It's no surprise that our favorite celebs love to spill their diet secrets, given that they often work so hard to get those killer bodies! But how safe (or beneficial) are those weight loss remedies that aren't, you know, sweating it out at the gym?

We talked with Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of DrAxe.com, best-selling author of Eat Dirt, and co-founder of Ancient Nutrition, to get the truth about some of the Internet's most searched diets and whether you should listen to the hype! Scroll down to hear his thoughts on apple cider vinegar, the bone broth detox, and more popular fads.

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Whether youre dieting or not, regularly having small amounts of apple cider vinegar, or ACV, has numerous health benefits, including: better digestion, reduced acid reflux, enhanced detoxification, and blood sugar regulation. ACV contains a powerful substance acetic acid, which is beneficial for gut health and more. In terms of it being used as part of a diet to help someone lose weight, this approach might have certain advantages due to how ACV can help reduce cravings and improve nutrient absorption.

Id recommend starting with one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water before your three biggest meals of the day, as this may help stabilize blood sugar levels, alkalize your digestive system and have other positive effects on your metabolism. You can also try starting the day with a cleansing mix of ACV, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Im a big fan of ACV, but I still like to remind people that theres no magic bullet when it comes to lasting weight loss. In general, consuming lots of one healthy ingredient should never take the place of an overall balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Fasting (abstaining from eating solid food) may seem like a recent trend, but in fact, its been practiced safely for thousands of years. As long as its not causing any negative side effects such as irregular menstrual cycles, lots of fatigue, or heavy brain fog then going for longer periods of time without food, even for an entire day, has been shown to have certain positive health effects.

Skipping a whole day of eating obviously has benefits for reducing calorie intake as well, but this isn't the only reason that fasting is helpful for weight loss or maintenance. Fasting helps deplete glycogen (energy stored in muscles), which means the body uses more stored fat for energy, plus it helps normalize blood sugar levels. It may also help regulate production of certain appetite hormones including leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage in response to eating, and ghrelin, a hormone that increases hunger. Studies have also found links between fasting and longevity, due to how fasting may help lower oxidative stress. Bone broth is one of the best things to have while fasting (as well as on non-fasting days) because it prevents muscle wasting or dehydration, and supplies essential nutrients including amino acids and electrolytes to keep energy levels up.

Eating 3 square meals a day might be most common, but that doesnt mean its the only healthy way to eat. In fact, its now being shown in studies that for some people, eating many small meals all day long (also called grazing) may contribute to overeating, possibly because it never allows enough time for someone to feel truly hungry, decreasing their ability to be stay in touch with their true hunger versus fullness signals.

Everyone is a bit different in terms of how often and when they get hungry, so theres no hard-and-fast rule as to which number of meals is best. Eating only one meal per day might seem extreme, and it certainly can be very uncomfortable for some people, but for others it might provide substantial benefits and seem pretty manageable, especially if practiced only several days per week. Staying flexible and in touch with your appetite cues should really be the ultimate goal.

Eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, and veggies while keeping carb and sugar intake low is one of the most reliable ways to lose weight, often pretty quickly. Another name for a very low-carb, low-sugar diet is the Ketogenic Diet which has recently become very popular, followed by celebrities such as Halle Berry, but has actually been practiced since around the 1920s. The keto diet works by forcing the body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, a process called ketosis.

Ketosis is only possible when carb intake is kept very, very low around 25-30 grams of net carbs per day (the amount thats left when fiber is subtracted). Foods like meat, fish, oils, and non-starchy veggies are either very-low carb or no-carb, so they should make up the bulk of calories on plans like the keto diet. Dairy products, grains, fruit, legumes, and added sugars have more carbs, so they are either strictly limited or avoided all together. Most people will be able to achieve similar results to Kim if they follow a Moderate Keto Diet," sticking to about 60-75 grams of net carbs daily which allows for a bit more flexibility.

Answers have been edited for length.

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I was diagnosed with a severe allergy to berries and red fruits when I was an infant, and I've also been on a gluten-free diet for the last four years. Don't get me wrong, I'm not celiac nor severely allergic to gluten, but intolerant, part of that group of people identified as "gluten sensitive." And guess what? I travel the world looking for the best places to eat and drink to write about . . . funny, isn't it?

Traveling with food allergies can be annoying and intimidating, leaving us and our travel companions with a constant sense of fear about what could happen if, accidentally, we end up eating something we can't have. So said, fear and anxiety don't control my life, and that's why every time I travel, I ensure I won't have problems or that at least I will be in control if something happens.

Let me be straight: it hasn't been easy, especially in the past, because there are many things you've got to consider when you travel with an allergy. But the more I experience and travel, the easier it gets, and this also boosts my confidence and my desire to enjoy the adventure.

Here are some tips on how to travel safely with one (or more!) food allergy.

Have a chat with your doctor and ask him or her to write you a note, signed, with all the things you're allergic to. Don't be picky; put everything on it, including the variations of one single type of food. Mine doesn't contain a general indication of "red fruits," but it details every single fruit I'm allergic to. If you're allergic to more than one food, put everything in the same document and make sure you carry a copy with you (in your wallet or bag) and you also have a copy to be left in your luggage. In the same doc, you can also add all the information about your health insurance, the drugs you can take in case of intoxication, and emergency contact numbers.

Make sure to bring food allergy translation cards to communicate your allergy to restaurant servers, in case you're not fluent in the language of the country you're going to visit.

Not only do you need a document, but you also need to add all your medical information on your smartphone so that in case of need, people can rely on your phone for more information (both if you travel solo or with someone else, be self-sufficient and make sure you can be saved in any situation!). I don't recommend wearing a wristband with allergy information because today the mobile phone can do everything and is not so invasive, while the wristband can really impact the life of a traveler (and imagine if you also wear jewelry and an activity tracker what a nightmare!).

FoodMaestro is a great app to look for the safest ingredients in every single product without reading the labels. Food Allergy Translate is ideal to translate your dietary needs in foreign languages.

Every time I travel, for work or for pleasure, I do my research to come up with a list of hospitals and local allergy associations. Sometimes I also get in contact with local associations asking for advice and this has proven to be one of the best experiences ever, because at the end of the day, people with allergies are a big community and everyone is happy to help others.

Make sure you also research the best restaurants, local grocery stores, and places able to cater to your needs, and don't be afraid to eat only what you recognize as safe for your health! When you order a dish, specify it doesn't contain the ingredient you're allergic to, always being clear (I always add, "I'm highly allergic, I could die by eating this food!"), and if your allergy doesn't allow you to eat food cooked or prepared near the source of your allergy, then your research phase must be even more serious to end up with a list of selected places where you feel, and are, 100 percent safe.

Do not forget to have a chat with the hotel you're staying in before or immediately upon your arrival, asking for information about its policy in case of allergy.

At least one week before leaving (but this depends on the airline), get in contact with the airline and make sure to request a special dish for your flight, but be prepared. Unfortunately, in most cases, you'll end up with a questionable dish, so follow my recommendation as a long-time traveler with (a good amount of) allergies: pack the right amount of food to be consumed on the plane, making sure you bring both sweet and salty food, and do not forget to pack extra safe snacks in case of delays or problems of any kind. If this sounds silly or makes you feel ashamed, just remember a serious allergy is not a whim, and if your allergy can compromise your life, you have all the rights to prevent it! Make sure you have a look at the International Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Alliance for information about international airlines and their policies in case of a severe allergy on board; just recently, I was on a plane with Aer Lingus and no peanuts were served because a passenger was highly allergic (if you're wondering, nobody complained at all!).

If your food allergy is severe, always bring at least two epinephrine injections, making sure they're properly labeled. Remember that they're a medical need, so they're allowed to be carried aboard.

Overwhelmed? Don't be. Just be confident and practice, and the more you travel, the easier it will get and you'll be able to have fun, no matter your food allergy!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Bonnie Burke

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5 Tips For Traveling Safely With Food Allergies - POPSUGAR

A colonoscopy is a scary-sounding procedure (who wants a scope going up their most private orifice?!), but its one of the best detection tools doctors have for colorectal cancer and bowel diseases. Knowledge is power when it comes to any health procedure, and knowing what to anticipate will make things less worrisome. Here's what to expect before, during, and after a colonoscopy.

For people with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's, colonoscopies dont need to begin until the age of 50, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After that first one, you'll need a test every 10 years.

But for those who meet any of the aforementioned qualifications, you may need to start much sooner and be screened more frequently. The American Cancer Society offers an excellent breakdown (with charts!) of when you should get a colonoscopy based on risk factors like a family history of cancer.

The Colon Cancer Alliance recommends that you begin a low-fiber diet the week before your scheduled colonoscopy. In addition to sticking with low-fiber foods, they recommend avoiding fatty foods, fruits and raw vegetables with skins, whole grains, and anything with seeds or nuts, including popcorn. That's because in order for your doctor to successfully view your colon (aka your large intestine), it must be completely emptyand these foods can become caught in your colon for longer than typical waste. Their recommended meal plan includes things like eggs, white bread, turkey or chicken, Greek yogurt, spinach, and melon.

According to Rudolph Bedford, M.D., gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, preparation is the most important part. If you dont do a good job of emptying out your colon, your doctor won't be able to see it clearly, Dr. Bedford tells SELF. That can result in a missed polyp, a longer procedure, or even a need to repeat the procedure.

The day before your procedure, a clear liquid diet must be followed. According to the Mayo Clinic, this includes water, clear sodas, fat-free chicken or beef broth, and coffee or tea without added milk or cream. Some doctors have added restrictions or allowances (like hard candy), so make sure you follow their individual instructions. Dr. Bedford suggests checking the ingredients list on anything you eat the day before, and avoiding any fluids that contain red, blue, or purple food coloring as they can look like blood in your colon during the colonoscopy.

There is no sugar-coating this part: The final step of readying your digestive tract for a colonoscopy is to clear it completely, and this is...unpleasant. Each doctor has their own preferred method, but the end result will be the same: complete emptying of your colon. Some doctors prescribe a large volume of liquid laxative prep, while others recommend over-the-counter pill or powder laxatives. Regardless, you should do this part at home or somewhere youre comfortableyoull be going to the bathroom frequently over the course of several hours, until what you pass is totally clear.

Some helpful prep tips from the Colon Cancer Alliance include chilling the prep solution, using a straw so the liquid goes to the back of your mouth and you avoid too much taste, and following the prep by sucking on a lemon slice or a piece of hard candy.

Some patients will have to finish the rest of their bowel prep that morning, while others will go directly to their appointment. Since you'll be given anesthesia, you'll need to arrange a ride home from the procedure ahead of time. On procedure day, you're not allowed anything by mouth (not even water or gum).

After you arrive at the hospital or surgical center, youll change into a gown and get blood taken. Then youll be taken to a private room for the colonoscopy. Sedation will be administered, so its likely you wont remember any of the actual procedure (phew!). According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor will insert a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum. The scope has a small camera on the end, and images are projected onto a screen while your doctor does the procedure (you'll notice these screens in the room, before the sedation kicks in). He or she will also puff air into your colon so it expands for a better view. Biopsies (samples of tissue) may be taken, and if any polyps are found, your doctor will remove those as well.

You'll be taken to a recovery area while the sedation wears off. As embarrassing as it might sound (no pun intended), youll need to get rid of the air that the doctor shot into your colon. Dont try to hold it in, because that will only cause unnecessary cramping. Honestly, just take advantage of this one-time opportunity to pass gas without judgment. Once the sedation has mostly worn off, a nurse will check on you and send in the doctor.

Once you feel better and are more awake, Dr. Bedford says, your doctor will provide you with a report of what was learned during the procedure. This can include ulceration, inflammation, bleeding, scar tissue, polyps, or irregular tissue. Your doctor will also tell you if biopsies were taken and how long it will take to get a result. The Colon Cancer Alliance provides a great list of questions to ask your health provider after the procedure (you can read it here).

Once your ride has dropped you off safely at home, take it easy for the rest of the day. Youll be hungry and thirsty, and unless your doctor has indicated otherwise, youre free to eat a normal diet. You might still feel bloated or gassy, and the Mayo Clinic recommends taking a short walk to help pass the leftover air in your colon. You may also have a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement post-colonoscopy, especially if your doctor removed polyps or took biopsies. This is totally normal. But if you pass blood clots or get a fever, let your doctor know right away.

Not knowing what to expect during a colonoscopy can make it a whole lot scarier, so if you still have questions, ask your doctor. Being prepared for the procedure will help alleviate most of your worries, and they'll understand that you're nervous. But hey, your colon's health is far too important to neglect.

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7 Things You've Always Wondered About a Colonoscopy Procedure - SELF

The death of a female bodybuilder from Australia who was taking protein supplements has spotlighted concerns over excess protein in a persons diet.

The death of a female bodybuilder in Australia has raised questions about how much protein in a diet is too much.

Meegan Hefford, 25, mother of two, died in June due to complications from a high protein diet along with urea cycle disorder, a rare genetic condition.

Heffords death certificate lists intake of bodybuilding supplements as one of the causes, reports USA Today.

Days before her death, Hefford reported feeling weird, and had been fatigued, according to her mother.

She was later discovered unconscious in her apartment and rushed to the hospital. Even then, it took two more days for doctors to discover that she had urea cycle disorder.

In a functioning urea cycle, excess ammonia in the body is converted to urea and then excreted from the body through urine.

Urea cycle disorder affects only about 1 in 8,000 individuals. It results in the bodys inability to clear ammonia from the blood stream.

Once this buildup of ammonia (referred to as hyperammonemia) reaches the brain, it can cause confusion, dizziness, and slurred speech before leading to coma and, potentially, death.

According to the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, the condition can occur in both children and adults. Babies are often quickly diagnosed because they may fall ill within the first 48 hours of birth.

However, in children and adults, symptoms may remain undiagnosed if not recognized early on.

The relationship between urea cycle disorder and protein certainly played a role in the death of Meegan Hefford.

When the body metabolizes protein, toxic byproducts such as ammonia are formed. Excess consumption of protein, combined with Heffords rare condition, made for a deadly combination.

There are others at greater risk of health complications if they are eating a high protein diet.

In an editorial this week, Kristin Kirkpatrick MS, RD, LD, a licensed, registered dietitian who is wellness manager at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, explained that some individuals really do need less protein in their diets.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease, certain liver conditions, and phenylketonuria need to be careful with their protein intake.

On the other hand, athletes, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals recovering from surgery, and older adults should all ensure they are taking in a more-than-average amount.

But what does that even mean an average amount of protein?

The problem with current protein guidelines is that unlike other macronutritients (fat and carbohydrate), protein doesnt really have an upper limit for how much a person should consume in a day.

Kirkpatrick does give a simple calculation to get you in the ballpark.

Take your weight in kilograms multiplied by 0.8 (1 kilogram is equal to about 2.2 pounds). So, a 200-pound man should eat at least 75 grams of protein per day.

For the healthy individual, there may not be a need to double or triple daily protein intake, Kirkpatrick told Healthline. Protein can play a positive role in weight loss, but its important not to ignore other macronutrients that contribute to good health and weight, like healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.

She noted that a one-day protein binge probably isnt harmful, but a continual high-protein diet can put extra pressure on the kidneys and potentially increase the risk of some kinds of cancer.

Particularly in the fitness community, protein seems to have a reputation as a healthier macronutrient than carbohydrate and fat.

Its role in preserving and building muscle mass is well-known.

Still, there are healthier ways to consume protein than just chugging shakes or eating steaks.

Kirkpatrick specifies that the type of protein you eat really matters.

Protein comes from a variety of sources, including fish and plants. She cites a 2017 study that concluded plant-based protein sources helped in preventing type 2 diabetes, while red meat sources actually increased that risk.

Quinoa, beans, legumes, seeds, and nuts are all great sources for plant-based proteins.

Its also important to be aware of how processed the protein is that you are consuming.

Kirkpatrick recommends you consume proteins closer to their natural forms rather than in bars, shakes, or veggie burgers.

The more processed your protein (or any food really), the more likely it is to contain hidden sugars and unwanted ingredients.

The bottom line is that when it comes to protein, more is not necessarily better.

Your lifestyle, health, and activity levels should always be taken into consideration when considering altering your diet.

In the world of food, you can have too much of any good thing. Protein included, wrote Kirkpatrick.

Read more:
You Probably Don't Need Extra Protein in Your Diet. Here's Why - Healthline

Like many health trends, the alkaline diet started with a book and soared in popularity when celebrities began to tout its benefits.

The diet began with the book "The pH Miracle," which was published in 2010. Victoria Beckham tweeted a photo of an alkaline diet cookbook in 2013, and celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow have since sung its praises.

If you've heard about the diet and are wondering if its claims (and the celebrity hype) are true, here's everything you need to know before giving it a try:

The basics of the Alkaline Diet

The goal of the Alkaline Diet is avoiding disease and losing weight. The dietclaims that you can do this by eating specific foods that make your body more alkaline, which increases the PH levels in your body, and by avoiding foods that make your body produce acid.

The theory behind the diet is that when your body metabolizes food, you produce byproducts that are either acidic or alkaline.According to Self, eating acidic foods is unhealthy, because it makes your body's pH level too acidic, thus making it more vulnerable to disease.

The pH level measures how acidic or alkaline something is. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 0 being totally acidic, 14 being totally alkaline, and seven being neutral. Your stomach, for example, is very acidic, because stomach acid is needed to break down food, while your blood remains quite constant with a slightly alkaline level (unless you're extremely ill). Meanwhile, the pH of your urine changes constantly, reflecting what you eat.

Peas for a white bean stew with carrots, fennel and peas, boil in a pot in New York, March 6, 2017. White beans are welcome in any season, though this dish is perfect for spring, with its bright green peas. (Karsten Moran/The New York Times)JOHN KARSTEN MORAN/NYT

Which foods are encouraged?

You'd think that because lemons are acidic, they would be avoided under the Alkaline Diet's guidelines. But, according to Self, it's actually considered to be alkaline, since they're broken down into an alkaline substance in our bodies. It all comes down to how foods affect the acidity of your urine.

If you want to follow the diet strictly,U.S. News & World Report says that 80 percent of your foods and beverages should be alkaline-forming and only 20 percent should be acid-forming. Many people are less strict and opt instead for a ratio of 60 percent alkaline-forming to 40 percent acid-forming.

The following foods are encouraged under the Alkaline Diet:

When you get a fresh batch of these rolls, youll wonder why you dont get this kind of bread more often. The perfect mix of yeast, sweetness, puff and steam. (23 N. Park Square, Marietta. 678-224-1599, eatlocaleatbetter.com)Jason Getz

Alkaline diet guidelines discourage consumption of the following foods and beverages:

Many experts (including those inU.S. News & World Report,Healthline andSelf) believe the diet may be able to help you lose weight and improve your health. But that's because you'll be eating more fruits and vegetables and less red meat, sugary snacks and processed foods not because of any claims about acidic or alkaline foods.

There's no evidence that eating acidic or alkaline foods affects your weight or makes you any more or less prone to disease, experts say. Acidic or alkaline foods don't change the pH of your blood, which stays within a very narrow range no matter what you eat. And these foods change the pH of your urine only temporarily.

Most dietitians encourage eatinglean meats, dairy and whole grains, which goes against their exclusion in alkaline diet.

Additionally, many of the experts cited n Healthline and Self, state that, like many restrictive diets, the alkainline diet may be impractical and difficult to follow over the long-term.

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Why this diet praised by Jennifer Aniston could work for you - Atlanta Journal Constitution