Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

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…

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.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 science-backed ways to boost insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar

Insulin sensitivity plays a big role in determining whether your blood sugar levels stay in the healthy zone or spiral out of control and lead to full-blown diabetes. That’s why it’s important to know how to increase your sensitivity to reduce insulin resistance and better control your blood sugar.

Jenny Smiechowski

Use yoga to cut your migraine frequency in half

Migraines are incredibly common. These debilitating headaches affect somewhere between 38 to 50 million Americans… possibly even more. And only half of sufferers experience any relief from migraine medications. Luckily, there may be a safe, natural way to ease the pain of serious migraines…

Margaret Cantwell

4 evidence-based benefits of eating alkaline foods

It’s not a reach to assume that most Americans are walking around in a state of metabolic acidosis. No wonder heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and many other chronic metabolic diseases are rampant. Can an alkaline diet really help? Here are four ways the research says it can…

Jenny Smiechowski

How fasting and low-carb diets fight infection and aging

A lot of people try intermittent fasting and low-carb diets like the keto diet to lose weight. But that’s far from the biggest benefit of going low-carb or fasting. Research shows both practices change how your metabolism works in a way that fights infection and aging simultaneously.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Soak away up to 28 percent of your heart disease risk

The number one cause of death for men and women in the U.S. is heart disease. That’s why there’s no shortage of advice on how to lower risk. But I think most of us would never have guessed this relaxing habit could take such a sizable chunk out of your risk level…

Joyce Hollman

Coffee has more digestive perks than you can shake a stir stick at

The ways that coffee can keep you healthy are really underrated. So, if you love your cup of joe, take heart! Among all the great benefits research is revealing about coffee, you’ll be glad to know drinking it is one of the best things you can do for your digestive health!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Reprogram disease-causing inflammation with this ancient herb

Frankincense could be the key to defeating some of the most frightening diseases of the modern world, thanks to its ability to target inflammatory enzymes to stop the disease cascade.

Joyce Hollman

Vaping leads to a mouthful of disease-causing bacteria

Most people believe e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to the real thing and are a good way to quit. But e-cigarettes have their own dangers, including the risk of cancer, heart and lung disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. It comes down to a mouthful of bacteria that turns bad in a surprisingly short amount of time…

Jenny Smiechowski

Microgreens: Big benefits from tiny greens

If you’ve ever been at a restaurant and seen a delicate mound of tiny greens resting on your grass-fed burger, then you’ve tried microgreens. You may not have given this green garnish much thought, but you should start paying more attention to it — these greens pack a serious nutritional punch.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How to find nutrition news you can trust

Today, with news coming from so many different sources, it has become much harder to decide who to trust. This is not just true for current events or politics, it also applies to food, nutrition and medical care. So do like I do and follow these five rules…

Joyce Hollman

Antibiotic resistance: One more reason to avoid NSAIDs

Using NSAIDs like Motrin and Advil for pain relief can damage your stomach and put you at risk of heart attack and stroke. But there’s one more reason to reach for something else… these meds could also make it harder for you to battle a resistant infection.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why losing weight before bariatric surgery could save your life

Weight loss surgery can come with big benefits, including lowering your risk of chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. The surgery is not without risks, though, including a small percentage of deaths. Fortunately, there’s a way to cut that risk by 40 percent before you enter the operating room…

Joyce Hollman

The unexpected way lead gets in your drinking water

Depending on the age of your home, your pipes may be lined with lead. And when it mixes with another heavy metal commonly used in municipal water systems, your lead exposure could increase tenfold…

Joyce Hollman

One more reason to use hops for menopause relief

With all the research linking hormone replacement therapy with breast cancer, it’s no wonder many women prefer natural relief for menopause symptoms. After concerns about its possible interactions with common medications, a particularly effective supplement has been given the all-clear…

Jenny Smiechowski

Keto, inflammation and the autoimmune disease connection

Making changes to your diet can drastically improve autoimmune disease symptoms… or even send your disease into remission. But what diet is best if you’re one of the 23.5 million American’s struggling to get an autoimmune condition under control?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Why an amino acid deficiency could lead to diabetes

The rate of diabetes in the U.S. is rising sharply. Lots of reports and research seems to focus on the American lifestyle and the terrible food we eat. So, you can probably imagine how surprised I was to learn a deficiency we hear little about could be partially to blame…

Jenny Smiechowski

How omega-3s from fish help regulate cholesterol

There’s been some debate over the years about whether omega-3s reduce heart disease risk. But a new study may put the decades-long debate to rest. Not only does it show that omega-3s come with substantial cardiovascular perks, but it also shows exactly how these healthy fats help your heart…

Joyce Hollman

7 everyday essentials for a natural medicine cabinet

It’s becoming commonplace to find that medicines we’ve thought were safe, aren’t. In fact, some of them are downright dangerous. Remember the recent warning about carcinogens in your heartburn medication? If you’d like to build a natural medicine cabinet, here are seven starters for you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Block brain inflammation to pump the brakes on Alzheimer’s

For far too many years, Alzheimer’s disease has been a mystery to the medical community. Doctors and researchers are unsure why it starts… much less how to find a cure. But they’re closing in on the puzzle. They’ve identified the one factor that may play the biggest role in fighting the progression of the disease.

Joyce Hollman

The chemicals causing celiac disease

The origins of celiac disease, which afflicts one in 100 adults worldwide, were largely believed to be genetic. But research has found that toxic chemicals, some commonly found throughout our homes, are associated with a higher risk of developing the autoimmune disease.

Jenny Smiechowski

13 spices that save you from junk food-fueled inflammation

Junk food contributes to disease-causing inflammation. But it’s almost impossible not to hit the drive-thru from time to time. Just make sure you counteract your burger and fries with these inflammation-fighting spices…

Jenny Smiechowski

Your stove may be cooking up unsafe levels of indoor air pollution

Most of us don’t think twice when we click our gas stoves on to cook. But maybe we should. Gas stoves are exposing us to pollution levels so high they would be illegal if they were outside. And this exposure can contribute to everything from asthma to heart disease to cancer.

Joyce Hollman

Take 10 years off your brain age with resveratrol

Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant. It’s found in red wine and dark chocolate. If you want to wind back the clock on your brain’s age by up to a decade, go ahead and indulge a little!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Reduce COVID-19 anxiety and depression with these free apps

If you’re feeling anxious, down, or lonely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic you’re not alone. Anxiety and depression numbers have skyrocketed since the lockdowns began. A collection of apps can help significantly reduce your stress and anxiety, and they’re free!

Joyce Hollman

6 habits that hijack your immune system

You probably already know that bad nutrition and poor sleep can sabotage your immune system. But there are some lesser-known habits you may be engaging in right now that are compromising your immune system’s ability to protect you at a time when you need it most.

Jenny Smiechowski

3 dangers of drinking too much green tea

With all the hype around green tea’s health benefits, it’s tempting to sip on the stuff all day, every day. But it turns out that drinking too much of this typically healthy beverage comes with a few potential side effects… including one serious one.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The best time to check your blood pressure

High blood pressure and heart disease go hand in hand. Most of us get checked regularly at our doctor’s office. Hopefully yours is in the green… but there’s a way to check it to see if red zone numbers are in your future.

Joyce Hollman

5 smoothies that calm inflammation and boost immunity

I’m focusing on superfood combinations that can boost my immune system and tame inflammation. Both will lower my chances of a COVID-19 infection, or any infection, for that matter. And since spring has finally arrived and it’s warm out, I’d like to share five of my favorite superfood smoothie recipes with you.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Switch couch time for naptime for better mood and BMI

Stay-at-home orders have most of us sitting more than ever. Estimates show that levels of physical activity have plummeted by 32 percent, leading to added stress and depression as well as weight gain. A new study has shown that substituting nap time for sitting time could help you feel and be healthier.

Jenny Smiechowski

All whole grains aren’t as healthy as you’ve been made to think

Fiber is a health-giving, life-saving nutrient. Research shows eating a high fiber diet decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer. It also extends life expectancy. The problem is, not all sources of fiber deliver the same benefits — especially if they’re “whole grain.”

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