fads, discrepancies& everything in-between
Alkaline Water
Marketers claim that alkaline products will reverse the effects of the overly acid-producing diet of the average person by balancing the body's pH level. They insist that this reversal leads to weight loss and a decreased risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer and osteoporosis. However, specialists say that not only do the kidneys naturally excrete this extra acid, but "the body can [actually] maintain the proper pH independent of diet". In addition, studies suggest that alkaline products have no impact on bone health, cancer prevention, or cancer treatment.
Consumers Union of United States. (2013). Alkaline products promise health benefits with little proof to support such claims. The Washington Post.
The Paleo Diet
The Paleo Diet, which intends to mimic the eating habits of hunter-gatherers, supports consumption of animal products (excluding dairy) and uncultivated plants (which excludes legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils). The following study found that, in less than 2 weeks on the paleo diet, overweight adults experienced a decrease in cholesterol, insulin to glucose ratio, diastolic blood pressure, urinary calcium excretion, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In an attempt to give these reductions some meaning; too much insulin increases risk of diabetes and heart disease, too much glucose increases risk of kidney disease, nerve damage, retinal disease, stroke, and heart disease, higher levels of diastolic blood pressure increase the risk of death from ischemic heart disease and stroke, urine with a high concentration of calcium typically indicates an overactive parathyroid gland, and high levels of LDL increase risk for heart disease and stroke. Participants did not experience a change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (which, in high numbers, can lower the risk for heart disease and stroke). For details comparing a mediterranean-type diet to the paleo diet, please refer to the discussion section of the article.
Frassetto, L., Schloetter, M., Mietus-Synder, M., Morris Jr, R., & Sebastian, A. (2009). Metabolic and physiologic improvements from consuming a paleolithic, hunter-gatherer type diet. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63, 947–955.
Flavored Water
Dental experts claim that, while drinking more water is great for your health, drinking too much flavored water can cause "significant tooth erosion," which is often associated with hypersensitivity to temperature and less protection against cavities. Unfortunately, most companies utilize some form of citric acid to flavor and/or carbonate the water. Consequently, the American Dental Association suggests limiting consumption of flavored water. However, drinking these doctored up waters with a meal can dilute the acid effect and decrease the negative impact on dental health.
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Krieger, E. (2017). Why flavored waters are bad for your teeth. The Washington Post.