Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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.

Carolyn Gretton

Want to avoid junk food temptation? Get your groceries online

The pandemic made online grocery shopping necessary, but there’s good reason to stick to it that has nothing to do with a nasty virus and everything to do with better food choices, and making fewer of those kinds of purchases we regret later. In fact, the science shows the outcome could mean a better diet and better health.

Carolyn Gretton

Sore throat? OTC cold remedies won’t help and may harm

Catching a cold is a drag and little is worse than a sore throat. But if you turn to drugstore cold remedies to ease the discomfort, think twice. They not only do little good, but they also harm upper respiratory cells…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best prescription for better blood pressure and cholesterol

You might want to ask your dotor about your prescriptions. If they’re treating your cholesterol, you could end up with double the dementia risk. If it’s your blood pressure, they may have you on the medication found to thicken blood vessels and makes things worse. Maybe it’s time to walk away with a brand new and surprising prescription.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Bloodroot offers promise against triple-negative breast cancer

One of the most difficult forms of breast cancer you could be up against is known as triple-negative breast cancer. It doesn’t respond to traditional treatments and it’s especially aggressive in African American women. A simple plant compound may lead to more effective treatments…

Carolyn Gretton

The nutrient with huge disease prevention potential we don’t get enough of

Between the glut of highly processed foods in the average Western diet and the popularity of meat-heavy diets like keto and carnivore, too many of us are not getting enough of a simple but powerful health-boosting nutrient that wards off heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and more…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Superfoods for blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation and more

Superfoods have a valuable impact on our health because they’re nutrient-dense or possess special compounds. Three new studies have taken a closer look at the science behind these superfoods. And they’ve discovered benefits that go far beyond what we previously knew…

Joyce Hollman

How heavily weight factors into prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is only second to skin cancer among men. When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent. Except, that is, if you’re obese. It’s important to understand weight’s connection to agressive prostate cancer, the worst fat and how to lose it…

Carolyn Gretton

The lifestyle habits that can outweigh a family history of dementia

Having a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling with dementia can increase your dementia risk by a staggering 75 percent compared with someone who doesn’t have this familial history. While this statistic is sobering, there’s more and more evidence that it’s by no means set in stone…

Carolyn Gretton

How effective is garlic for osteoarthritis knee pain?

It’s no secret that obesity can put you at risk of a number of chronic illnesses. It can also increase your risk for osteoarthritis and make you a tough candidate to find relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. You may have heard that garlic can help. But how effective is it really?

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Wegovy: What you can expect from the ‘new’ weight loss drug

If you were paying attention to the news this summer, you probably heard about Wegovy™, a “new” drug just approved for weight loss. It’s an injection that you self-administer once a week under the skin. And it works! Sounds great, but before you give it a try, here are all the details…

Margaret Cantwell

How fortified foods and the breakfast myth make us sick

The idea of fortified foods was to reduce nutritional deficiencies. But you can’t cut corners, use cheap ingredients, remove natural nutrition and expect that throwing in a few synthetic vitamins will make up for a product that does more damage than any vitamin deficiency…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What fruit can do for insulin sensitivity

High levels of circulating insulin can damage blood vessels leading to high blood pressure and heart disease. That’s why improving insulin sensitivity is paramount. Here’s a sweet way to lower your risk of blood sugar problems by a whopping 36 percent, by doing just that…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Can zinc lower blood pressure?

The number one modifiable risk factor for heart disease and premature death is high blood pressure. That means if you can control it, you can greatly lower that risk. Maybe you’ve cut back on salt, started exercising and eating right. But what about your zinc levels?

Joyce Hollman

Genetic risk of glaucoma? Cut out the caffeine

This sneaky vision-stealer gives virtually no warning signs, not until peripheral vision starts to disappear. Even with treatment, many with the disease will lose vision in one eye. But even in those with a genetic predisposition, you can lower your risk… starting with caffeine.

Joyce Hollman

Milk may do your cholesterol and heart good

Milk has been given a bad rap for a long time. I’m referring to good old-fashioned cow’s milk, blamed for weight gain and heart disease. But a huge study’s found a connection between drinking milk, better cholesterol and keeping your heart strong.

Carolyn Gretton

Your breast microbiome and breast cancer risk

You’ve probably read a lot about your gut microbiome. But you may not be as aware that other parts of the body have their own microbiomes that are just as important to your health, like the connections between diet, breast microbiome, some supplements and breast cancer risk.

Easy Health Options Staff

Ischemic, hemorrhagic and mini-stroke: What to know

If there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, the brain is going to starve. That’s why there is ittle time to spare when stroke symptoms arise. Here are the differences between the two main types of stroke as well as TIA or mini-stroke…

Carolyn Gretton

Want to lose belly fat? Give tai chi a try

The gentle, flowing movements of tai chi aren’t usually the types of exercise you’d associate with losing weight or inches around your middle (where that dangerous fat collects). But a recent study suggests this seemingly sedate practice actually packs a fat-loss punch…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Is your real blood pressure problem incorrect readings?

What’s defined as high blood pressure varies depending upon who you listen to… the American Heart Association or the International Society of Hypertension. In my own practice, I typically favor the more lenient definition. But regardless of which scale you follow, getting correct readings is what really matters…

Joyce Hollman

When housework can lengthen your life as much as a workout

About 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise is ideal. It’s not easy for all of us to commit to that, but just a few hours of light physical activity can provide major benefits on par with more exercise. Just be sure to avoid the one thing that can negate them.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Do you flail and kick in your sleep? It could mean Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a disease that causes tremors, stiffness and rigidity, cognitive decline and more. And though there is currently no cure, there are drugs and alternative health methods that can help slow the disease progression. That’s why seeing the early signs matters so much…

Joyce Hollman

No time for heart-healthy exercise? Try a hot bath

Exercise. Either you love it, or you hate it. But it’s good preventive medicine. Regular exercise can prevent heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The good news? There’s an indulgent activity that carries a lot of the same benefits.

Joyce Hollman

Simple sleep tweak cuts depression by double digits

There are people who tend to thrive and do their best work late at night. But others are at their best earlier in the day. One drawback of being a night owl is a higher risk for depression. But one hour is all it takes to slash that risk by double digits — without giving up late night..

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Popular bleach alternative not so safe to disinfect your home

Are you a cleaning fanatic? Be wary of the ingredients in the products you use. You could face serious respiratory damage if you’re not careful.

Carolyn Gretton

Bad news for couch potatoes: Sitting less sustains weight loss

Let’s say you’ve reached your weight loss goal (congratulations!) and you’re looking forward to all the health benefits that brings. You probably worked very hard, but maintaining your new weight may not be so hard, as long as you don’t do this one thing that works against sustained weight loss.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How to load up on heart-healthy nutrients at your farmer’s market

One of my favorite rites of spring is browsing aisles of beautiful asparagus, radishes, herbs and lettuces at farmer’s markets. It’s one of the most inspiring ways to cook more heart-healthy foods at home. My favorites contain lots of potassium, calcium and nitrates, which may help improve blood flow, and of course fiber!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Lifestyle changes that reversed aging 3 years in just 8 weeks

Who wouldn’t want to roll back the clock and reverse aging to feel better and live longer? But is turning back your biological age even possible? And if so, is it something you can do yourself? Here’s how the study participants did it in just eight weeks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Study proves you’re only as old as you feel

For some people, age is only a number. No matter the number of years that have passed, they stay active, strong, and yes — youthful. They seem to live and breathe the popular saying “you’re only as old as you feel.” And now science has proven there’s really something to it…

Jenny Smiechowski

How alcohol fuels cancer-causing bacteria

The connection between the community of bacteria that call your body home and disease is the cutting edge of medicine right now. And it looks like alcohol seems to fuel the bad stuff — the strains tied to cancer, heart disease and other health problems…

Joyce Hollman

10 essential oils for a clean toxin-free home

While essential oils are a healthy alternative to toxic cleansers and chemicals, they are typically concentrated and pack and powerful punch. But with a littler know-how, they’re an effective and safe alternative to harsh commercial cleaners. Here’s how to use them…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

The surge in Lyme disease: Should you worry?

Lyme disease is a complicated condition, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. By integrating conventional protocols, together with complementary approaches and targeted supplements, we can help optimize health and vitality over time…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 supplements to soothe depression

When you’re mired in the blackness of depression, it can seem if you’re completely alone, caught in a downward spiral you can never get out of. The last thing you need is negative side effects. The good news is that those medications are NOT your only solution…

Joyce Hollman

Daily habits that are surprisingly bad for your joints

It doesn’t take an injury or a degenerative disease to do damage to our joints. In fact, there are innocent daily habits you may be doing over and over again that are destroying your joints. They may seem harmless, but they can take a toll, causing pain and mobility issues. Check out these 10 and see if you’re guilty of them…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Why you may wake up tomorrow with high blood pressure

31 million more Americans suddenly now have hypertension. Does that shock you? What’s even more shocking is that it’s by no fault of their own. The American College of Cardiology has provided new lowered criteria, so now anyone is fair game for their medicine…

Jenny Smiechowski

A supplement to remember your dreams and sleep deep

This could be the first step toward lucid dreaming. And, believe it or not, lucid dreaming has a bunch of potential benefits. People have used lucid dreaming to overcome nightmares, treat phobias, practice creative problem solving, refine motor skills and even recover from physical trauma.

Margaret Cantwell

Calcium trumps cholesterol at saving your heart

Plaque is nasty stuff. It consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. And of course when it clogs your arteries, you’re in for a world of hurt. So, the two “ingredients” from this recipe that stand out are calcium and cholesterol. Which do you think is your biggest concern?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 proven summer cold remedies (slideshow)

If you end up with the dreaded summer cold, there’s not a lot your doctor can do for you and their normal advice is to rest and wait it out. However, there are a few things you can do at home to alleviate your symptoms, stimulate your immune system to fight off the virus and feel better quicker.

Jenny Smiechowski

The protein trick that helps seniors keep their strength

It starts in your 30s, and by the time you reach your 70s, you may have lost as much as 50 percent of your muscle mass. That’s why sarcopenia is one of the top causes of frailty, poor mobility and falls in older people. So does that mean you’re doomed to a future of weak muscles and waning independence?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

4 serious ways inflammation makes you sick

Most of us think of joint problems when we hear the word inflammation. But, inflammation is behind a number of serious health problems that could be waiting in the wings, ready to attack and rob you of your well-being. Here are the top four health risks caused by inflammation and what to do to stop it…

Jenny Smiechowski

10 signs of the most fatal heart condition

If you experience any of these symptoms without a reasonable explanation (like the flu or another illness), run, don’t walk to the hospital. Don’t shrug them off. It could cost you your life. Plus… if you commit this simple information to memory now, it may save someone else’s life too…

Craig Cooper

Pros, cons and your prostate on the keto diet

There’s a lot to understand about the Keto diet, and much you should know before you decide whether you’re jumping on board or not, including the pros and cons. And if you’re a man, you probably want to know how the keto diet may or may not impact your prostate health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Home remedies for nail fungus

There’s not much worse than a nail fungus this time of year when everyone’s wearing their cute sandals. What is a nail fungus anyway? And why would you get one? I’ll explain and we’ll get you fixed up with these home remedies for nail fungus as effective as a prescription.

Joyce Hollman

4+ ways melatonin guards against Alzheimer’s

Many people supplement this hormone when they experience sleep problems. But research has now shown us that we should be taking melatonin even if we’re sleeping well. Because, if you start taking it soon enough, you may just be able to fend off Alzheimer’s disease…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tips for alkalizing your diet for peak health

Managing your body’s pH level can help fight health conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis and diabetes. It’s also been shown to reduce chronic pain and cause the death of cancer cells. Here are the most important tips for shifting to an alkaline diet.

Joyce Hollman

7 odd symptoms that signal menopause (tinnitus, too?)

Hot flashes, mood swings and trouble sleeping are nearly-universal symptoms of peri-menopause. Many a joke has been made about women wearing shorts in the dead of winter. But there are subtle signs your body may send, and knowing them can make relief easier…

Jenny Smiechowski

The pills that make you more depressed

If you’ve dealt with depression during your life, you’ve probably explored all available options to put your dark days behind you. That may have included trying antidepressant drugs. Maybe they worked for you. But if they didn’t, you’re not alone …

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The Traditional Chinese Medicine way to fight type 2 diabetes

When you pop a pill, like metformin, and expect everything to be okay… but end up with some unwanted side effects like muscle pain, trouble breathing, confusion, irritability, fatigue, dizziness and more, it might be time to think outside of the box…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

How to improve your circulation with foods and supplements

Blood flow helps transport nutrients and oxygen to organs while removing waste and toxins. Without good blood flow, health can come to a grinding halt. There are a number of specific foods, herbs and supplements that can support circulation and promote your cardiovascular health.

Joyce Hollman

Proof that exercise can slay cancer

Plenty of studies have proven the positive effects of exercise in cancer patients, not only in their mental health but in actually slowing the growth of the cancer itself. In fact, the level of evidence is really indisputable. But what exercise is best? Here’s what to do…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Can this new cannabis-like treatment fix your sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, pulmonary hypertension, heart arrhythmia, and is a known risk factor for early death from heart disease. And CPAP is just a less than ideal treatment few can stick with. Canniboids, anyone?

Joyce Hollman

The painful condition that increases your heart, stroke and kidney risks

Henry VIII and Alexander the Great endured this disease, but it’s definitely not limited to royalty. Today, more than 8.3 million Americans are suffering the pain and bodily damage of this condition — and worse, its serious consequences that are life-threatening…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 Harvard-approved habits that add 10 years to your life

Blame it on a poor diet, workaholic mindset, sedentary lifestyle or whatever else, but the fact is Americans have a shorter life expectancy than people in nearly all other high-income countries. Luckily, there is a simple way to add at least 10 years to your life expectancy…

Margaret Cantwell

The metal molecules in your brain causing Alzheimer’s (no, not aluminum!)

I learned something I had never read about those nasty amyloid plaques… that naturally-occurring metals in the earth and our food supply and considered healthy nutrients actually help amyloid plaque, the precursor to Alzheimer’s, to take over your brain. But you can stop it…

Easy Health Options Staff

4 ways your cell phone dials up danger and how to stop it

There are a number of very important reasons for putting your smartphone away during mealtime… or anytime as a matter of fact. For starters, the bright light from your smartphone can actually signal a cascade of insulin resistance, high blood sugar and increased body fat…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The dessert that offers 4 big health benefits

I’m not a big dessert eater. It turns out that if you’re going to choose just one dessert to get your sweet fix, it should be chocolate. That’s because two new studies show that eating chocolate (specifically the dark variety) comes with 4 huge health benefits. Here’s why you and I should be eating it regularly…

Joyce Hollman

Lower blood pressure, cholesterol and more with celery

It seems that many people believe celery to be what’s called a ‘negative-calorie’ food, one that consumes more calories as the body processes it than the food itself contains. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but celery won’t make you lose weight just by eating it. But here are six other ways it can improve your health…

Joyce Hollman

The vitamin deficiency that looks like Alzheimer’s

When there’s a shortage of this important vitamin, the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are suppressed. One is linked to the brain’s pleasure centers, while the other regulates mood. The result is a chemical imbalance that could lead to paranoia, delusions and hallucinations.

Craig Cooper

The keto diet in a nutshell

The keto diet is described as energy-boosting, performance-enhancing, and even disease-fighting, among other benefits. But what about weight loss? Well, if you don’t follow it to the letter, weight gain is often the result. So, before you decide if the keto diet is for you or not, you should know…

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