Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Carolyn Gretton

NEAT: How capsaicin can help you burn fat

You may think your body only burns energy when you’re doing vigorous, aerobic exercise. But that’s not entirely true. NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) refers to burning energy through simple daily movement. And you can boost NEAT to improve how your body converts energy to burn stored fat and improve endurance with just a little heat…

Joyce Hollman

Why you can’t depend on your doctor to know if prescriptions are safe

You trust your doctor to keep you safe. They’d never prescribe a drug that could cause you harm, right? Not so fast. Special alerts were set up to help doctors stop prescribing a group of common brain-stealing medications. But did they heed the warnings to give their patients safer alternatives?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What should you eat to avoid heart disease?

In the past, dietary advice for a healthy heart has been all about what not to eat. But broad research says there is no indication that any food is poison in terms of cardiovascular risk. It’s a matter of quantity and frequency of consumption. Here’s a simpler way to eat best for your heart…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How the common cold could protect against COVID-19 this fall

Health experts have warned that relaxed social distancing during the summer months may lead to new cases of COVID-19. But it also may lead to more common cold infections. Believe it or not, this year that couldd be a good thing, because researchers say it could halt replication of SARS-CoV-2.

Joyce Hollman

Low omega-3 levels? You might as well be smoking

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart. Smoking is bad for your heart. Those are two well-known truths, right? Well, here’s a new and shocking one: Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that low levels of omega-3s are just as powerful in predicting early death as smoking.

Carolyn Gretton

When eating milk chocolate can help curb your appetite

Most of the health benefits of chocolate are attributed to dark chocolate. But because milk chocolate is so much more popular, a team of researchers decided to see just how much of an impact it had on weight and blood sugar. The findings were pleasantly surprising — depending on what time of day it’s eaten…

Easy Health Options Staff

The best diets for cancer patients and cancer survivors

Lifestyle changes often follow a cancer diagnosis, both during treatment and after. Eating well is often the first step. And there is good reason for it, say the experts. But of the five most popular diets that cancer patients or those wishing to avoid cancer often turn to, two really stand out…

Joyce Hollman

What are your chances of becoming a supercentenarian?

The oldest living person, Jeanne Calment of France, was 122 when she died in 1997. Seems unbelievable, but new research says living to 125 or even 130 years by the end of this century is well within the realm of possibility. That’s because extreme longevity is on the rise…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Cut heart failure risk in half just by sitting less

Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. But according to the American Heart Association, simply getting your recommended levels of exercise might not be enough. In fact, if you’re a woman over 50, you might be doing everything right and still doubling your risk of heart failure…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Why you should take sleep as seriously as nutrition and exercise

So much research has come out on the impact of sleep on our health that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has declared sleep “essential to health” in a statement that has now been endorsed by 25 organizations. Statements like these aren’t made lightly. Here’s why they hope you’ll heed this wake-up call…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

A chiropractor’s tips to avoid back and neck pain when working from home

Working from home has its perks: no more rush hour commute and who doesn’t love taking Zoom meetings in pajama bottoms? But it also comes with some downsides — like back and neck pain if your home office setup isn’t supporting you properly. From your neck down, here are seven tips straight from your resident chiropractor.

Carolyn Gretton

Antibiotics may be driving colon cancer among those under 50

For years, public health experts have advised doctors and patients to curb unneeded antibiotic use, mainly because of the rise in infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. But there may be an even more urgent health reason for people to avoid antibiotics whenever possible — particularly if you’re under 50…

Joyce Hollman

6 habits that help dodge the Alzheimer’s bullet

If you’re not genetically predisposed, lifestyle changes may be enough to keep Alzheimer’s at bay. But there are people whose brains already show the effects of Alzheimer’s, but continue to function without any signs of dementia. Who are these “cognitive super-agers,” and how can you increase your chances of becoming one of them?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The 5-minute breathing technique that lowers blood pressure like a drug

Fewer than 40 percent of people with high blood pressure meet the recommended exercise guidelines to bring their readings down. If you’re one of them, you might be thrilled about a simple breathing technique that, in just five minutes a day, lowered blood pressure far more than the exercise and some medications doctors recommend.

Carolyn Gretton

The red wine secret to living better post menopause

Following menopause, women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and osteoarthritis. Also, chronic pain is a symptom that isn’t discussed nearly as much as more familiar symptoms, like hot flashes. Research says a plant compound in some favorite foods can be a big help in all of these areas, so you can live better post menopause.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

More proof coffee is a liver-protecting beverage

Coffee is hands down the world’s most popular beverage. But studies have been piling up for years about how it can improve health. It’s looking like, as far as the health of your liver goes, coffee has definite superpowers…

Joyce Hollman

Is it possible to eat French fries and lower blood pressure?

Potatoes have gotten a bad rap for years, especially that baked potato slathered in butter and sour cream. And don’t get me started on those French fries covered in salt and ketchup. Hypertension waiting to happen, right, or is it? Well, it’s time to think again about the humble potato and what it may do for your blood pressure.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tai chi may help stroke survivors beat depression, anxiety and sleep problems

For approximately one-third of stroke survivors, the future can feel less than rosy. That’s because afterwards, many face three common problems: anxiety, sleep problems and depression. But there’s hope and help available from an ancient practice that’s already been proven to be good for both the mind and the body…

Carolyn Gretton

Chronic pain? It could be what you’re eating

Chronic pain affects people around the world, making it difficult for them to work or carry out day-to-day tasks. And current treatments for pain have many shortcomings. That’s why scientists are looking to more holistic ways to relieve pain. And they’re finding that the answer could be as simple as eating more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How stress increases pain sensitivity and how to get relief

Have you noticed that when you’re stressed, pain from your bad knee or a headache kicks in? And it’s the last thing you need, right? The fact is, stress can make everything in your life worse, including pain levels. This inescapable truth starts with immune cells and that one abomination that contributes to everything “unwell.”

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ are hiding in your cosmetics

Think the makeup you put on your skin each day is safe because the label says, “Clean” or “Natural”? Think again! Testing of more than 200 cosmetics sold across the United States and Canada, found your cosmetics could be hiding a dirty toxic secret — “forever chemicals” associated with everything from thyroid disease to cancer.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The nutrients that lower depression up to 70 percent

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reasons other than your body not producing them on its own. From improved heart health and cognition to longer life, omega-3s have long been identified as important nutrients to avoid numerous health problems. Add relieving depression to the mix, but there’s one caveat…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Research confirms how diabetes drives Alzheimer’s

Doctors and researchers have long known that some sort of link exists between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, while they could see that the two went hand-in-hand for so many patients, they never actually understood why. Until now…

Margaret Cantwell

How leaky gut leaves you vulnerable to a virus, like COVID-19

As you already know, COVID-19’s symptoms weren’t just upper respiratory. It’s been reported that many people with the virus experienced GI problems, too. It may seem random, but the connection with viral infection is much more concerning: A condition that can act as an open door to disease…

Joyce Hollman

Postural muscles: The key to reducing your fall risk

Injuries and deaths related to falls in older adults are such that the problem has been described as a “hidden epidemic.” My balance is no longer something I take for granted. Because I don’t want to end up incapacitated and unable to enjoy doing the things that give my life meaning, here’s what I’ve learned and practice….

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Boosting blood oxygen levels may halt early sign of Alzheimer’s

Healthy, oxygenated blood flow is vital. That’s why during a stroke, seconds matter. But a catastrophic event isn’t the only concern when it comes to blood oxygen levels. Research has found that the brain is operating on the bare minimum, even on a good day. On a bad day, it can lead to Alzheimer’s earliest sign…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Hops compounds may fight fatty liver

While heavy drinking can lead to liver disease, a quarter of the people in the United States today have a dangerous liver condition that has nothing to do with alcohol. But there may be hope to defeating this condition from an unlikely source — hops.

Carolyn Gretton

How to get up to 10 times the benefits from eating blueberries

Blueberries definitely pack a health punch. But it can be tough for our bodies to absorb all the antioxidants present in the fruit. Now, researchers may have found a way around that problem by combining blueberries with this common food…

Joyce Hollman

10 natural pain relievers and what the science says

No one wants to live with chronic pain. In fact, if given a choice, no one wants to live with pain even for a short time. But standard methods of pain relief can be risky, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen and opioids. Here are 10 alternatives that all fight the root cause of most pain…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The proof is in the spinal fluid: The Mediterranean diet deters Alzheimer’s

The list of diets you can choose and trends you can follow is virtually endless. But when it comes to one that consistently scores high for both brain and body health, it’s the Mediterranean diet. And it may be hands down the most protection against Alzheimer’s plaques you can eat.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The missing nutrient (and mind trick) that tackles tinnitus

Nutrient deficiencies plague us as we age. And, coincidentally, the majority of people who suffer with tinnitus are — you guessed it — older. In fact, tinnitus peaks around the ages of 60 to 69. All you need is a nutrient boost and this little trick to feel better…

Joyce Hollman

8 nutrients that can stop cancer in its tracks

Research has repeatedly shown that a diet centered around a variety of fruits and vegetables has the power to both prevent many types of cancer and to slow or stop the process of metastasis once cancer is present. Get started with these powerful nutrients…

Jenny Smiechowski

Not for the squeamish: Superbugs found in 80% of supermarket meat

The Environmental Working Group, revealed that most meat on supermarket shelves has a hidden ingredient that can seriously harm your health — antibiotic resistant superbugs. Take these steps to protect yourself…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 foods that could be behind your mystery pain

Instead of eating nutritious, home-cooked meals, I’ve been ordering out more due to my busy summer schedule. And, I can feel it! That’s because the food you eat can literally make you hurt. If you’re having some unexplained pain, here are seven foods that could be at fault…

Joyce Hollman

The ONE thing that helps beat a family history of heart disease

Every year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Some seem to come out of the blue, with no warning or risk factors. Others, though, are like time bombs just waiting to blow, especially if your genes increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. But you can beat it…

Joyce Hollman

Keep your kitchen germ-free without destroying the planet or your health

Anyone concerned with the environment uses cloth dish towels, not paper. There’s just one problem: dish towels are hotbeds of disease-causing germs. So, how do you keep your kitchen sanitary without contributing to the destruction of the planet — and your health?

Joyce Hollman

Silicon: What is it and 6 things it does to your body

What the heck is silicon? Most of us only know it as material used to make computer chips (think silicon valley), or the element in makeup that makes it go on smoothly. Let’s take a look at this overlooked trace mineral and its vital role in your health….

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Who should you believe in the vitamin debate?

Recent reports trying to discredit supplements cause confusion among consumers by ignoring the more robust clinical data in this field – data that demonstrates the protective benefits of high quality vitamin supplements. Who can you believe?

Jenny Smiechowski

The best drink for balanced cholesterol

HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream gradually declines with age. And less HDL cholesterol is tied to frailty, worse muscle strength and poor physical performance as you age. So, you want more HDL around to age better. Here’s an easy way to get it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The hidden hazards of a dirty mouth your toothpaste won’t fix

Heart disease you knew, but erectile dysfunction, too? If you’re living with poor oral health, it’s only a matter of time before your health suffers something catastrophic. Is that toothpaste from your local drugstore the answer? Only to make matters worse…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 ways to get rid of low back pain without drugs or surgery

Most people looking for relief from back pain believe they only have two options: surgery and addictive pain medication. At least that’s all their doctor offers. Low back pain can bring you to your knees but you don’t have to crawl in for surgery or pop that pain pill. Natural pain relief can be found…

Joyce Hollman

Are you taking an ‘approved’ drug that could kill you?

How is it that the FDA approves virtually untested drugs, while at the same time does everything in its power to block you from taking advantage of safe, natural alternatives? It’s a double standard that resulted in hundreds of deaths from this one drug…

Jenny Smiechowski

Try this walking hack to boost longevity by 50 percent

When you’re getting your daily walk in, do other people beat you by laps around the track or the block? No big deal, right? As long as you’re walking and getting exercise, it doesn’t matter how fast you go. Not quite. It make a huge difference…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 nootropics that make your brain limitless

Nootropics — also known as “smart drugs” — are natural and synthetic substances people take to improve their cognitive abilities. Here are a few proven nootropics that could boost your brain power and make you feel limitless (or close to it.)

Virginia Tims-Lawson

7 ways to support healthy blood pressure naturally

Heart problems run in my family and high blood pressure is just the beginning. So today I’d like to share with you a simple program I follow that has helped me naturally keep my blood pressure numbers where they should be…

Joyce Hollman

100-year-old therapy stops antibiotic-resistant superbugs

More and more bacteria have stopped responding to the drugs that once seemed to work wonders. But things seem to be coming full-circle: scientists are revisiting an innovative, drug-free therapy that fell into obscurity close to a century ago, with some amazing results…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The weight loss secret that starts working in the first 16 hours

I struggled with my weight for a lot of years. Until finally I found something that worked for me. Something that didn’t require me to count calories, exercise until I dropped or take any medications. And the effect on blood pressure is a big bonus…

Jenny Smiechowski

The diet that undoes the way air pollution hurts your heart

Breathing polluted air increases your risk of a lot of serious diseases, like heart attacks, stroke, dementia and more. But even though the effects of air pollution may feel totally out of your control, there is something you can do to protect yourself…

Craig Cooper

Should you try red light therapy to boost testosterone?

Using red light therapy to boost testosterone levels is one of many “biohacks” circulating around the internet at the moment promising to restore your energy and sexual health to your former years. Does that mean you should try it?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The sleep sweet spot that shrinks your waist and disease risk

Sleep. Get too little and your health suffers. Get too much and your health suffers. Hit your sleep sweet spot and you feel great and are less likely to get sick and fat. Where do you fall on the sleep spectrum? If you’re not sure, here’s what you need to know to figure it out…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

4 disease fundamentals you need to know

Disease only sets in when your natural (and powerful) defense mechanisms are finally overwhelmed. Understanding these four fundamentals at the root of disease is the first step in turning your personal health journey around…

Joyce Hollman

The diagnosis that makes you invisible to doctors

Medicine has a massive blind spot when it comes to treating people with mental illness. Research and records point to several factors, but the bottom line is that these patients die 13 to 42 years earlier than the general population. And we’re not talking about suicide here…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Heart attack protection in a cup

Medical researchers in Germany recently discovered that if you drink enough coffee, you can actually repair your heart to keep it young — even if you’ve already suffered a heart attack. But how does it work and how much should you drink?

Jenny Smiechowski

Eat these foods together for pumped-up probiotic power

Foods and nutrients are eaten in unique combinations that produce different results in your body. Certain combinations are better for your health than others. It’s good to know which ones can boost other’s health-giving potential, and which don’t…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How you can get type 2 diabetes from paint, sunscreen and toothpaste

Scientists set out to compare pancreas specimens from donors who had type 2 diabetes against specimens from people who had no blood sugar problems. They discovered something very disturbing: Evidence of a common chemical that could cause diabetes…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Getting out of the box to treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

When it comes the Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, treatment varies depending on whether you go to a mainstream doctor who practices conventional medicine, versus the functional treatment you might receive from an integrative physician. Here’s what you can expect…

Jenny Smiechowski

How much can vitamin D protect against breast cancer?

Plenty of past research has tied low vitamin D levels to a higher risk of breast cancer. But how much is enough to be protected? The latest research found your levels need to be much higher if you’re looking for the true secret to breast cancer prevention…

Joyce Hollman

9 beautiful but deadly plants to avoid this summer

There are attractive, flowering plants all around you, maybe right outside your door, that can cause you serious harm if you do anything but admire them from a distance. As you enjoy the great outdoors, avoid these nine plants at all costs!

Virginia Tims-Lawson

6 steps to lasting energy for your mind and body

Fatigue and exhaustion eventually hits everyone. But, you don’t have to be stuck with it. Use these six steps to beat exhaustion, feel sharper and put your energy levels back on hyperdrive in a safe, natural and healthy way — for good…

Jenny Smiechowski

Do light drinkers have less cancer than teetotalers?

If you’ve been following the news on alcohol and cancer, you may have given up your nightly cocktail. After all, drinking alcohol is tied to at least seven types of cancer. Why risk it? But the connection between alcohol and cancer isn’t as straightforward as it seems…

«SPONSORED»