Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

Carolyn Gretton

Anesthetic may release tau and spur Alzheimer’s development

Surgery is difficult at any age, but it carries specific complications for older adults, including long-term memory loss. Researchers have dug into this connection and may have narrowed it down to the way a specific type of anesthetic affects tau protein, a key player in Alzheimer’s development…

Joyce Hollman

7 foods that reduce colorectal cancer risk despite your genes

You might think having a genetic predisposition for cancer is a death sentence, or that there’s very little you can do to counteract heredity. Well, recent research has shown this to be untrue when it comes to colorectal cancer. In fact, lifestyle factors can do more for folks with the cancer gene than those without…

Joyce Hollman

A better variety of gut bacteria reduces age-related muscle loss

Sarcopenia can put a kink in your plans to enjoy retirement, whether you see yourself playing golf every day, going on cruises or hosting campouts in the backyard with your grandkids — and instead leave you frail and housebound. But your gut bacteria can help keep it from stealing your get-up-and-go.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Mildly elevated BP in middle-age doubles women’s heart attack risk

Traditionally, women start out with much lower blood pressure than men. But when we get into our 40s, things start to change. That’s why women are being urged to diligently check it. Turns out even a mild elevation in BP for middle-aged women can double the risk for heart attack.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

It takes fewer steps than you’d think to live longer

Walking is one of the safest and easiest ways to stay active. It’s also great for your heart health and can help you live longer, reducing your risk of death as much as 32 percent. Better news? Retire your Fitbit… it doesn’t take near as many steps as you’d think…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The diet that boosts testosterone and burns calories

For men, obesity and low testosterone levels can go hand-in-hand and are often a “chicken and the egg” situation. Obesity kicks off testosterone decline and the resulting low-T leaves the body burning fewer calories and leads to more weight gain. But it’s a vicious cylce that can be broken so you can get your vim and vigor back.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Your gut may be the fast way to better blood pressure

Your gut or GI tract is home to a huge and diverse community of microorganism that makes up your gut microbiome. And more and more evidence is proving that much of your health — even your blood pressure levels — starts right here…

Dr. Michael Cutler

An M.D’s views on 5 alternative depression treatments

Prescription medications enhance neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine in your brain. While they don’t reverse the cause of depression, they are useful as a bridge to healing — but with side effects. so let’s talk about a few alternatives…

Joyce Hollman

How many steps a day does it take to keep your brain young?

A good, brisk walk can improve your mood, get the blood flowing and help you concentrate. But there’s more to it than that. When I read the two pieces of research I’m about to share with you, I promised myself I’d start walking daily, and make sure to get in the magic number of steps needed to save my brain…

Jenny Smiechowski

Get calorie restriction’s anti-aging benefits without the hunger

Calorie restriction appears to extend lifespan and fight aging. But despite these benefits, it isn’t for everyone. If you’re hungry to stay young without starving, I may have an alternative for you. There’s a supplement that could provide the benefits of calorie restriction without the hassle or hunger…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The neglected nutrient that guards against causes of early death

One supplement I take religiously is omega-3. As far as I’m concerned it’s one of the single most important nutrients you can get in your daily diet. But one I’ve neglected has just been proven vital if you want to live as long as possible and reduce your risk of premature death…

Margaret Cantwell

Who says sex stops at 65?

Seniors have got it going on! They’re having sex and enjoying it. If you’re missing out because you’ve convinced yourself you’re too old or you’re just not as interested as you once were, you should know you’re missing out on some amazing benefits…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 steps to snap your junk food addiction

It won’t be easy, but certain techniques can help you break free from junk food addiction. Once you succeed, you’ll no longer be a slave to your food cravings. And you’ll feel and look better too. Here are six tips that can help you…

Joyce Hollman

How to enjoy the ‘dirtiest’ healthy fruit this summer cancer-risk free

Nothing says ‘summer’ like fresh fruit… But the unfortunate fact is that one of our favorites is the world’s dirtiest, and we’re not talking about soil. It’s also antioxidant-rich and full of vitamins, folic acid, manganese and potassium. So how do you get around the poison part?

Jenny Smiechowski

The vitamin that slashes diabetes risk by nearly 70 percent

It’s a scientific fact that chronic inflammation contributes to most major diseases… and type 2 diabetes is no different. And, it makes sense then that the same inflammation-fighting vitamin that reduces your risk of nearly every other disease, also takes a bite out of your diabetes risk…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Misidentifying 4 of these 5 odors doubles your dementia risk

A few years before my friend’s husband starting showing signs of dementia, he lost his sense of smell. Now, she wonders if it was a warning sign and could they have done more to prevent the disease, if they had only known. That got me wondering too. Here’s what I found…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to keep your job from sucking the life out of you

Negative thoughts about work are a big — BIG — cause of insomnia. But, that’s not all. Repeated negative thoughts about work could also lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Luckily, it’s five o’clock somewhere…

Jenny Smiechowski

Get fit once and for all with the world’s simplest diet

What’s the world’s healthiest diet? Right now, the Mediterranean diet holds that title. But it may have some serious competition… a new diet makes healthy eating simpler than ever before, and led to major weight loss, like 88 pounds in 10 months, for the dietitian who created it…

Joyce Hollman

Coconut oil stops this deadly gut bacteria in its tracks

The down side of antibiotics is that they kill “good” bacteria that protect us from infection. This creates an imbalance that allows dangerous bacteria to grow. One such bacteria that resides in our gut kills about 29,000 people each year. Fortunately, you can destroy it naturally…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

9 fatty liver disease triggers and 8 ways to avoid it

Fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. In the U.S., it affects 1-in-5 adults. It’s estimated to become the number one cause of liver transplants within the next decade. Because you may show no signs until your liver begins to fail, here’s what you should know…

Jenny Smiechowski

Don’t trade high blood pressure for pancreatic cancer

One in three of us have high blood pressure. If you do, you might treat it with medication, because leaving it untreated has serious consequences, like an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. But what if your blood pressure medication increased your risk for a particularly dangerous cancer?

Joyce Hollman

Analysts admit the greed behind the machine: Cures are bad business

When you’re in business to sell a product, your main objective is to make money. Nothing wrong with that, right? But what if you’re selling cures for life-threatening diseases? Then you have a bit of a dilemma. Because the more product you sell, the fewer customers you have…

Janine Einhellig

Why collagen is superior to other protein powders

Protein powders are becoming a popular answer for fitness, wellness and weight loss goals. However, not all protein powders have equal health benefits. Certain types of proteins can be important in preventing premature aging, building muscle, and other specific health goals…

Joyce Hollman

To get the health benefits of salmon, go wild

Salmon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is the centerpiece of a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. It also contains stores of Vitamin B12, potassium and selenium. But salmon isn’t always good for you. In fact, sometimes it’s downright dangerous…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Mold allergy cause of fatigue, headaches, joint pain, skin rash and more

The hottest months of the year offer great times for many, but for people with mold sensitivities, these times can be especially difficult. That’s because, when temperatures rise, molds that were more dormant come to life and “bloom,” wreaking health havoc — mostly among people who are predisposed to mold toxicity…

Jenny Smiechowski

7 serious diseases tied to one common virus

Did you know something as innocent as a viral infection could put you at risk for seven serious diseases? I know it sounds extreme, but if the person you’re kissing, or sharing a straw with, is a carrier of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV), an unfortunate side effect could haunt you for years…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How fake sugars destroy your metabolism and cause diabetes

You may be surprised to learn that drinking diet soda instead of regular, full-on sugar varieties has NOT been proven to help you lose weight. In fact, the latest research shows something much worse: “Fake sugars” actually change how your body processes fat and uses energy.

Dr. Michael Cutler

What does depression really look like?

A low mood at some point in life is an inevitable part of the human experience. But major depression is disabling and deserves serious attention. How can you recognize depression in yourself, as well as those close to you — the people you care about… your family… even friends or coworkers?

Jenny Smiechowski

3 healthy habits that help you survive colon cancer

Researchers recently found that a few healthy habits can make a big difference in the lives of people with stage 3 colon cancer. If you ever doubted the impact of healthy living, consider how these habits improved patients’ survival up to 51 percent…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The common household practice destroying your lungs

Your lungs are vital to your health and your life. But did you know that lung diseases are one of the leading causes of death? Being a non-smoker is not enough to keep you safe, considering this household practice hurts your lungs as much as 20 years of smoking…

Joyce Hollman

10 reasons you need avocados

Did you know avocados help guard against disease in every single organ in your body? Make your hair shine, soften wrinkles, and even treat sunburn? Oh, and fight cancer. But that’s not all! Here are 10 ways avocados can protect your body and boost your health…

Margaret Cantwell

Seniors beware: They’re coming for your supplements

Medical types are claiming there’s no reason for seniors to supplement their nutrition with vitamins or minerals. In a perfect world, I might agree. But before your doctor takes your supplements from you, there are a few things you might want to understand about the current state of nutrition…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 ways to a flatter belly without sweating

Before you throw up your hands and shake your fists at the thought of one more diet plan, relax. Getting rid of belly bloat and feeling lighter is actually very simple. Here are 7 simple tricks to beat whatever’s weighing you down…

Joyce Hollman

Why sugar today could mean Alzheimer’s tomorrow

Science has long established the fact that inflammation is a problem behind all the diseases and conditions that scare us… cancer, diabetes, even stroke and heart disease. Now, scientists have established inflammation’s role in the development and severity of Alzheimer’s disease.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The best exercise for lower blood pressure (and great legs!)

Could there really be just one perfect exercise that reduces arterial stiffness and blood pressure, while also increasing leg strength in stage 2 hypertensive postmenopausal women, like me? The answer is yes! And you can kiss those gym fees goodbye…

Jenny Smiechowski

Is a pear shape just as bad for your heart as a belly bulge?

Where you hold your fat reveals a lot about your health: Fat in your middle means risk for obesity-related cancers and heart disease. Past studies show fat in your butt, hips and thighs seems to protect you from heart disease. But, it turns out belly fat isn’t the only body fat that’s bad for the heart…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Look at these and watch the pounds fall off

Dieting is hard. Before you revert to diet pills and suffer side effects like stomach pain, cramping, gas and even the inability to control your bowel movements, try something painless… A proven trick that can help you automatically eat less so that you can get slim more easily…

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