Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What the number of pushups a man can do reveals about his health

Who wouldn’t like to have a crystal ball that could predict your health over the next decade? That way, you’d know exactly what areas need improving. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health may have found the next best thing — pushups.

Joyce Hollman

Is a ‘silent’ food allergy attacking your brain?

Food allergies can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening. But is it possible to have a food allergy and not know? Here’s evidence silent food allergies can cause problematic changes in the brain you might chalk up to something else…

Joyce Hollman

Anxiety-relieving practice deemed effective as medication

Generalized anxiety disorder can be challenging, often leading to isolation, physical illnesses, chronic pain and fatigue. Risky antidepressants have been the go-to treatment, but a drug-free alternative just went head to head against the pills and the news is good…

Joyce Hollman

How exercise works like a roadblock to prostate cancer progression

Prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer in American men. Previous research has shown an exercise program could release chemicals that control the growth of prostate cancer. Now the news is even better…

Carolyn Gretton

The activity that slashes diabetes risk 44 percent

Blood sugar problems that lead to diabetes are most common around the age of 45. That spells big trouble, including an increased risk of heart disease, nerve damage and even sexual problems. Lifestyle changes can improve things, but this one gets powerful results…

Carolyn Gretton

A concerning connection: breast cancer survival and heart disease

Breast cancer deaths are declining. If we stop right here, that’s certainly great news. But even though fewer women are dying from the cancer, their treatment may set them up for another disease they should be followed closely for…

Joyce Hollman

Worried about Alzheimer’s, cholesterol and blood pressure? There’s a tea for that

Drinking tea warms the soul. I find it one of the most soothing things I do for myself. What’s even better? Knowing this guilty pleasure has lots of researched benefits—many among the biggest health issues we face today.

Joyce Hollman

15 minutes of yoga and your ‘stroke’ number could drop 10 points

Exercise and health go together like PB and J. Typically, people choose one kind of exercise that works for them. I’m not knocking that because getting any exercise is a good thing. But adding in a little yoga can balloon benefits for blood pressure…

Carolyn Gretton

COVID hair loss: How long does it last

The list of long COVID symptoms is extensive. And one of them is a specific type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. This excessive hair shedding can be disconcerting. But understanding the surprising symptom may ease your mind and your hair loss.

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘d’eeper problem behind age-related muscle weakness

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and functionality associated with aging. But have you heard of dynapenia? If you want to keep fraily, falls and decline out of your future, you need to understand how deep age-related muscle loss goes.

Joyce Hollman

Thunderstorm asthma: What allergy sufferers should know

A lot of us suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. There’s nothing that unique about seasonal allergies, except maybe this: If you have hay fever, you are at risk for a serious event called “thunderstorm asthma,” even if you don’t normally have asthma.

Carolyn Gretton

An important step forward in gauging men’s prostate cancer risk

The old standby, PSA testing, isn’t 100 percent accurate, leading to unnecessary biopsy and treatment and loads of anxiety. But when it was scaled back, metastatic prostate cancer cases rose. The key is identifying men by risk level—and a new tool may be the answer to saving lives…

Carolyn Gretton

The uncomfortable condition Americans won’t talk about

Too many Americans suffer from chronic bloating — that tight, heavy, swollen feeling in your abdomen that can be caused by a number of conditions. What’s worse, few are seeking help. If you’re one of them, you don’t have to suffer in silence…

Joyce Hollman

5 additional benefits of walking when you do it backwards

Walking is my exercise of choice. No equipment or special skills required! But what really inspires me to lace up my walking shoes is the documented benefits. But guess what? Walking backwards is even better, especially if you have joint or low back pain…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The one thing disrupting your natural protection from obesity and diabetes

Researchers have found that though fats, salt and sugar are the quickest recipe for poor health, one among them does the most damage at making your body ripe for metabolic disease, especially when your natural protection is missing…

Joyce Hollman

Spice it up: A tasty way to a healthier gut

Your gut microbiome needs a variety of bacteria to do its job and keep you healthy. And spice is, as they say, the variety of life. After learning what spices can do for the diversity of your microbiome, that saying may take on a whole new meaning…

Jenny Smiechowski

The simple mineral that could replace anti-depressants

If you’ve ever sought help for depression, then you’ve likely walked away with a prescription for Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft or Lexapro. They’re SSRIs and not very effective. And with a long list of side effects, it’s a wonder anyone is still taking them…

Carolyn Gretton

Worn-out non-stick cookware: Not just ugly — but toxic

In the 1950s, a convenient chemical made non-stick pans the best thing since sliced bread. Or so we thought. But perfect omelets and easy cleanup came with a hefty price: our health. And if you’re still using old non-stick pans, here’s why that threat is even greater…

Joyce Hollman

What men who want to avoid colon cancer eat

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer and men tend to have a higher risk than women. Caught early, it’s treatable. That’s what brought a group of scientists to re-examine the power of diet to prevent colon cancer specifically in men.

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising truth about the color of snot

Snot — it’s certainly not something you would discuss at the dinner table. But it’s something we should be more aware of, especially since you can tell a lot about your health, from colds to molds, from what color your mucus is…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The 3 most impactful ways to support your brain

Much research exists about how to hold onto a sharp mind as we age. But the bottom line comes down to protecting the grey and white matter of your brain. Norwegian researchers whittled down the three best ways to do that…

Joyce Hollman

DHA: The omega-3 that’s like poison to tumors

If you’re supplementing your omega-3s, it’s probably because you know they’re tied to heart health, a longer life and a super brain. Need I say more? Well, what if I told you that one in particular killed cancer cells and slowed development of tumors?

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘K’ey nutrient for strong bones when you need them most

Breaking a bone, especially a hip, is a real concern for women as we age. So it stands to reason that if there’s something you can do to help prevent that issue later in life, you’d want to do it. Research says a key factor is a forgotten nutrient that drastically reduces that risk….

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 steps to make your resolutions stick

If you’ve set a goal for the new year, whether it’s a fitness plan, quitting smoking, drinking less or having more fun, the odds are against you. Most resolutions fall to the wayside by the 2nd Friday in January. But here are five research-backed tips that can give you your best chance…

Easy Health Options Staff

Alert: Blood pressure tablets recalled over cancer risk

Just before Christmas, the FDA announced, as a public service, that drug manufacturer Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for Quinapril — a blood pressure-lowering medication that may contain a cancer-causing impurity. Here’s what we know…

Carolyn Gretton

Lower your blood pressure in 20 minutes without sweating

Sure, exercise will lower your blood pressure. But it’s not the only way. Have you ever wondered what people mean when they talk about mindfulness? It’s much more than mumbo jumbo. Not only does it take BP numbers down, it kickstarts a signaling molecule your body uses to do just that…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The ‘diabetes’ spice that beat metformin

The list of people I know with type 2 diabetes grows daily. So does the number of people on diabetes drugs, like metformin. But what if I told you that there was a plant that may be just as effective at improving glucose intolerance as metformin, but without the side effects?

Joyce Hollman

The ‘causal link’ to Alzheimer’s you can break

Research relies on different types of studies. Some are “observational,” where researchers observe the effect of a risk factor. Then there are the ones we get really excited about. These identify an actual causal factor that, if avoided, can greatly cut your risk of something like Alzheimer’s…

Joyce Hollman

Kidney cancer is silent, until it’s not: Know the symptoms

Kidney cancer is fast becoming one of the more common cancers. It often strikes around age 65, but likely starts sooner because, in its earliest stages, kidney cancer often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. And diagnosis occurs after it has spread. Know these signs…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to reduce dementia risk by 90 percent

Exercise and brain health go hand in hand… But how much time do you have to put in to prevent the most dreaded of age-related brain diseases — dementia? Science finally has a solid answer: A recent study determined a goal you can set to obliterate your dementia risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

Sleep may be the easiest way to handle life’s challenges

Not getting enough quality sleep is linked to some heavy-hitting health problems, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer. But there’s a more immediate benefit to getting good sleep than preventing future illness: It’s proven to make life less difficult and more enjoyable right now.

Joyce Hollman

10 ways to quiet your racing mind

These days, having a “bag of tricks” to help quiet your mind is indispensable. Not only that, but it can also help prevent all sorts of stress-related illnesses. Here are 10 things you can do when your mind is racing. See which work for you and keep them ready…

Carolyn Gretton

How treating acid reflux can bring on diabetes

The use of proton pump inhibitors to treat acid reflux over a long period of time has been shown to produce some serious side effects, including bone fractures and gut infections. Now there’s another ailment long-term users of PPIs have to watch out for — diabetes.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Vitamin D, COVID-19 and the president’s treatment cocktail

Vitamin D is sharing the spotlight with COVID-19 once again, as it was recently revealed President Trump was supplementing it, along with a special treatment cocktail. But it’s not the first time the sunshine vitamin has been connected to patient outcomes during the pandemic. It’s no wonder, considering the importance of vitamin D to our overall health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Klotho deficiency: The missing link between salt and hypertension

Have you ever wondered why salt can lead to or worsen high blood pressure? Even stranger, why are young people less sensitive to salt’s effect on blood pressure? Curious researchers have found it comes down to slowed production of an anti-aging factor known as the Klotho protein…

Jenny Smiechowski

The alarming connection between gut fungi, Alzheimer’s and the diet that can help

When you read about supporting a healthy gut microbiome, bacteria may be stealing too much of the spotlight. That’s because your gut contains a lot of fungi too. And the type and amount of fungi in your gut could have just as big an influence on disease risk as bacteria do. In fact, fungi could even play a big role in your Alzheimer’s risk…

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Exploring the benefits of green tea for your skin

We’ve all heard about the many benefits of drinking green tea. But did you know that the polyphenolic compounds present in green tea have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that promote healthy skin? Not to mention catechins that have potent therapeutic effects on various skin conditions. Grab your tea bags and start the bathwater…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How living with chronic pain damages your heart

Millions of Americans wake up every day to pain that won’t go away. From low back pain to arthritis, chronic pain engrains itself into the life of the sufferer. Now research has found that if you’re living with chronic pain, you might be facing something even worse, a dramatically higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Time to stop the pain…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How to lower LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that’s parking in your arteries and causing blockages to build up. It is also the cholesterol that’s toxic to the lining of your arteries (the endothelium), increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Obviously it’s nasty stuff, so let’s talk about how to get less of it, and dispel some myths while we’re at it…

Carolyn Gretton

How heavy screen time is hurting us and how to cut down

We’ve been so concerned with avoiding COVID-19 the past few months that we’ve let another health danger sneak in… our screen time has skyrocketed. And it’s taking a toll. While spending some time on screens is impossible to avoid, we can take steps to keep it to a reasonable level — and avoid the worst offenders…

Joyce Hollman

The dried fruit that prevents and restores bone loss

Prunes have been associated with constipation for so long that they’ve almost become a joke. But if you’re concerned about osteoporosis, you can stop laughing right now. Even in the worst of circumstances, like the bone loss that happens with spinal cord injury, prunes have shown incredible bone-saving power…

Joyce Hollman

Why weight around the middle shrinks the brain

Obesity is associated with a long list of adverse health effects including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But research is showing that extra weight, especially around the middle, can not only shrink the brain but make recovery harder if you suffer a stroke or other brain injury.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Can exercise really help you live longer?

Saying that exercise is good for your health is nothing new. But saying and doing are totally different things… Considering that the stakes are pretty high — including a longer life span — a comparison of different forms of physical activity has discovered which one best holds up its end of the bargain…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Could poop be the secret of eternal youth?

When you think about the fountain of youth, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t poop. But what if I told you, researchers now think it’s the key to halt age-related decline and preserve cognitive function? Ponce de León would roll over in his grave! Here’s how scientists are using it, why, and what you can do to get the benefits without the ick factor.

Joyce Hollman

10 science-based tips for keeping produce fresh longer

Do you often buy fresh veggies and fruits only to have them rot before you can eat them? The problem may be with some common mistakes most of us make when washing or storing them. Here are ten pointers on how to keep your produce fresh until you’re ready to eat it.

Joyce Hollman

Eating by the numbers: A simple way to make the best food choices

Did you ever paint by the numbers? When you have a guide to follow, anyone can be a Picasso, right? Did you ever wish eating better could be that simple? It can. You can put more nutritional value on your plate and fewer calories. Best part, no complicated diet plan to follow…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

One more reason to read product labels: Hormone interference

Endocrine disruptors are everywhere. In the clothes we wear, the furniture we sit on and the products we slather on our skin. They lurk, waiting to tip our hormones from a healthy balance and cause disease. Luckily, a brand-new study found a simple way to lower the levels of these disruptors in your body. ..

Carolyn Gretton

Calming the anxious mind through conscious movement

Generalized anxiety disorder is common, and in these difficult times, more of us are getting a taste of what it’s like. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the best treatments, but it can be difficult to access. And medication isn’t ideal for long-term use because of side effects. Luckily, there’s an easy way to relieve anxiety symptoms in the privacy and safety of your own home…

Joyce Hollman

Diet tips for dodging prostate cancer

One out of every nine American men will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is survivable, but once it spreads, survival rates plummet. That’s why avoiding prostate cancer in the first place is your best chance. And the best place to start is with what you eat and don’t eat…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

8 ways to raise your good HDL cholesterol

HDL, high-density lipoprotein, is the good cholesterol. This is the particle that’s moving cholesterol out of your body, so you want to keep it high. But it turns out there’s not much good news about it… Low baseline HDL numbers are a potent risk factor for developing early or more aggressive heart disease. So let’s talk about getting them up…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

This listeria danger (and possible cure) from fish

Everyone knows that eating fish is good for you. There’s the brain- and heart-healthy omega-3s, good fats and protein, not to mention the vitamins and nutrients many of us don’t get enough of, like iodine and vitamin D. But before you put fish on the table, there’s a growing risk you need to consider — and help from a surprising source…

Joyce Hollman

Breakfast first, or coffee? The wrong answer could lead to diabetes

If you’re someone who looks forward to that first cup of coffee in the morning, especially if you haven’t slept well, there’s good news. And there’s bad news. Plenty of research shows the potential of coffee to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the caveat is “when” you drink it…

Carolyn Gretton

Olive oil comes to the rescue for heart condition that drugs failed

Heart failure is notoriously difficult to treat, which is why so many doctors focus on preventing it from developing in the first place. But if you suffer from a specific type of heart failure, there may be good news on the treatment front — and it may be as close as your kitchen pantry…

Carolyn Gretton

What women should know about the estrogen-atherosclerosis connection

Hormone replacement therapy can be helpful to many women for relieving the symptoms of menopause. However, it’s not without risk. But considering that the number one killer of women is heart disease, more women need to understand what the loss of estrogen does to their blood vessels and that they have natural options to both ease menopause and avoid heart disease.

Jenny Smiechowski

The real reason it’s so hard to quit junk food

To put it bluntly, eating junk food makes it harder to stop eating junk food. It sends you into a downward spiral of bad food and poor health that takes a will of steel to break free from. And research has proven just how it happens. It goes straight for the part of your brain that manages appetite control and wrestles it away from you. Here’s how to get it back…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How oatmeal can ease some side effects of radiation treatment

For years, cancer survivors have been told one thing – eat less fiber. That’s because doctors believed that added fiber went hand in hand with the bloating and diarrhea that is so common after radiation. But guess what… According to a new study, they were dead wrong! Here’s why fiber and the humble oat could be the answer to radiation-induced gut inflammation.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Supplement combo turns bad fat to good fat to help stave off obesity and diabetes

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that obesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand. And the process all begins two types of fat in the human body. Now, a brand new study has found a way to turn the bad fat good and in the process burn more calories, curb obesity-related inflammation and even put a halt to blood sugar problems.

Jenny Smiechowski

The easiest way to send your insomnia into remission

As someone who’s suffered from insomnia, I know how difficult finding safe, satisfying sleep solutions is. That’s why research from Sweden recently caught my eye. It was about a natural insomnia remedy that can make a serious dent in insomnia in just a short time — maybe even send it into remission.

Carolyn Gretton

Is your immune system causing your depression?

When you hear the words “immune system,” you probably think immediately of your body’s defense against seasonal maladies like cold and flu. A strong immune system is definitely an asset in protecting you from these and other invaders. But it turns out the immune system does a lot more than protect against microbes and infection.

Carolyn Gretton

Got 10 minutes? Try these self-care hacks proven to destress and relax

We all know stress can ruin health and bring on disease. But who has the downtime to combat it? With a never-ending list of tasks to accomplish, scheduling time to relax seems like a distant dream. Lucky for us, researchers found it only takes 10 minutes to boost your body’s physiological engine of relaxation — and they’ve identified the most effective way to do it…

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