Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

117-year-old woman’s microbiome reveals her longevity secret

When María Branyas Morera died at the age of 117, she left more than memories. She left science a gift: samples of her microbiome. Researchers are revealing the secrets it held that could help all of us live a lot longer…

Carolyn Gretton

Why tea, coffee and red wine offer great heart protection

Doing the best for your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. Several common, everyday foods have been strongly linked to favorable cardiovascular profiles. Here are 9 to eat regularly….

Margaret Cantwell

The vitamin that fights a common contributor of unhealthy aging

Longer lifespans have researchers scrambling to keep an aging population healthier. One vitamin has emerged that experts agree may be helpful for several chronic conditions featuring a common denominator afflicting aging Americans…

Joyce Hollman

The body parts that age the most at 50 and why

Compared with other mammals, humans have a remarkably long lifespan. But we have not been able to escape a turning point when aging accelerates. But half the battle is knowing when it happens and why…

Joyce Hollman

Higher vitamin K intake lowers risks to heart and blood vessels

Misguided experts often discourage supplements, as if we all eat a perfect diet. Not today. This time they’re advising more than the standard guidelines suggest for a healthier heart and blood vessels. Here’s how to get the vitamin K (both types!) you need…

Joyce Hollman

The salt that doesn’t raise your blood pressure

If your blood pressure is high, you’ve been advised to lay off salt. But what if you could have your salt and eat it, too? There’s another kind of salt you may have to search harder for, but it’s well worth the reward…

Joyce Hollman

The hidden danger cocoa protects your heart from

Reading a book for a couple of hours is my favorite way to relax. Some people prefer TV. Either way, too much time sitting reduces the function of our blood vessels and that’s not good for the heart. Here’s something that is…

Carolyn Gretton

The dental procedure that could improve blood sugar control

Blood sugar isn’t just tied to diabetes. It’s a setup for serious heart risks. Despite all we know about it, millions still struggle to control theirs. Could it be there are still unknowns working against us? The answer is yes…

Carolyn Gretton

Arginine for Alzheimer’s? Looks promising

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is an amino acid that helps the body build protein. But that’s far from all it does. From enhancing circulation to athletic performance, scientists are amazed at what they see it doing for the brain…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The berry that reboots glucose regulation and fat metabolism

Type 2 diabetes keeps trending up. That’s why we write about it. Not enough people know they can do something about it, starting with diet. But work smarter, not harder, with a functional food that goes straight to the core of the problem…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

An ancient snack that reduces cholesterol and weight gain

When high cholesterol and weight gain come together, risks for heart trouble ramp up. Doctors will offer a pair of prescriptions, but an ancient snack turned functional food has plenty of clout to help get the job done…

Carolyn Gretton

Eat your way to better sleep in just 24 hours

Sleep isn’t just about recharging your energy. It’s about rebooting the systems that keep you healthy. If getting sufficient sleep is a struggle and you’re rightly wary of medications, these foods can help you snooze in as little as 24 hours…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Cortisol: The forgotten blood sugar trigger

Stress causes a boatload of problems no matter who you are. And these days it seems there’s so much more triggering stress. But if you have diabetes, you should know that stress is an often-forgotten trigger that can send your blood sugar levels through the roof as well…

Joyce Hollman

Brain imaging shows common supplement’s impact on depression

The gut plays a major role in the production of neurotransmitters and chemicals that influence the immune system, metabolic functions and even the brain. By looking at brain changes, researchers have discovered the gut’s role in fighting symptoms of depression.

Carolyn Gretton

Zoning out may be your brain’s rinse cycle

We’ve all been there. After a night of poor sleep, we find our attention wandering or just zoning out altogher. Well, it turns our there may be a very beneficial reason for zoning out…

Joyce Hollman

The common drug with a longevity ‘side effect’

Drugs often have undesirable side effects. But sometimes, the result is welcome. Especially if it’s considered a gerotherapeutic, a drug that, in addition to its original purpose, can slow various aging processes…

Joyce Hollman

The nutrient linked to anxiety disorders

Some nutrients are in the spotlight over and over. But one that just happens to be vital for brain health is not only underappreciated, but underconsumed. It should be a priority, especially if anxiety is a problem for you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common pain conditions linked to high blood pressure

From hips and knees that ache to back pain misery, chronic pain has a significant impact on daily life. What might surprise you, though, is the effect it has on your blood pressure, and the single solution for both…

Joyce Hollman

The one food that fights both cancer and stroke

Researchers conducted a series of tests on compounds commonly found in plants to see which, if any, might have a stronger tendency to prevent deadly blood clots. It just so happens the winner also has powerful anti-cancer clout too…

Joyce Hollman

The ED drug that brings long-term blood sugar down

Some interesting connections between health conditions have left us scratching our heads. The latest? A drug that helps get things “up” also takes down long-term blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. But if you know the “nature” of how it works, there’s no big surprise…

Carolyn Gretton

All the benefits of exercise in a third of the time

Good reasons to exercise include improving body composition, metabolism and heart health. But who has 150 minutes a week? No problem, try interval running and get these benefits and more in a fraction of the time.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The bacterial infection with a growing colon cancer reputation

H. pylori is a nasty bacteria known for infecting the stomach and small intestines, causing bad breath, painful gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer. But research indicates its cancer-causing reputation is growing, Good news, it’s a treatable risk…

Joyce Hollman

The nut that’s a colon cancer-fighting trifecta

Nuts are like disease kryptonite, especially when it comes to cancer. But one nut in particular contains a special cancer fighter that launches a three-pronged attack on the growing threat of colon cancer…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The mouth bacteria stealing your memories

When you think about memory loss, you likely picture a problem that starts in the brain. But what’s happening in your mouth can block the formation of a chemical crucial for a youthful brain, memory retention and independence…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The ‘male’ hormone turning women’s sex drives back on

Compared to a man’s sex drive, the female sex drive has largely been ignored. And for far too long, too many women thought loss of sexual desire was just part of aging. Wrong! Put on your seat belt and prepare to get turned on…

Joyce Hollman

3 amino acids can slay your mental and physical fatigue

Mental and physical fatigue doesn’t just make it hard to do things, it makes you depressed. Don’t miss out on life just because your body’s missing 3 critical amino acids that can make a world of difference and aren’t that hard to get…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The drinking habit linked to stroke 10 years early

One of the most debated topics of health is alcohol consumption. Studies have shown benefits, while others show harm. Is moderation key? You may be surprised at how few drinks a day can put you at the same risk as heavy drinkers for a catastrophic brain bleed.

Carolyn Gretton

The fiber that could stave off liver damage

High fructose corn syrup isn’t healthy, in the least. But the damage it can do to our livers, without a single symptom, should be criminal. Protection against, and even reversal of, fatty liver could lie in a warm bowl of oatmeal…

Carolyn Gretton

3 benefits of a daily coffee that cut Afib risk

Afib is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too quickly and irregularly. People with Afib have been warned off coffee for years. But in a shocking turn of events, a daily coffee could help manage the condition. Here are 3 reasons why…

Joyce Hollman

Turn up the tunes to turn down dementia risk

Music has always been a vital part of my life. I depend on my playlist to help my mood, get work done and relax. If music doesn’t play into your life, here’s why it should: Music is medicine that may significantly lower dementia risk…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The vitamin that slashes second heart attack risk by half

Anyone who’s suffered a heart attack knows they have a 1 in 5 chance of another within 5 years. It’s not inevitable. Diet, exercise, managing stress and healthy habits can help. But cutting that risk in half just got easier…

Carolyn Gretton

Best for blood sugar control: cardio or weights?

Which is better, aerobic exercise or strength training? While the ideal answer is “both,” one is clearly better at improving one aspect of health that, unchecked, is a kick-off point for metabolic disaster…

Joyce Hollman

Weight loss without hunger? Try Hara Hachi Bu

Japanese culture offers a wealth of wisdom on how to nourish the body, including hara hachi bu, one simple principle for shedding weight, getting healthier and feeling satisfied when you leave the table…

Carolyn Gretton

What happens when you stop supplementing omega-3s

Omega-3s are healthy fats your body can’t make on its own. They help lower triglycerides and reduce risk of stroke. Here’s what you should know about getting them from food or supplements and the impact your metabolism could have on your levels…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Processed food fats may not be so bad on our hearts

By now, you’re sure to have heard about the heart health dangers of processed foods. Relax, there’s good news: Some processed food fats may not be nearly as bad for our health as we were led to believe — within reason…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Metformin cancels out the diabetic benefits of exercise

Yes, you read that right. The most popular drug for treating type 2 diabetes may cancel out the biggest benefits expected from exercise when part of a treatment strategy. Beyond diabetes, that may be a setup for long-term health risks…

Carolyn Gretton

The scientific reason it really is better to give than receive

Everyone loves giving and getting gifts. But it seems we enjoy gift-giving a bit more. Turns out the old adage “it’s better to give than to receive” is actually true in terms of the response it elicits from your brain…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The serious threats that stick around after the virus is long gone

Fever, cough, chills, congestion and body aches… a viral infection can be rough. When the symptoms are gone, it feels like the worst is over. But a surprising symptom sticks around: elevated risks for stroke and heart attack.

Easy Health Options Staff

Read before hanging out under the mistletoe

A kiss under the mistletoe is a longstanding holiday tradition, steeped in ancient lore. Depending on the health of your kissing partner, when you indulge in a 10-second kiss, you exchange much more than good tidings…

Joyce Hollman

Half a dozen ways to avoid weight gain over the holidays

The holiday season isn’t kind to people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a holding pattern. But don’t give up hope. I’ve got some strategies to avoiding tipping the scales to share with you…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The natural way to reduce inflammation

Inflammation seems like such a benign and common symptom. But as the saying goes, “give it an inch and it’ll take a mile.” Once it takes hold — which is easy because it’s fueled by stress, sleep loss, sugar, pollution and countless other modern-day threats — it can completely wreck your health.

Carolyn Gretton

The best way to relieve osteoarthritis knee pain

Nearly 30% of adults over the age of 45 have knee osteoarthritis, and for half of us, the symptoms are severe. The pain is one thing, but when it keeps you from enjoying life, something’s got to give — and this is it…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

3 health conditions that steal your testosterone

Studies show that testosterone levels in men have been declining for decades. If you’re a man between 45 and 65, odds are your T levels don’t measure up to your dad’s. But why? Well, as three specific health conditions rose, T levels tanked, and there’s a definite connection…

Carolyn Gretton

A sweeter way to boost hair growth

Living with androgenic alopecia, a common cause of hormonal hair loss in men and women, is challenging, especially when the suggested treatment isn’t all that effective. That may be changing…

Joyce Hollman

The diet that could keep gum disease away

The Mediterranean Diet is always at the top of any “best diet” list. It just has so much going for it, promoting healthy aging, better blood pressure and protecting against cognitive decline. The lastest? Gum disease…

Joyce Hollman

How to have the memory of a 50-year-old at 80

Diet, exercise and sleep are important for keeping your brain sharp with age. But what if you can’t do it all, like exercise? SuperAgers do more of one thing that’s not on this list, and it works for them…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The hidden arterial dangers of being ‘skinny-fat’

You can easily zip your jeans and your doctor’s happy with the number on the scale. That means you’re fit and healthy, right? Not necessarily. Being skinny-fat may mask artery damage setting you up for stroke or heart attack…

Carolyn Gretton

What your neck size can reveal about your heart

BMI was considered the gold standard for estimating a person’s body fat, until we learned it overlooked a critical detail that’s a much stronger indication for heart trouble, one your neck size could reveal…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

9 signs of poor circulation you shouldn’t ignore

Good circulation is one of the most critical factors for good health. Your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and everything in between receive life-giving oxygen via a complex network of blood vessels throughout the body. Do you know the signs if yours is failing?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sugar ruins your gut surprisingly fast — but there’s an antidote

Thanks to all the sweet treats that go hand-in-hand with social gatherings, I have no doubt that I eat more sugar during the holidays than in the previous six months combined. But eating a high-sugar diet for even a short amount of time can result in shockingly fast health problems…

Jenny Smiechowski

Avoid hidden heavy metals this holiday season

Decorative tableware is never more popular than during the holidays. But those festive platters can serve up toxic metals that shorten lifespans and endanger your heart on par with cholesterol. Before you serve guests, how dangerous is your holiday setting?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Simple hack stops ‘viral vitamin’ from plummeting during winter

It’s no secret why cold and flu season go hand-in-hand with the dark days of fall and winter. Luckily, scientists have discovered an easy way to bio-hack the ‘viral vitamin’ we need most this time of year…

Margaret Cantwell

More proof of skin cancer prevention in a vitamin

A few years ago, a small study from Australia, the skin cancer capital of the world, suggested a simple vitamin could help prevent the most common skin cancers. A much larger study just put those findings to the test, and they were right…

Carolyn Gretton

The unusual link between HRT and women’s immune health

Hormone replacement therapy has largely shed its bad reputation, given the heart, bone and brain health benefits revealed in recent years. New evidence shows it could shore up another system critical to keeping women well…

Joyce Hollman

The perfect pair to beat disease-causing inflammation

There are lots of supplements that support gut health and fight disease-causing inflammation. But a perfect pair that produces a crucial short-chain fatty acid essential to healthy aging may be the most potent anti-inflammatory to do the job…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

10 sneaky conditions that lead to weight gain

When you do everything right and still gain weight, it can be frustrating. It’s probably not even your fault. Many health conditions, some you’d never suspect, can make it hard to maintain healthy weight or even cause sudden weight gain…

Amanda Wilks

6 Anti-aging superfoods that will make you feel younger

Take into account just how important a factor food can be when it comes to aging. Stuffing yourself full of foods with added sugars and bad fats can be almost as destructive as hours sedentary on the couch. If you want good health to feel and look better, try these…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

16 medical tests to expect in your 60s and beyond

Some preventative medical tests are a piece of cake, while we dread others. And it seems new ones gets tacked on with each passing birthday. Here’s what to expect at 60 and beyond, including when you can start saying ‘no’ to some of the poking and prodding…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

PQQ: The antioxidant that fights the most dangerous fat

There’s fat and there’s belly fat. It’s hard to lose and it takes your health down. That’s why so many reach for injectible GLP-1 drugs. Instead of dangerous side effects, battle the bulge with an alternative that not only fights fat three ways, but supports liver health and longevity…

Joyce Hollman

How to stay strong without joining a gym

Gyms are just not for me, so I found something better. Bodyweight training requires no special equipment and it’s easy to do at home. Get started to stay strong into your 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond…

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