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Like many fad diets, the alkaline diet gained popularity once celebrities started unofficially endorsing it on social media.

Co-authored by Shelly Redford Young and Robert O.

fresh foods

Plus, he asserts that “many tumors can grow only in acidic environments.”

At least, that’s what Young promised a young British Army officer in 2009, per theBBC.

The cost was $3,000 a day, per the BBC.

foods allowed in alkaline diet

Wait, the founder of the alkaline diet ended up in jail?

The British Army officer, Naima Houder-Mohammed, and her family spent more than $77,000 for Robert O.

Essentially, the infusions contained baking soda the same kind you find in your pantry or fridge.

handcuffs and a judge’s gavel

But it wasn’t until 2011 that any investigations began into Young and his treatment center.

By 2014, however, Young was arrested for practicing medicine without a license, per Hartford Courant.

One she makes is that “humans have a hard time digesting meat.”

foods allowed in alkaline diet

The alkaline diet is also dangerous to athletes, senior registered dietitian Erika Zoellner toldBaylor College of Medicine.

So, can you actually eat your way to a balanced pH?

Studies haverepeatedly shown that food has no effect on the pH levelsin your blood.

woman drinking water from bottle

So what about alkaline water?

Leveine also told Shape that alkaline water has antioxidants and will make you look and feel younger.

TheMayo Cliniceven reports that some studies suggest alkaline water might help slow bone loss.

The studies on alkaline water have been extremely limited thus far, and more research is needed.

Staying properly hydrated is key to a healthy body.

If drinking alkaline water helps you stay hydrated, Czerwony sees no risk in drinking it.