Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to eat sushi and avoid the big mercury danger

Sushi has become increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why. The combination of fresh fish, rice, seaweed and yummy sauces and add-ons like wasabi make eating healthy fun. Or does it? Depending on your sushi choices you could face serious heavy metal contamination. Here’s advice from experts on safer sushi choices and how to avoid the big mercury danger.

Carolyn Gretton

When diabetes leads to the worst heart trouble

People with diabetes who have no other risk factors for heart disease are five times more likely to die of heart disease than those without. Researchers now know a critical factor that if caught early enough can help dial the heart health risks down…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What prunes can do for your heart

After menopause a woman’s risk for serious heart trouble only increases. But keeping your heart healthy post menopause could be as simple as eating prunes. Yes, prunes! Just a few a day improved several markers that matter. And there’s no reason men can’t benefit, too…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How vegetable oil could trigger your migraine pain

Migraine is one of the most common causes of chronic pain. If you live with these extreme headaches, you know there’s no easy answer to finding relief. If you’ve tried the medications and they don’t work for you, take a close look at the oils in your diet. One type has been found to trigger them, and another may help reduce them…

Joyce Hollman

The real reason fibromyalgia increases pain sensitivity

Imagine being in pain all over your body, feeling crushingly tired and weak, and being so foggy-brained that you can hardly accomplish simple, everyday tasks. Now imagine years of being misdiagnosed or told “it’s all in your head.” That’s been life for people with fibromyalgia, until now…

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…

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…

Jenny Smiechowski

Doing this now could save you next flu season

This year’s horrible flu season is finally winding down… thank God! But if you were one of the unlucky ones who got the flu, you may be wondering how you can prevent yourself from reliving that awful experience again next year. You’re in luck…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Yoga basics for a bigger mind, a better body and inner peace

Before I began my yoga practice, I was exhausted, stressed, stiff, achy and unhappy. But it really changed my life. If you don’t currently practice yoga on a regular basis, you’re missing out. Here’s how to get started at home as a beginning yogi…

Jenny Smiechowski

How nourishing the brain could heal mental illness

People who take antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants often do worse in the long-term than people with the same mental illnesses who don’t take these medications. But there’s a very promising long-term solution…

Dr. Michael Cutler

A better test for heart disease and stroke risk (it’s not cholesterol)

You might wonder why so much focus has been on measuring serum cholesterol to predict heart attack and stroke, when the science has been sketchy. All I can say is that doctors are slow to let certain practices go by the wayside. But, now there’s good reason to…

Joyce Hollman

Which processed food puts you at highest risk for cancer?

Chances are you’re already familiar with the health risks of eating too much processed food. Processed foods loaded with fats and sugar are a surefire way to develop hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. But these can give you cancer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why meditation could keep you out of the nursing home

New research clearly shows that meditation is about more than just relaxation. It can actually keep you clear and focused as you age. Maybe as my friend’s grandmother says, it can even keep you out of the nursing home. Here’s how to get started…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 vitamin D thieves and how to protect yourself (slideshow)

You’d assume if you eat vitamin D-rich foods, spend enough time in the sun and take a vitamin D supplement, your vitamin D levels would be pretty solid. But unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. These thieves are stealing your vitamin D and your health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tree bark for less stress and more sleep (but not under your pillow)

Anxiety does awful things to a person. It messes with your sleep, your stress levels and is often tied to depression. If you’re battling anxiety, you could take medication prescribed by your doctor. But will you stick with it?

Jenny Smiechowski

4 non-antibiotic drugs wrecking your gut

Antibiotics are the enemy of gut health, because they indiscriminately kill the bacteria in your gut. That means even the good guys… the bacteria strains that support your immune system, help you absorb nutrients, aid digestion and help you get rid of toxins.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Surprising dementia link found in your liver and kidneys

Most people would agree that Alzheimer’s is the cruelest disease. What makes it even worse is that no real treatment advancements have been made. But a study appears to point to how to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing in the first place…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Promote thicker, healthy hair with a ‘scalp facial’

A scalp facial? It sounds strange, but the results will make you a believer. The secret to healthier, thicker, more lustrous hair, like you had when you were younger, starts at your crown. Yet, your scalp may be the most neglected part of your body.

Joyce Hollman

5 Common types of food poisoning and how to avoid them

If you’ve ever had food poisoning, you know the misery. In some cases, though, the consequences can be more serious than stomach cramps. For this reason, it’s crucial to know more about the bacteria that can contaminate your food, and how to avoid them.

Craig Cooper

This ED drug may reduce colorectal cancer risk

One in 22 men is likely to develop colorectal cancer over a lifespan. So what if taking the ED drug Viagra (sildenafil) could significantly reduce that risk? At least one group of scientists say this is a possibility, according to results of a study…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to slow brain aging by more than a decade

Cognitive decline is considered a “normal” part of aging. Even people who don’t end up with dementia experience a decrease in brain power as they get older. But you can help your brain age slower by as much as 11 years…

Jenny Smiechowski

How antibiotics affect your heart attack risk

Maybe you’ve heard that taking antibiotics is like setting off an atomic bomb in your microbiome. It doesn’t just wipe out bad bacteria, it wipes out everything, including the bacteria that keeps you healthy. But have you heard what antibiotics do to your heart?

Joyce Hollman

5 tasty seeds that slow aging, fight cancer and help you sleep

Sometimes, it’s the smallest part of a plant that contains the most powerful nutrition. Seeds, for example, are tiny powerhouses packed with goodness that could actually help you live longer and healthier by staving off disease and conditions, like…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 steps for a slimmer you by summer

A lot of people feel stress and urgency about getting fit when summer is just around the corner. That leads to bad decisions that set them up for failure. Like starvation diets. Exercising too fast and too hard. And worst of all, setting themselves up for unrealistic goals…

Jenny Smiechowski

How much does vitamin D really lower your cancer risk?

The connection between vitamin D and cancer is gaining more traction. Past studies have linked a deficiency to an increased risk for colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and leukemia. But just how much can the vitamin reduce your risk?

Joyce Hollman

How light in your bedroom steals more than just sleep

It may seem illogical that darkness could actually help depression. But if you’re down in the dumps, a light at the end of the tunnel may be the last thing you need. Instead, a darker bedroom may be just the thing to boost your spirits…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 signs multiple chemical sensitivity is behind your strange symptoms

One in four American adults deal with uncomfortable symptoms when exposed to everyday chemicals. That means more than 55 million Americans have multiple chemical sensitivity, a condition where chemicals in your environment make you feel ill. Do you have any of these symptoms…

Joyce Hollman

Using massage to manage blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis

When was the last time you had a massage? The health benefits, both preventive and corrective, are well-researched, and have been experienced by a wide range of people. More than just a way to relax, it promotes health, alleviates pain, and slows the progress of diseases, like these…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Get as fit as an endurance trainer without the time and sweat

Who wouldn’t want to get the cardio-metabolic health benefits of traditional endurance training, but with five-fold less exercise volume and time commitment? Sign me up! Try it this way to avoid the sweat and stress on your joints…

Dr. Michael Cutler

7 reasons to consider bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

Some studies indicate that women who take synthetic, chemically modified prescription hormones for extended periods of time have an increased incidence of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke, and pulmonary embolism. So lets’ talk about bio-identical therapy…

Margaret Cantwell

A strange tale of infection, disease and a platypus cure

The prospect of a very powerful antibiotic from an unlikely and strange source, may provide a weapon to fight some of the most resistant bacteria known to man. But there is an even stranger reason why you may never benefit from it…

Debra Atkinson

8 tips to spring into that summer body (slideshow)

As warmer weather becomes the rule and not the exception, chances are you’ll be more active than ever. And who wouldn’t like a more toned summer body for those spring and summer clothes? When you’re in a hurry to get results, use these tips for faster fitness. You might be surprised to find less is more.

Jenny Smiechowski

3 simple ways to shed pounds without changing your diet

If you don’t have the time or energy to overhaul your diet, I have good news. There are a few other ways you can trim fat without tackling a new diet plan. In fact, there are several daily choices that factor into your weight that have nothing to do with what’s on your plate…

Joyce Hollman

10 purple powerhouse foods that fight cancer, stroke and dementia

Any time you’ve got a purple or dark blue fruit or vegetable on the menu, you’re consuming a healthy dose of a special antioxidant-rich plant pigment known as anthocyanin, that can protect you from life-threatening conditions. Get started with these top 10…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Senior citizens’ spicy secret helps stave off memory loss

Could daily consumption of a certain form of curcumin — the substance that gives Indian curry its bright color — really improve memory and mood in people with age-related memory loss? See what the research says about the secret India’s seniors already know…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Kiss winter chapped lips goodbye

Coming out of a long, cold winter often means dealing with dry, chapped, cracked and irritated lips – leaving you to slather on that chapstick, hoping for relief. So, what do you do to finally get the smooth, soft, moisturized lips you want? Here are the six secrets to kissing those chapped lips goodbye…

Joyce Hollman

The deadly link between diesel fuel and ALS

We all know that breathing vehicle exhaust is bad for us. Recent research has focused on one particular type of fuel and the pollution it creates. We’re exposed to it more than we may think, and it is directly linked to an incurable and ultimately fatal condition.

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