Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Surprising ‘anger link’ for men with essential hypertension

For most adults, there’s no identifiable cause for their hypertension, meaning no underlying condition or typical risk factor appears to be to blame. It’s called essential hypertension and all they know for sure is that it develops over years. But, for men, at least, an odd link to anger, with a twist, may be the cause.

Carolyn Gretton

Improve your indoor air and breathe easy with houseplants

Houseplants are a great way to bring a little nature inside. A little greenery goes a along way to ease anxiety, improve mood and sleep, and importantly, your oxygen levels. They can also protect you from a dangerously common household gas…

Carolyn Gretton

Alzheimer’s in your future? Cholesterol and blood sugar at 35 hold clues

You may have heard the expression “that’s a problem for future me.” You may have even said it yourself. But when it comes to health, that can be dangerous. In fact, recent research shows that certain health decisions you make in your younger years can elevate your Alzheimer’s risk later in life…

Jedha Dening

Aloe vera: The fat-burning blood sugar balancer

If you’re looking for something to turn your metabolism around, think aloe vera. The thought may conjure up memories of slathering it on sunburns, and while it’s true it’s great for your skin, it’s also considered a ‘functional food’ — meaning it provides health benefits, particularly for metabolic syndrome.

Jenny Smiechowski

When your skin signals a dangerous heart condition

Your skin can tell you a lot about your health. If something is out of balance, it can show up as rashes, eczema or other rritations rooted in inflammation. So, if your skin is showing signs of a problem, research says chances are it’s wreaking havoc elsewhere increasing risk for stroke, heart attack or worse.

Joyce Hollman

A late bedtime won’t turn you into a pumpkin but possibly a heart attack statistic

There are numerous ways to lower your risk of becoming a heart disease statistic, from exercise to eating habits to stress reduction. Apparently, picking just the right bedtime is just as crucial. Too early or too late means a 12 to 25 percent increase in your risk. But there was an optimal bedtime to aim for…

Carolyn Gretton

The ancient Chinese practice that helps with stroke recovery

Tai chi, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, involves a combination of deep breathing and a series of slow, deliberate movements of the hands, arms, neck, legs and core. A tailored version has been found helpful in helping stroke victims get back on their feet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is your weight setting you up for cognitive decline?

It’s easy to look in a mirror and gauge if we need to lose weight. But there’s another kind of fat that isn’t so easy to see. It’s called visceral adipose fat and it’s stored inside your body around your organs. Turns out these fats may team up to set you up for cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How much daily activities add up to heart protection

How much time do you devote to exercise? If you’re like most, not as much as you’d like. By the time you’re done with work, housework, kids or grandkids — who feels like a half hour of heart-protective cardio? If you think you’re not getting as much as you need, you might be relieved to know how much your daily activities are helping…

Carolyn Gretton

How a zinc ‘burst’ activates the immune system

Scientists have long known that people whose zinc levels are too low have few to no infection-fighting T-cells. And their thymus, an immune system organ that generates those T-cells, starts to shrink. When corrected, their thymuses grow and start generating T-cells again. But activation needs a burst…

Carolyn Gretton

10 health consequences of not having sex

It can be deceptively easy to slide into an extended period of not having sex. Life gets busy, you get tired, and sometimes we think we’re just too old. But lack of sex isn’t just a relationship issue: not having sex can negatively impact your health, happiness and well-being…

Joyce Hollman

The fiber that offers the most heart protection

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. But if you’re nearing 65, one food source in particular is the best choice for fending off the inflammation that leads to heart problems. Here’s why it’s better than fruits or vegetables at keeping your heart healthy…

Joyce Hollman

Long-term proof: An avocado a day keeps heart disease away

It’s no secret that avocados have lots of health benefits wrapped up in one little package, including phytochemicals that protect eyesight and fight cancer. But the connection between eating avocados and lowering your risk of heart disease just got even stronger…

Joyce Hollman

Nerve pain: The latest symptom of long COVID

Following the pandemic, the effects of long COVID are slowly coming to light. Almost daily, new symptoms and conditions are revealing their strange connection to SARS-CoV-2. Not too surprising, the latest has also been linked to diabetes and the shingles virus…

Carolyn Gretton

The simple vitamin/mineral pairing that can help with vertigo

If you sometimes experience the kind of dizziness that feels like a sudden spinning sensation, you’re probably experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). And it can range from annoying to downright debilitating. Some people experience a “once and done” episode, but others aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, getting relief could be as simple as the right nutrients…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The pain-relieving power of nostalgia

Opioids are proof that modern medicine has a long way to go in the battle against pain. Thank goodness there are natural ways to decrease pain levels, including the ones you can find down memory lane…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The relationship between loneliness and memory problems

Many people enjoy “alone time.” It helps us reset, be productive and sparks creativity. But loneliness is different. It is a feeling of social isolation fueled by a lack of fulfilling interactions with others. And research has been finding for years that it’s harmful to our health, especially your brain…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The supplement that makes it easier to cut out sugar

There’s good news for all of us who love our sweet and carb-laden treats but would like to tone them down a bit… and it’s all wrapped up in helping your gut help you make better choices, release appetite-suppressing hormones and increase calorie burn…

Easy Health Options Staff

Common erectile dysfunction drugs tied to vision problems

Drugs for ED have become incredibly popular in the last several years, helping many men overcome a problem that impacts their quality of life. But they may come with a serious price: a higher risk of three conditions that could cause vision loss…

Joyce Hollman

Avoiding heart failure is the best reason to stay hydrated

You’ve probably heard that your body is 50 percent water. But did you know some of your most vital organs are up to 80 percent water? Your heart is one of them. And we’re hearing that your future risk of heart failure may hinge on how well-hydrated you keep it…

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘weight optional’ diet that lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

Your doctor says you’ve got to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar. Of course, he also says to do that, you’ve got to lose weight, and you’ve found that hard. No worries. Meet the diet that gives you these benefits and more, with or without the weight loss…

Joyce Hollman

Antibiotics and the surprising threat to women’s brains

It’s no secret that antibiotic overuse is harmful. It contributes to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance that threatens us all. But for women, it’s personal. If you’re not careful, fighting a simple infection could age your brain and hasten cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diabetes: Why a broken biological clock affects treatment

Mitochondria communicate with time-keeping molecules in our cells, and this communication is disrupted in people with type 2 diabetes. That’s a problem because some of the most common diabetes treatments affect mitochondria, meaning they may work differently depending on the time of day they are taken…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The ‘silent hormone’ that doubles women’s Alzheimer’s risk

Doctors have long known that if you’re a woman, your brain is in danger. Numerous studies show women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. And as you may have guessed, hormones are believed to be the culprit following menopause. But not the ones you’re thinking of…

Joyce Hollman

The trick to using optimism to live longer and better

Research says being an optimist can absolutely add years to your healthspan, the number of years you get to live a healthy, disease-free, productive life. But it depends on when you’re optimistic in response to the stressors in your life — before they happen or after…

Carolyn Gretton

A single cell may be the start and end of Alzheimer’s

The brain needs a lot of oxygen. Without a hardy supply, brain cells begin to malfunction and die off. That’s why the brain has a mechanism in place to make sure its energy demands are met: a single cell that may be all that’s between you and a cascade that could lead to Alzheimer’s or stop it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why cutting calories could cut your colon cancer risk

While we used to think of colon cancer as a concern for those middle-aged and older, more people are being diagnosed under the age of 50. And while plenty of research speculates as to why that is, the best is finding ways to keep it from happening to you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Poor liver health could be destroying your bones

If your liver goes down, so do you. It’s a fact that’s as true for your bones as it is for any part of your body. So, if you’re experiencing bone loss, problems with bone density or are worried about suffering from weak bones and fractures, your liver health, or lack of it, could be to blame.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Live cold, die old: How temperature affects lifespan

We’ve all heard the saying, “Live fast, die young.” It’s one that’s stood the test of time since living a fast and risky life is often cut short. Now, there’s one more adage that will likely stand up to that time test, and may have you cranking up your AC: Live cold, die old…

Carolyn Gretton

The harmful brain legacy of leaded gasoline

You may think the only way to get exposed to lead is through drinking water or paint chips in older houses. But if you were born in the U.S. before 1996, you were very likely absorbing lead with every breath you took. And researchers say that could be affecting how your brain is aging today…

Joyce Hollman

6 ways this forgotten health nut can improve your health

There are several health conditions you can improve by chomping on a few nuts. But are you limited to just almonds, walnuts or pistachios? Not at all! In fact you should eat a handful of this forgotten health nut every day. Now, here’s how they can help…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The low-carb link to heart problems

The low-carb diet I love could be dangerous for my heart. It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of going low-carb. It’s not an easy decision, and each low-carb dieter has to decide what’s best for them.

Jenny Smiechowski

Tired of antibiotics in your food? Oranges are next

In case you haven’t heard, citrus trees in Florida have been struggling with a bacterial disease called citrus greening. That means the citrus industry has been struggling too. Citrus farmers are desperate. And you know the saying: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Well, that includes widespread use of antibiotics in your oranges.

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising impact distant relatives with Alzheimer’s have on your risk

It’s common knowledge that if someone in your immediate family (like your mom, dad or siblings) has Alzheimer’s, you have a higher risk of the disease. But things get a little murkier when it comes to aunts, grandparents and so on. These numbers will get you serious about avoiding the disease.

Jenny Smiechowski

Treating this common eye condition might cure your migraines

Now, the exact cause of migraines is still a mystery. But all these eye-related symptoms make you wonder… Is the answer to migraines in the eye? It could be. In fact, a new study shows that migraines are closely connected to one eye condition in particular…

Joyce Hollman

Let this oil flow once a week for better blood flow

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death among adults in the United States. But there’s some advice that could keep you from being one of them. It turns out that for good blood flow, you need to let the oil flow. What kind? The one shown to reduce heart attack risk by 30 percent…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to use bedtime snacking to grow more muscle

No matter how much I worked out, or how many weights I lifted, that muscle tone I’m so envious of remained elusive. But, it’s an easy fix. It turns out I was eating wrong — or more accurately — not eating at a particular time of the day that can spur muscle growth for bigger gains.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What Yo-Yo dieting does to your heart

New Research shows that yo-yo dieting may make it harder for women to control a variety of heart disease risk factors, leaving them in danger. And, considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women across the world, this is a serious issue you should know about…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Cinnamon: The super antioxidant-rich disease-fighting spice

Did you know that more herbs are among the foods with highest antioxidant value? And one of my favorites is right up there near the top… cinnamon. You might be pleasantly surprised to see what science has to say about cinnamon and Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and blood sugar…

Joyce Hollman

How mouthwash raises your blood pressure

Have you heard the expression, “throwing the baby out with the bath water”? It means getting rid of what’s good, along with what’s bad. This happens a lot when it comes to things we do and use that are supposed to make us healthier… like gargling with mouthwash.

Jenny Smiechowski

The vegetables that slash colorectal cancer risk 79 percent

No one should ever let the fear of bad breath keep them away from garlic too often. That’s because allium vegetables could have a valuable service to offer: cancer protection. And the more you eat, the better. You could cut your colorectal cancer risk a whopping 79 percent!

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The inactive ingredients in pills that trigger allergies

Do you have a food allergy or sensitivity? If so, you know some can be quite uncomfortable and others, quite dangerous. So if you had a problem with gluten, lactose or peanuts, you’d never expect to find anything like that in your medication, right? Think again…

Joyce Hollman

Is ‘meat glue’ causing your digestive problems?

Have you heard of “meat glue?” Yes, you read that right… It’s an additive that showing up in everything from meat to dairy, and even baked goods. Its purpose is also to bind proteins together, giving products a better texture and longer shelf life. Here’s how it can make you sick…

Jenny Smiechowski

Waiting till middle age to get fit can still get you the benefits of a 20-something

We all made mistakes in our youth… But don’t get down on your younger self too much, especially if you neglected exercising because you had something better to do. There’s strong evidence that even if you lived a less-than-healthy lifestyle in your youth, you can make up for it later…

Jenny Smiechowski

Which diet offers better dementia prevention?

There’s a question that’s probably at the top of your mind, because it could save it: What diet provides the best dementia protection? Several studies found the Mediterranean diet reduces Alzheimer’s risk. But recently, it’s gotten stiff competition from a diet designed specifically with brain health in mind.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Vaping practically as bad for your heart as smoking

While many hail e-cigarettes for reducing the risks of traditional cigarettes, new warnings are also sounding. Research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session has shed some light on the heart dangers associated with e-cigarettes…

Jenny Smiechowski

34 health problems fueled by junk food

Here’s an exciting statistic: The CDC reports that roughly 70 percent of annual deaths are due to chronic diseases. I know what you’re thinking… “That’s sad, not exciting. What the heck is wrong with you?” Here’s why I think it’s exciting… You have the power to prevent them!

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How meds put your health in a ‘chicken and the egg’ loop

Are you on so many medications because you feel so sick? Or do you feel so sick because you’re on so many medications? At some point, the line between the chicken and egg scenario can get pretty blurry.

Joyce Hollman

How dangerous are the unregulated ingredients in your makeup and shampoo?

What if I told you that there’s a group of products in your home that are completely unregulated for safety. The average teen girl uses no less than fourteen of these products every day. But teens are not the only ones in danger. Neither are women. Here’s how to protect yourself…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Can you measure the health benefits of your social life?

Would you like to be that person who’s still active, engaged and sharp at 100 years old, living independently and enjoying time with the great grandkids? If you’re a social butterfly, you’re half way there. And now, a new study has figured out why — by measuring the benefits of being social.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Scientists warn ‘allergy’ danger from ticks is greater than expected

If you’ve ever been bitten by a tick, you know concerns include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Ehrlichia and Powassan disease. And now, the potential for a weird allergy that may be a bigger threat than first thought…

Joyce Hollman

9+ amazing phytonutrients and why you should eat them every day

Phytonutrients are simply chemicals produced by plants that afford them protection. But luckily for us, phytonutrients can boost our immunity, improve our digestion, repair DNA damage from toxin exposure, and even prevent cancer. Here’s 9 and how they help…

Jenny Smiechowski

The mineral that might replace antibiotics to treat UTIs

For many women, UTIs become chronic… which means taking antibiotics does too. But those drugs are becoming resistant. What better reasons to find a new treatment for UTIs. And researchers from the University of Queensland may have done just that…

Jenny Smiechowski

How dental plaque bacteria fuels aggressive colorectal cancer

Certain bacterial strains may make cancer more aggressive. Unfortunately, there’s a common oral bacteria that has this exact effect on colorectal cancer… People with this bacterium in their body are not only more likely to get colorectal cancer, it’s likely to be aggressive and deadly…

Dr. Michael Cutler

What the doctor wants you to know about ginger’s benefits

Research has markedly increased in studying ginger and the various components behind its health benefits. No wonder, since it has a reputation for healing that goes back more than 3,000 years! How can you separate fact from fiction? See what the doctor has to say…

Joyce Hollman

No time for the gym? Housework could save your life

A recent study showed that a quarter of all Americans sit for more than eight hours a day. The result: obesity, a heart muscle that isn’t exercised, brittle bones and more. Does that mean you’re doomed if you can’t make it to the gym or workout regularly? Maybe not… How tidy is your home?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What you should know about resistant hypertension

For most people, making healthy lifestyle changes and possibly adding in a prescription medication is enough to optimize their blood pressure and keep them out of the danger zone. However, if you fit into any of these categories, resistant hypertension could be the problem:

Jedha Dening

4 natural (and safe!) reflux remedies

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, is a condition where stomach acid splashes up into the esophagus. Luckily, there are a variety of simple remedies that can help put out the fire naturally…

Joyce Hollman

The FDA isn’t done trying to take away your supplements

The supplement industry is growing bigger and healthier, and Big Pharma can’t get its hands on the profits. So, along with the FDA, they are doing the next best thing for them: Holding supplements to ridiculous regulations the likes of which their deadly meds and schemes received a “pass” on…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet that can cause your heart to fail after a heart attack

After my dad’s heart attack, his doctor told him, “What you did in the past got you here, but it’s what you do now that counts.” That’s because if you’re eating a certain type of diet following a heart attack, you’re also significantly increasing your risk of heart failure…

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