Alpilean and the "Ice Hack Diet": Unveiling the Truth Behind the Claims

The internet is currently abuzz with the term "Ice Hack Diet," the latest weight loss trend. The #icehack has amassed over 125 million views. Many videos showcase innovative uses for ice cubes, but most promise an effortless route to weight loss. Influencers share testimonials, showing before and after transformations, all attributed to this 'magic' hack. Many claim that it’s a hidden gem in the weight loss narrative, so potent that its revelations are being censored to protect industry secrets. But can this icy trend truly melt away the pounds without the familiar challenges of diet and exercise? This article delves into the scientific research behind the Ice Hack Diet to answer pressing questions and debunk myths to provide an unbiased perspective.

What Is the Ice Hack Diet (aka Alpine Ice Hack)?

At its core, the Ice Hack Diet (or the Alpine Ice Diet) is a weight loss strategy that claims to melt away belly fat without dietary changes or exercise. The primary objective isn't to promote weight loss through ice but to market a supplement called Alpilean. These capsules contain ingredients supposedly sourced from the Himalayan Alps.

Alpilean sellers assert that the real villain behind belly fat is low inner body temperature. To validate this claim, they point to a 2020 study published by Stanford University. However, Julie Parsonnet, a professor of medicine, epidemiology, and population health at Stanford University, and co-author of the study, says it’s not that simple. Lifestyle, diet, and even the bacteria in our bodies play roles in our metabolic rate and body temperature. There's more to the obesity puzzle than just low inner body temperature.

The Erroneous Premise of Low Inner Body Temperature

The diet blames low inner body temperature as the cause of obesity, yet the entire premise is erroneous. The study found that body temperature increases with weight, not decreases, as the company asserts. While it’s true that as the population has gotten heavier, our body temperature - a crude marker of metabolic rate - has dropped, many other things have happened simultaneously, including more calorie-dense food, a sedentary lifestyle, reduced infectious diseases, and even air conditioning and heating. “Our immune systems, which also consume calories and would raise temperature, were likely much more active in the past than they are today. Even the bacteria that live in our bodies are different and they also produce heat,” she says. So, we may have weighed less for many reasons that are not fully understood. “Over time, we’ve gotten taller, fatter, cooler and healthier,” she says. “How these all relate to one another is unclear.”

Thermogenesis: Another Angle

Another angle presented by Ice Hack enthusiasts is thermogenesis-the process by which the body generates heat. The claim is that cold exposure activates this process, thereby increasing metabolic rate and causing weight loss. However, this simplifies a complex biological process, one that isn't solely responsible for significant weight loss.

Read also: Is Alpilean right for you?

To add another layer of credibility, the Ice Hack Diet incorporates thermogenic ingredients like green tea extract, caffeine, and capsaicin into its Alpilean supplement. These ingredients have a reputation for boosting metabolism and burning fat quickly.

The Rise of the Ice Hack Diet

While the Ice Hack Diet has recently become a buzzword among fitness enthusiasts in 2023, the concept isn't entirely new. The idea that people can lose weight through cold exposure has been around for years, with roots in both scientific observations and cultural practices. Understanding this history adds a nuanced perspective to the modern-day trend.

Dr. Brian Weiner’s Ice Diet

In 2014, Dr. Brian Weiner from New Jersey made headlines with his Ice Diet. He proposed that eating ice could help you burn calories because your body needs energy to melt the ice cubes. While Dr. Weiner's Ice Diet sounds like an early precursor to today's Ice Hack, experts have cautioned against overestimating the effects of cold on metabolism. Some animal studies even suggest that chronic cold exposure could lead to overeating, complicating the weight-loss equation. Yet, in reality, the cold exposure has a negligible impact on metabolism, says Tewksbury. It could even have an opposite effect. “A few animal studies have found that chronic cold exposure leads to overeating, something that hasn’t been studied in humans but would make weight loss more difficult if it does occur,” says Tewksbury. Studies have also shown that athletes who drank cold water during exercise were able to delay the increase in core body temperature, which actually reduced their metabolic rates instead of raising it as the ice theory proposes.

Ice Baths and Cold Therapy

The Ice Hack concept also has historical context beyond 21st-century fads. For centuries, people living in colder climates have generally had lower levels of obesity. Researchers believe that this observation may have something to do with how cold temperatures interact with our metabolic rate. Ancient cultures were intuitively aware of these benefits, practicing cold therapies like winter swimming or cold baths to improve health. This historical wisdom has even caught the attention of celebrities like Chris Hemsworth. In the National Geographic documentary series "Limitless With Chris Hemsworth," the actor swam across an icy fjord without a wetsuit to explore the body's potential superpowers. While the experience was extreme and not recommended without professional supervision, Hemsworth's experiment highlights the growing interest in cold therapy.

Cryotherapy

Cold therapy isn't just a concept for daring celebrities or cultures indigenous to cold climates. In 2023 it has also found its way into modern healthcare practices like Whole Body Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy treatment exposes the body to sub-zero temperatures for up to three minutes. As a result, this triggers a fight-or-flight response that redirects blood flow. It claims to offer multiple health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving mood.

Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL

As the Ice Hack Diet's popularity continues to grow, so does the body of research around it. But it's essential to remember that while some aspects may have scientific backing, others have been debunked or require further study.

What Are the Alpilean Supplement Ingredients?

The Alpilean supplement claims to possess a blend of ingredients, mainly sourced from the Thangu Valley in the Himalayas, that can increase inner body temperature and boost metabolism. The ingredients are supposedly from the Thangu Valley in the Himalayas. Yet no evidence is provided to back up the temperature-raising claims of this “proprietary complex.” Let's delve into each Alpilean supplement ingredient and understand their purported roles that lead to weight loss:

  • Green Tea Extract: Recognized for its thermogenic attributes, green tea extract is believed to stimulate metabolism and aid in fat oxidation.
  • Caffeine: A natural stimulant, caffeine is known to elevate energy levels and enhance focus during physical activities.
  • Capsaicin: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin is suggested to increase calorie burn and support fat oxidation.
  • Golden Algae (Fucoxanthin): This ingredient, also known by the name golden algae, incorporated into Alpilean for its proposed weight loss benefits, is believed to stimulate fat burning.
  • Dika Nut (African Mango Seed): This ingredient claims to accelerate the fat-burning process by increasing the core body temperature. It also purports additional benefits like regulating blood sugar and balancing cholesterol.
  • Drumstick Tree or Moringa Leaf: Highlighted as a primary ingredient in Alpilean, Moringa leaves are anti-bacterial as well as anti-microbial, making them highly effective in treating digestive disorders. It's believed to enhance weight management and metabolism.
  • Bigarade or Bitter Orange: This ingredient is considered significant for boosting metabolism and aiding fat burn by raising the core body temperature. Alongside its weight loss benefits, it's also said to support cognitive function.
  • Ginger Rhizome: Ingredient ginger helps regulate your body's internal temperature. Ginger has been known to increase dietary supplements your body's thermogenesis. It is claimed to regulate core body temperature and assist in fat burning, ginger is considered a key player in the supplement.
  • Turmeric Rhizome: Believed to regulate core body temperature and improve metabolic rate, turmeric's inclusion aims at supporting weight loss endeavors.

However, it's vital to approach these claims with caution. There aren't sufficient human studies that back the efficacy claims of these ingredients. Registered dietitian Colleen Tewksbury, assistant professor of nutrition science at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says, “Individually, these supplements have minimal evidence in animal studies showing improvements in body temperature regulation but not in humans." Ultimately, we need more studies especially in the context of significantly affecting weight loss to determine its effectiveness.

Some ingredients, like bitter orange, have even faced skepticism due to the low quality of evidence supporting its use for obesity. Furthermore, while these supplements individually might not be high risk, potential interactions with medications can occur.

It's always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement into your regimen.

Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?

How to Follow the Alpine Ice Hack

The alpine ice hack is not a specific diet. In fact, the company claims no changes in diet or exercise are required to start melting belly fat, which is a big red flag for any weight management plan. While the online videos tout the benefits of ice, the Alpilean company behind the ice hack trend says the only thing you need to do is take their weight loss pill and you will begin to “dissolve fat even when you are sleeping.” To follow the program, you are instructed to take one capsule daily with a glass of cold water. No other recommendations are made. The manufacturers of Alpilean suggest taking one capsule daily with plenty of cold water. To avoid dry skin or dehydration, it is strongly advised that you take cold water with it.

In contrast, effective and evidence-based weight management programs include behavior modification, along with changes in eating and activity habits.

How Much Does the Ice Hack Cost (Alpilean Supplements)

When considering the Ice Hack Diet with Alpilean supplements, it's essential to assess the various price points and package options available. Equally important is to remain cautious of alternative brands, especially the brand named Liv Pure.

  • Alpilean Pricing:
    • Trial Pack: One Month of Transformation - Priced at $59 for a 30-day supply, this package lets customers experience the potential effects of Alpilean before deciding on a more extended commitment.
    • Triple Delight: Three Months of Progress - This package claims to be designed for more consistent and longer-lasting effects, promises improved weight management, enhanced metabolism, and a reduction in anxiety.
  • Liv Pure Pricing:
    • One such brand to be vigilant about is Liv Pure. Advertised as the "Mediterranean ritual" to melt belly fat, Liv Pure diverges from Alpilean's premise. Instead of blaming low inner body temperature, Liv Pure attributes stubborn belly fat to a compromised liver. A 30-day supply of Liv Pure costs $69.

However, the scientific grounding and effectiveness of both Alpilean and Liv Pure remain a topic of debate.

Ice Hack Alternative

To make matters even more confusing (and misleading) some of the ice hack posts are sending viewers to another video promoting the “Mediterranean ritual” to miraculously melt belly fat. The influencers use similar talking points and show glasses of ice water, but they’re selling a different supplement from a company called Liv Pure with ingredients from the Mediterranean instead of the Himalayan Alps.

The Liv Pure ingredients include berberine, resveratrol, choline, genistein and chlorogenic acid that claim to boost the liver’s fat-burning abilities, although no evidence is provided to back up the claims. Liv Pure is purported to detoxify and regenerate your liver. Rather than blaming obesity on a low inner body temperature like Alpilean, the Liv Pure company claims that a compromised liver is the hidden cause of stubborn belly fat. Promotion also attempts to use a halo of science, including co-opting the prestige of Stanford University, but the claims are far from science-based.

“The ice hack is a gross extrapolation from our work,” Parsonnet says. “I do think temperature, weight and metabolism are linked, but I also think this relationship is extremely complicated and won’t be fixed by simple dietary supplements.

Should You Try the Ice Hack Diet?

The allure of a quick-fix solution, especially one that's currently trending, is tempting for many. The Ice Hack Diet, with its flashy promises and testimonials, might seem like the golden ticket to weight loss. However, like many trends, it's essential to tread with caution. Alpilean can also help people who have experienced burnout pain and hate going back to the gym. We stand behind our product by offering a 60-day, unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee. For a full refund, contact our customer service department if you are unhappy with the results.

While certain natural ingredients in the Alpilean weight loss supplement, like green tea extract and capsaicin, have recognized benefits, the broader claims about the product might be overblown. Some ingredients' efficacy in humans remains under-researched, and it's crucial to note that weight loss is a multifaceted journey that can't be boiled down to a single "hack."

Moreover, the emergence of alternatives, such as Liv Pure, complicates the landscape further. With varying claims of weight loss results and ingredient lists, understanding what truly works becomes a challenge.

Before diving headfirst into the Ice Hack Diet or any other trending solution, it's imperative to do your research. Be aware of potential side effects or interactions, and most importantly, consult with healthcare professionals. After all, achieving sustainable and healthy weight loss is more about understanding your unique needs than jumping on the latest trend. Therefore, one of the first meaningful steps you can take to accomplish your weight loss goal is to get a body composition scan (DEXA scan) at a DexaFit location near you.

FDA Public Notifications: A Word of Caution

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of public notifications regarding dietary supplements found to contain hidden drug ingredients. It is difficult to distinguish fake products from real ones at first glance. All bottles, brands, and supplements appear the same. However, you can easily identify a legit product by reviewing the background information about it, such ingredient details. While Alpilean is not currently on this list, consumers should always exercise caution and do thorough research before using any weight loss supplements. Many products have been found to contain undeclared and potentially harmful ingredients. Some examples of such products include:

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tags: #alpilean #ingredients #and #effectiveness