Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Stretch away low back pain in 6 simple moves

If you’re living with low back pain, you’re not alone. And whether your pain is sharp and shooting, dull and achy or radiating, there are things you can do at home to get relief, including the 5,000-year-old practice deemed just as effective as physical therapy…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The virus no one wants that could eradicate cancer

When you think of the herpes simplex virus, not much that’s pleasant comes to mind. But what if the virus that can wreak so much havoc could also be used for good, like causing advanced tumors to disappear, shrink or stop progressing?

Joyce Hollman

What’s in your mug could lower your risk for hip fracture

A hip fracture, especially over 60, can be a nightmare. The long period of immobility that follows can bring on dangerous health complications. Calcium and vitamin D are important, but you may be shocked to know how much your coffee or tea habit may help…

Carolyn Gretton

Allergies in the wintertime: Weather as a trigger

For some people, allergies can be an issue year-round. Even when there’s frost on the ground and no pollen in the air, they’re still dealing with sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. One allergy expert points to weather as a possible trigger and what may help…

Carolyn Gretton

Why bladder problems increase with age for some women

In the United States, roughly 17 percent of women ages 20 and older suffer from urinary incontinence. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, the number skyrockets as women age. And so does overactive bladder. But why are these conditions worse for some, and where’s the relief?

Miguel Leyva

Glyphosate and thyroid cancer: Too little too late

Research into the causes of thyroid cancer is ongoing, but exposure to pesticides has long been suspected. One, in particular, glyphosate, was associated with a 33 percent increase in cases. 2023 is the year this health destroyer is supposed to be phased out. Is it too little too late?

Jenny Smiechowski

The 4-minute hack that lowers blood sugar for hours

Did you know that every time you exercise, your muscles start using more of the glucose (and fat) in your bloodstream? That’s why it’s recommended for balancing blood sugar. But what if you have high blood sugar, but no time to exercise? Try this instead…

Jenny Smiechowski

The diet that improves aging (even in nursing home residents!)

As you age, your body starts breaking down and becomes more inflamed. This leads to frailty… or what’s commonly thought of as “getting old.” You walk slower, feel creakier and just don’t have as much physical or mental spunk as you once did. But here’s something you may not know… the right diet can turn that around!

Joyce Hollman

How to put stress to work for a better brain

Stress is bad for you. Or is it? It certainly has its downsides, like increasing risks for conditions such as nausea, migraine, hypertension, heart disease and even cancer. But all stress is not the same and can, in fact, have the opposite effect…

Carolyn Gretton

Vascular dysfunction: A direct path to disease

There appears to be no end to the havoc a poor diet can wreak on the body: the heart, liver, kidneys, blood sugar, and metabolism all suffer… but the damage a bad diet does to your blood vessels provides a direct path for that destruction and more.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Aortic aneurysm: A reason to check blood pressure in both arms

Getting your blood pressure checked is simply a routine procedure to be sure your heart is effortlessly pumping blood like it’s supposed to. But if your doctor is only checking one arm, you could be at higher risk for heart attack, stroke or sudden death and not even know…

Carolyn Gretton

How flavonols put the brakes on memory decline

What’s considered normal memory decline with age is not as disruptive as Alzheimer’s or dementia. But still, who wouldn’t like to maintain strong mental faculties as long as possible? If you’re getting plenty of this nutrient, you’ll keep a sharp brain at any age…

Carolyn Gretton

The condition that can skyrocket your risk for AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is on the rise as the population grows older. And as more is learned about how it can steal our vision, research is also revealing connections to other conditions that can increase the risk of the blinding eye disease even more…

Joyce Hollman

‘Good’ cholesterol’s role as heart health predictor challenged

The fact that “good” cholesterol, AKA HDL cholesterol, is beneficial to heart health is just that, a long-standing fact. But sometimes facts bear re-examining. That’s because HDL may not be the harbinger of heart health we once thought, at least not for everyone.

Joyce Hollman

The diet that doubles fat loss and reduces disease risk

The traditional Mediterranean diet is well known for its benefits that lead to longevity, partly by improving heart health and weight. Hard to believe it could get any better than that, but hold onto your hat… Find out how to double visceral fat loss and drop disease risk, even more!

Joyce Hollman

Common chemical found to drive heart disease and early death

Chemicals are an invasive part of our lives that we have a hard time avoiding. Many of them can make our lives easier, but that luxury demands a high price. In fact, we’re paying with our lives… 100,000 a year to be exact, lost to heart disease and early death. But you may be more shocked to learn how you’re exposed to this killer chemical…

Carolyn Gretton

The beverage that helps prevent calcified arteries

We’ve known for some time that coffee and green tea are exeptional health-promoting beverages. But you may be less aware of the significant heart protection another common drink offers. Researchers have discovered a daily cup can protect against this indicator of heart attack and stroke…

Carolyn Gretton

How phthalates can trigger abnormal growths in women

A growing body of research is showing how dangerous phthalates are to our health. But one hazard in particular that women need to be aware of when it comes to these widespread pollutants strikes at a very personal level…

Joyce Hollman

How a salty diet literally ‘stresses you out’

You know salt promotes high blood pressure and increases the risks for heart problems, including stroke. But did you know sodium can literally stress you out? Research says that alone can wreak havoc on your health in ways you never thought…

Joyce Hollman

Limiting protein: A strategy for cancer treatment and prevention

The search for a cure for cancer is proving to be a long-term effort, but experts are honing in on the mechanisms by which cancer cells grow and spread. Nutrition, especially, has often been examined as a possible path for preventing cancer. Now it may also treat it…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Chlorella: Mother Nature’s superfood miracle

Chlorella is a true superfood, packed with amino acids, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that support the health of the body. If you are seriously ill, suffering a modern-lifestyle disease or an athlete looking to perform and feel better, chlorella may offer just the boost you need.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Busting the myths about screentime, blue light and sleep

You’ve probably heard all the warnings about cutting down on screentime at bedtime to avoid blue light, especially if you hope to get a good night’s sleep. Not so fast. It turns out you can have your iPad, phone or TV, and your sleep too if you just follow a few simple rules…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Acai: Miracle of wellness

Acai is reported to be a miracle fruit that can work wonders for arthritis, cholesterol, obesity, heart health, digestion, energy, erectile dysfunction, inflammation, detoxification, diabetes, allergies, bloating, muscle cramps and oxidative stress. But how can one fruit do all that?

Joyce Hollman

8 holiday depression triggers and how to work around them

The Christmas season can be a double-edged sword. It brings with it feelings of love, togetherness and joy. But many people find themselves stepping around emotional landmines that trigger feelings of anxiety and depression. Here are some healthy ways to cope and have a truly rewarding holiday season…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diabetics face serious blood pressure risk if breaking the ‘one drink’ rule

If you’re living with diabetes, you already know how important it is to embrace a healthy lifestyle. But there’s one more change you might need to make to be sure you don’t add high blood pressure to your list of diagnoses…

Jenny Smiechowski

Turning down the thermostat may be just as good for you as cutting calories

A calorie restricted diet isn’t easy. But they can lower blood pressure and inflammation, balance cholesterol, reduce insulin resistance and promote a longer lifespan. Why is cutting calories so good for you? That’s the million-dollar question, but it may not be the only way to get these benefit.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The weird effect a popular over-the-counter pain reliever has on risk perception

You probably consider yourself to be level-headed, right? Sure, you like to be adventurous, but you draw the line at risky behavior because it’s the smart thing to do. But if you’re among the 1 in 4 who turns to a popular OTC pain reliever for minor aches and pains, you’re unknowingly putting something in your body that can muddy your perception of risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why getting a cold could keep you from getting the flu

The common cold is far from dangerous, but it still makes you miserable by walloping you with a cough, a headache, congestion, a low-grade fever and that awful fatigued feeling you get when you’re sick. But the next time you’re laid up with a serious cold, you have a big bright side to think about… colds may be able to prevent the more dangerous flu virus from infecting your airways…

Carolyn Gretton

The good news thick thighs could reveal about your blood pressure

It’s been drilled into our heads for decades that fat is bad. With obesity comes a higher risk of all kinds of disorders, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers. But recent research has found that fat may not always be a harbinger of a health problem on the horizon. In fact, if you’ve got thick thighs, you may breathe a sigh of relief…

Joyce Hollman

How not to get breast cancer from your salad

In 1972, the United States banned the use of the pesticide DDT. But other endocrine-disrupting pesticides have taken its place and are still in use. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals that cause breast cancer.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Eat more blueberries to preserve and repair your muscles

Reduced muscle mass can lead to a lack of mobility, lower quality of life and even steal your independence. Now though, there’s a new weapon in your arsenal that could make all the difference — a simple and delicious way to kick your muscle strength into gear by stimulating the production of special cells in your body that boost muscle growth and repair…

Jenny Smiechowski

Steroids for asthma may lower inflammation but carry chronic side-effects

If you don’t have asthma, you probably know someone who does and know they keep an inhaler close by. Oral steroids can be part of asthma management, too, since inflammation is a troublesome component of the condition. But experts fear these medications are being overprescribed and are leading to some very serious side effects…

Joyce Hollman

Drugs that treat colds, bladder leaks, Parkinson’s and more increase Alzheimer’s risk

Anticholinergics, also called antispasmodics, treat everything from Parkinson’s to COPD and asthma to irritable bowel syndrome. Some are even found in over-the-counter allergy medications. But at least three recent studies point to a strong connection between anticholinergic use and cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.

Joyce Hollman

What’s the danger in being a ‘social’ smoker?

If you’re a “social smoker,” you may think your health risk from lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases is much smaller than if you smoke a pack a day. But is that true?

Jenny Smiechowski

Why a thyroid problem could be fueling your anxiety

A lot of anxiety sufferers find ways to improve their symptoms, but they never quite slay their inner anxiety demon completely. If you can relate to this struggle, you need to know that the root of all those sleepless nights, panic attacks and anxious sweats may be your thyroid.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Authoritative evidence supports increasing omega-3s for cardio protection

For over a decade, experts have waffled about whether omega-3 intake can help you stay heart healthy. Now, the largest meta-analysis to date has found conclusive proof that whatever amount you might get through diet, you should consider supplementing for ample cardioprotection…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why sleep may be the strongest predictor and deterrent to Alzheimer’s

Have you ever wondered if you’re going to end up with Alzheimer’s and when? The truth is that while there is genetic testing for the disease, having or not having the gene won’t answer those questions. But there is another indicator that Alzheimer’s is likely in your future…. one that you can turn around.

Jenny Smiechowski

The best therapy for reducing disease-causing inflammation

Everyone is trying to curb chronic inflammation nowadays. That’s because science has clearly identified it as a major contributor to disease and pain. Popular approaches to dousing it include anti-inflammatory diets and drugs. But a kind of mental therapy can significantly slash your levels — no diet changes or drugs needed!

Jenny Smiechowski

The most important number on your vitamin D test

Based on all the latest research, your vitamin D levels may be a window into your future. They can determine your risk for conditions like heart disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. The free, circulating vitamin D levels in your blood may be the best indicator of whether your vitamin D levels are in the danger zone.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How to keep pain and the thoughts that worsen it from cramping your style

When you’re living with chronic pain, it’s easy to find yourself giving up activities that you love. But that decrease in your get-up-and-go could actually be due less to the pain itself and more about how you think and feel about your pain. Here’s what you need to know about the pain catastrophizing trap and how to escape it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The biggest risk factor for diabetes isn’t your genetics

Diabetes tends to run in families. In fact, your doctor will tell you that if your mom, dad or grandparents have blood sugar problems, you’re at higher risk. But, does that mean your fate is sealed? The answer is no. There’s a completely changeable factor that plays a much bigger role in whether or not you end up with diabetes.

Jenny Smiechowski

6 simple ways to keep kidney disease from striking you

Chronic kidney disease is surprisingly common. People living with the disease have damaged kidneys that are unable to filter out bodily wastes and fluids efficiently. This leaves harmful levels of wastes circulating in the body, which can damage other organs (like your heart and brain). So, how can you keep your kidneys safe and healthy? Follow these six lifestyle changes…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why honeybee venom has potential in the fight against breast cancer

Have you ever heard of honeybee venom therapy? It’s the use of honeybee venom for medicinal purposes (either through injections or intentional bee stings). A lot of people think it’s just a new age health practice, but it’s been used for over 5,000 years to treat a variety of conditions ranging from gout to chronic pain to multiple sclerosis. Fighting breast cancer may soon be added to that list…

Joyce Hollman

Men should lose the ‘spare tire’ to lose risk for prostate cancer

Carrying excess fat around the midsection raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disturbances, dementia and, in women, breast cancer. Now, at least two recent studies have connected visceral fat with prostate cancer. Not just prostate cancer, but the advanced kind that normally proves fatal.

Jenny Smiechowski

Why a low-carb, high-fat diet could keep you safe from glaucoma

There are a lot of eye problems you can fall victim to as you get older. But perhaps the most concerning is glaucoma. It’s one of the few that can cause permanent and complete blindness. On the bright side, it’s possible to reduce your odds of ever developing the disease in the first place. One of the most effective ways is a popular diet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Foods that shorten your telomeres and trigger aging

While the term processed food is one most of us have heard, the concept of ultra-processed food is a litter trickier. These zero nutrition foods have been linked to everything from diabetes and high blood pressure to cancer. And a recent study has more bad news. they speed up your biological aging…

Jenny Smiechowski

How day sleeping clogs your brain and increases risk for brain disorders

The human body was designed to sleep during the night and stay awake during the day. Mixing that up leads to problems. In fact, research shows there may be certain critical functions that your body will only perform during a nighttime sleep session… like clearing all the dementia-causing wastes out of your brain.

Coach Todd, MMT, MPA

Follow these 4 steps to banish neck pain and tension for good

Holding strange neck positions over and over again, only to find little to no lasting relief? We’ve all been there, but now, we finally know why… and what is not going to help, like stretching. If you really want to get the root of your neck problem, and experience lasting relief, give this a try…

Joyce Hollman

The other reason every cell in your body needs calcium that has nothing to do with your bones

Every move we make throughout the day causes our cells to stretch and deform. The problem is that these stretched and misshapen cells could lead to permanent DNA damage and even cancer. So how are we able to keep moving without destroying our cells? New research tells us that the answer lies with calcium…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

When spouses get on board, heart attack survivors do better at making healthy living changes

After surviving a heart attack, making lifestyle changes to prevent a second attack is vital. Yet, even with the motivation a heart attack provides, actually giving up bad habits and replacing them with new, healthy ones can be a challenge. Luckily, a new study has found a simple way to more than double your chances of success.

Jenny Smiechowski

How vitamin C can save your muscles from shrinking

Once you’re over 50, you lose about one percent of your muscle mass per year. Not only can it lead to frailty, but it’s also linked to a higher risk of physical disability and even type-2 diabetes. So how do you prevent your muscle mass from slipping away with age? The answer may be simpler than you’d think…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Huge study review revealed the big fat lies about statins

Roughly 36 million people in the U.S. alone take cholesterol-lowering medications, also known as statin drugs. Yet, with the massive number of statin prescriptions doctors write, is there truly evidence that they save lives? New revelations are that inconsistencies and contradictory evidence has been swept under the rug…

Joyce Hollman

The juice that keeps stomach cancer from sneaking up on you

People with stomach cancer (gastric cancer) often don’t show symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages. The common bacterium H. pylori causes stomach cancer, but even if you carry this germ in your digestive tract, your diet can help keep you from falling victim, especially if you’re a fan of cranberry juice…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The damage soda does to your teeth in a little as 10 minutes

The next time you get the urge to crack open your favorite soda, think again. These drinks can irreparably damage your teeth, and it’s not just the sugar. With every sip they’re interfering with an important protective mechanism in your mouth….

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