Heike's Holistic Health

09/22/2025

Heike's Holistic Health is so excited to highlight AlchePharma's Liquid Folate! 🤩 This highly concentrated liquid folinic acid is a bioavailable form of folate, which is a wonderful thing. 💧 Each drop is designed for optimal absorption and utilization, making it a fantastic addition to a wellness routine. 🥝 We just love how easy it is to incorporate this into a daily regimen! So amazing! ✨💖🌿

09/21/2025

A new study in the journal Food Quality and Preference investigated if increasing the spiciness of a meal could influence eating behaviors and reduce how much food people consume. In a series of experiments, researchers had adults eat either a mild or a spicy version of beef chili or chicken tikka masala in a lab setting. The results were significant: when participants ate the spicy beef chili, they consumed 11% less food (about 46 grams) and ate 11% more slowly compared to when they ate the mild version. A similar outcome was observed with a reformulated chicken tikka masala, where the spicy version led to an 18% reduction in food intake (about 64 grams) and a 17% slower eating rate. Interestingly, this reduction in consumption was not because participants liked the spicy food less or drank more water. The findings suggest that the “oral burn” from capsaicin—the active component in chili peppers—directly leads to slower eating and bite rates, which in turn reduces overall food and energy intake.
Disclaimers
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
The study discussed was conducted on adults in a controlled laboratory setting. These findings may not apply to different populations or real-world dining situations.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

A new study in the journal Food Quality and Preference investigated if increasing the spiciness of a meal could influence eating behaviors and reduce how muc...

09/21/2025

A new study in the journal Food Quality and Preference investigated if increasing the spiciness of a meal could influence eating behaviors and reduce how much food people consume. In a series of experiments, researchers had adults eat either a mild or a spicy version of beef chili or chicken tikka masala in a lab setting. The results were significant: when participants ate the spicy beef chili, they consumed 11% less food (about 46 grams) and ate 11% more slowly compared to when they ate the mild version. A similar outcome was observed with a reformulated chicken tikka masala, where the spicy version led to an 18% reduction in food intake (about 64 grams) and a 17% slower eating rate. Interestingly, this reduction in consumption was not because participants liked the spicy food less or drank more water. The findings suggest that the “oral burn” from capsaicin—the active component in chili peppers—directly leads to slower eating and bite rates, which in turn reduces overall food and energy intake.
Disclaimers
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
The study discussed was conducted on adults in a controlled laboratory setting. These findings may not apply to different populations or real-world dining situations.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

Cunningham, P. M., Smith, I. M., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Increasing the spiciness of a lunch meal influences oral processing behaviors and decreases food and energy intake. Food Quality and Preference, 131, 105566.

09/20/2025

Desert Ginseng for Muscle Growth? New Study Reveals Surprising Results Ep. 1260 Sep 2025
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of Cistanche deserticola (CD) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery. The eight-week trial involved 48 male participants, who were divided into resistance-trained and untrained groups. Participants in the intervention group received 5 g of CD extract twice daily, for a total of 10 g per day, while following a standardized resistance training program three times per week.
Among untrained individuals, the CD group showed significantly greater improvements in 1RM bench press, 1RM squat, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and repetitions to failure (RTF) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the CD group exhibited significantly improved recovery markers, including increased serum testosterone and decreased levels of cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK). In the trained group, CD supplementation led to significant increases in 1RM squat strength and MVIC. While upper body strength and endurance gains were not statistically different from the placebo group, the trained CD group still showed significantly better recovery markers, including improved testosterone and cortisol levels and marked reductions in CRP and CK. The authors concluded that eight weeks of CD supplementation effectively enhanced muscle strength and facilitated post-exercise recovery.
Disclaimers:
• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."
• "The study discussed was conducted on healthy male participants (both resistance-trained and untrained). Further research may be needed to confirm these findings in other populations."
• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
• "This channel does not provide medical advice."

Tao B, Lian W, Min R, Zhang X, Chen L, Hao S, Li Z, Ma C, Zhang H, Liu C. Effects of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(18):2965.

09/18/2025

Heike's Holistic Health is so excited to feature AlchePharma's Radiant Turmeric 500! 🤩 This incredible supplement is a standardized 95% curcuminoid extract, which is amazing! 🌿 We love that it's a clean formula—vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten, soy, and dairy. 🤸‍♀️ Supporting a healthy inflammation response is such a wonderful aspect of turmeric. ✨ Come on down to the store to see this and other amazing products we carry! 🦋💛

09/17/2025

🚀 LEVEL UP YOUR WELLNESS, CAVE CITY! 🚀
We're beyond thrilled to shine a spotlight on a true game-changer at Heike's Holistic Health: AlchePharma's Ginger Rescue! ✨ This isn't just any ginger supplement; it's a meticulously crafted, organic powerhouse designed to bring unparalleled harmony to your digestive system and boost your overall vitality.

Why Ginger Rescue? Let us count the ways!

🌱 Nature's Finest: Made with certified organic fresh AND dry ginger root – a dual-action formula for maximum benefit!

💪 Super Potent: Just a half-teaspoon delivers the incredible equivalent of 6,000 mg of fresh ginger! Feel the difference with this concentrated strength.

🍯 Sweet & Smooth: Naturally sweetened with pure honey and vegetable glycerin for a delicious taste that's easy to take daily. No more struggling with pills!

💖 Digestive Dynamo: Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to balance. Ginger is renowned for its incredible ability to soothe and support a happy gut.

🌎 Ethically Sourced: AlchePharma's commitment to purity and quality means you're getting the best, made with purpose.

Imagine feeling light, energized, and perfectly balanced every day. That's the Ginger Rescue promise! Come by Heike's Holistic Health in Cave City and discover the magic for yourself. Your gut will thank you!

09/16/2025

Working to put the well back in wellness, it should be reconstructed by next week. 💪🏼🌟💆‍♀️

09/15/2025

A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cognitive function in 21 healthy college students. Participants took a supplement containing 9 mg of PX daily for one month and were compared against a control condition (no intake). The study found significant improvements in physical endurance for the PX group, including higher exercise efficiency during both incremental (p=0.004) and constant load tests (p=0.030). Heart rate was also significantly lower during both the incremental test (p=0.032) and the constant load test (p=0.020). While there were no significant differences between the groups on cognitive tests, the PX group alone showed significant internal improvements in scores on the Trail Making Test Type B (p=0.034) and the Stroop test interference rate I (p=0.040). The authors speculate these benefits may be due to improved oxygen delivery efficiency.

Disclaimers:
"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of healthy college students and was predominantly male (18 males, 3 females). The authors note the results should be interpreted with caution and may not be generalizable to other populations."
"This study did not use a placebo control group, which is a methodological limitation."
"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
"This Channel does not provide medical advice."

A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cogn...

09/14/2025

A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cognitive function in 21 healthy college students. Participants took a supplement containing 9 mg of PX daily for one month and were compared against a control condition (no intake). The study found significant improvements in physical endurance for the PX group, including higher exercise efficiency during both incremental (p=0.004) and constant load tests (p=0.030). Heart rate was also significantly lower during both the incremental test (p=0.032) and the constant load test (p=0.020). While there were no significant differences between the groups on cognitive tests, the PX group alone showed significant internal improvements in scores on the Trail Making Test Type B (p=0.034) and the Stroop test interference rate I (p=0.040). The authors speculate these benefits may be due to improved oxygen delivery efficiency.

Disclaimers:
"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of healthy college students and was predominantly male (18 males, 3 females). The authors note the results should be interpreted with caution and may not be generalizable to other populations."
"This study did not use a placebo control group, which is a methodological limitation."
"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
"This Channel does not provide medical advice."

Kim D, Wadazumi T. Effects of Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Endurance and Cognitive Function in College Students: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(17):2780.

09/13/2025

A new study in the journal Food Quality and Preference investigated if increasing the spiciness of a meal could influence eating behaviors and reduce how much food people consume. In a series of experiments, researchers had adults eat either a mild or a spicy version of beef chili or chicken tikka masala in a lab setting. The results were significant: when participants ate the spicy beef chili, they consumed 11% less food (about 46 grams) and ate 11% more slowly compared to when they ate the mild version. A similar outcome was observed with a reformulated chicken tikka masala, where the spicy version led to an 18% reduction in food intake (about 64 grams) and a 17% slower eating rate. Interestingly, this reduction in consumption was not because participants liked the spicy food less or drank more water. The findings suggest that the “oral burn” from capsaicin—the active component in chili peppers—directly leads to slower eating and bite rates, which in turn reduces overall food and energy intake.
Disclaimers
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
The study discussed was conducted on adults in a controlled laboratory setting. These findings may not apply to different populations or real-world dining situations.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.

Cunningham, P. M., Smith, I. M., & Hayes, J. E. (2025). Increasing the spiciness of a lunch meal influences oral processing behaviors and decreases food and energy intake. Food Quality and Preference, 131, 105566.

09/07/2025

A recent study in the journal GeroScience investigated how age-related declines in cellular energy, specifically the molecule Guanosine triphosphate (GTP), affect waste clearance in brain cells. Using hippocampal neurons from an Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, researchers found a significant, age-dependent reduction in free GTP levels, which was accelerated in the AD model neurons. This energy deficit was shown to impair critical cellular processes like endocytosis and autophagy, leading to the accumulation of toxic amyloid-beta (Aß) aggregates and increased protein oxidation. Remarkably, the researchers then treated aged neurons for 24 hours with a combination of nicotinamide (a precursor to the energy-related molecule NAD+) and EGCG (a redox modulator found in green tea). This treatment was highly effective, restoring the depleted GTP levels in aged neurons all the way back to the normal, youthful levels seen in healthy, young neurons. This restoration of cellular energy enhanced the clearance of Aß aggregates and improved the viability of aged AD model neurons by 22%.

Disclaimers
• "This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."
• "The study discussed was conducted in vitro on neurons isolated from mice. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans."
• "Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
• "This channel is not monetized and does not provide medical advice."

Source: Santana, R. A., McWhirt, J. M., & Brewer, G. J. (2025). Treatment of age-related decreases in GTP levels restores endocytosis and autophagy. GeroScience.

09/06/2025

Paprika: The Ultimate Workout Fuel? Episode 1258 Sep 2025
A recent crossover randomized controlled trial published in the journal Nutrients investigated the effects of paprika xanthophylls (PX) on endurance and cognitive function in 21 healthy college students. Participants took a supplement containing 9 mg of PX daily for one month and were compared against a control condition (no intake). The study found significant improvements in physical endurance for the PX group, including higher exercise efficiency during both incremental (p=0.004) and constant load tests (p=0.030). Heart rate was also significantly lower during both the incremental test (p=0.032) and the constant load test (p=0.020). While there were no significant differences between the groups on cognitive tests, the PX group alone showed significant internal improvements in scores on the Trail Making Test Type B (p=0.034) and the Stroop test interference rate I (p=0.040). The authors speculate these benefits may be due to improved oxygen delivery efficiency.

Disclaimers:
"This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice."

"The study discussed was conducted on a small sample of healthy college students and was predominantly male (18 males, 3 females). The authors note the results should be interpreted with caution and may not be generalizable to other populations."
"This study did not use a placebo control group, which is a methodological limitation."
"Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications."
"This Channel does not provide medical advice."

Kim D, Wadazumi T. Effects of Paprika Xanthophyll Intake on Endurance and Cognitive Function in College Students: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2025; 17(17):2780.