The internet is buzzing with the term "Ice Hack Diet." The latest to hit the limelight is the #icehack, amassing an astounding 122 million views. While some videos simply showcase innovative uses for ice cubes, the majority come with a weighty promise: an effortless route to weight loss.
Enthusiastic influencers share riveting 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.
So now the question on everyone's lips is: can this icy trend truly melt away the pounds without the familiar challenges of diet and exercise?
In this article, we delve into the scientific research behind the Ice Hack Diet. We'll answer pressing questions, debunk myths, and ultimately aim to provide an unbiased perspective.
Whether you're a seasoned dieter or a skeptic, this post is your go-to guide for understanding the Ice Hack Diet.
What Is the Ice Hack Diet (aka Alpine Ice Diet)
So what exactly is the ‘Ice Hack Diet’ anyways? At it’s core, the Ice Hack Diet (or the Alpine Ice Diet), is a weight loss strategy that claims to melt away belly fat without any dietary changes or exercise. But the reality is far more complex, so it’s a good idea to approach the trend with scientific scrutiny.
Most videos on TikTok portray the Ice Hack as a revolutionary secret that the weight loss industry doesn't want you to know about.
The primary objective, however, 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. In a nutshell, the study states that average inner body temperatures have decreased over the decades.
This lowering of internal body temperature, they contend, is the cause of rising obesity rates in the U.S.
However, experts in the field, including one of the co-authors of the Stanford study, argue that the relationship between body temperature and obesity is not as straightforward.
Factors like lifestyle, diet, and even the bacteria in our bodies all play roles in our metabolic rate and body temperature. There's more to the obesity puzzle than just low inner body temperature.
Thermogenesis
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.
To add another layer of credibility, the Ice Hack Diet incorporates thermogenic ingredients like green tea extract, caffeine, and capsaicin into its Alpilean supplement. You can see the full list of ingredients below.
These ingredients have a reputation for boosting metabolism and burning fat quickly. Yet, the approach overlooks the importance of a balanced diet and other lifestyle choices.
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.
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.
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.
But before diving headfirst into the Ice Hack or any cold-exposure regimen, consult healthcare professionals to determine if they're a healthy option for you.
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.
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, 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, 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: 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.
Ultimately, we need more studies especially in the context of significantly affecting weight loss to determine it's 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.
Moreover, It's always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement into your regimen.
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.
Ultimate Wellness Package: Six Months of Success - Marketed as a “holistic package”, it offers an extended range of products such as Alpilean weight loss pills, MCT Pure Oil, Ultra Collagen Complex, and Biobalance Probiotics.
In addition to the supplements, Alpilean provides the Wellness Box Bonuses when purchasing from the official website.
Alternatives: Liv Pure
Amidst the Ice Hack Diet trend, there are alternatives and mimicries. 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. As always, please consult with healthcare professionals and do thorough research before investing in any weight loss or 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.
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.