lower blood pressure and inflammation, but so does eating celery whole. Claims of miracle cures are unsubstantiated. If you drank it and lost a lot of weight, it’s probably more to do with simple calorie restriction. Celery juice has fewer calories than sugary smoothies.

Although it keeps you hydrated, and some celebrities swear by it, there’s no proof celery juice works on chronic diseases. Plus, it might interfere with prescribed meds, so, again, talk to your doctor first.

4: Colon cleansing

This procedure flushes out your colon, with claims it helps with bloating, constipation and weight loss by removing toxins. In spite of celebrity endorsements, some health professionals consider it unnecessary. Your body already has systems that take care of toxins and waste.

In fact, colonic irrigation is potentially risky – you could suffer dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, kill beneficial gut bacteria, contract an infection and even damage your bowel. If you still want to have a go, drink plenty of water beforehand and talk to your doctor. Or eat more high-fibre veg and clean your gut naturally.

5: Cider vinegar – tonic or not?

Vinegar was an anti-bacterial and food preserver long before antibiotics and refrigerators. Cider vinegar is an antioxidant, and some claim weight loss, lower cholesterol and reduced diabetes symptoms. Studies tend to back up these claims, but not to the point of replacing effective medicines.

Drinking cider vinegar could have negative effects, including delayed digestion, nausea, eroded tooth enamel, burns to throat and skin, and interference with prescribed medications.

6: Activated charcoal

Toothpaste, face masks, poison antidote, insect bite remedy – the claims for activated charcoal are many, and mostly anecdotal. To avoid a hangover you’re better off drinking less. Charcoal might make your teeth whiter – by eroding your enamel. And like cider vinegar, it might interfere with your prescriptions if you ingest it, and block essential nutrients too.

Start with a healthy diet

Before jumping onto trendy remedies, be sure to eat a healthy, whole-food diet and get regular exercise. If you still want to try a new option, be moderate, and if in doubt, talk to your doctor, especially if you’re taking prescription meds.