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

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…

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…

Jenny Smiechowski

How beef and milk pull the trigger on autoimmune disease

Hamburgers. Meat loaf. A glass of milk. There’s debate about whether animal products like beef and milk should be avoided altogether. But wherever you fall in your consumption of cow products, there’s one health risk to be aware of…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

10 foods that sock it to your seasonal allergies

Soon the flowers will be blooming, birds will be singing, the grass will turn a vibrant green… and, your seasonal allergies will be back in full force. Don’t reach for those anti-histamines that can leave you feeling funky and drowsy and off your game just when you can get out and play. Eat, instead!

Beverly Burmeier

Hot or cold: What’s best for pain?

Knee pain, a stiff shoulder, elbow tendonitis, arthritis or a recent minor injury… it doesn’t matter the cause. What does is stopping the pain. Commonly, hot or cold therapy can help, but how do you know which will work for your pain?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The bacteria that keep your blood sugar under control

There are natural ways to prevent type 2 diabetes in the first place and even ease problems, if you’ve been diagnosed. Even better, though, a six-year study reveals clues to how bacteria in your gut can reverse blood sugar problems.

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

The memory problems that linger after surgery

We all experience those moments from time to time — a forgotten name, a hazy memory, misplaced keys… but according to a recent study, if you’re middle aged and have undergone surgery in the last few years, you may experience greater cognitive decline.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Menopause Q & A: Progestogens vs progesterone

I commonly get questions from my female patients about the use of synthetic progestogens in menopause and this month a new patient came to me taking Prempro. I’d like to share why naturally-derived progesterone is safer and more effective.

Jenny Smiechowski

Is this really the first sign of Alzheimer’s?

When it comes to your body clock and health, things get kind of tricky. Scientists can’t always tell if a messed up body clock causes disease, or if it’s the first sign a disease is brewing in your body. And in the case of Alzheimer’s, they’re starting to think it may be the latter…

Joyce Hollman

Why gargling with red wine may be the next health craze

If you’re someone who enjoys having a glass of Cabernet or Merlot with dinner, hopefully you already know all about the heart-healthy benefits you’re indulging in. But there’s a new and delightful twist to the story of red wine, polyphenols and your health…

Margaret Cantwell

Why a vitamin D deficiency means faster aging

It’s been more than well established that a vitamin D deficiency greatly increases the chances you could end up with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and even cancer, the so-called diseases of aging. Is it because this vitamin actually suppresses aging?

Jenny Smiechowski

6 cancer-causing items hiding in your home (slideshow)

Did you know ordinary items lying around your house could be sabotaging your health? Some of these items contain carcinogens that cause your cells to divide faster, damage your DNA or trigger other processes in your body that can eventually lead to cancer…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

When blood thinners lead to stroke

I was shocked recently to read how dangerous those blood thinners they give stroke victims really are. In fact, according to new information, for a lot of people with specific health issues, they could just as easily cause stroke instead of preventing it…

Jenny Smiechowski

The connection between lighting and a better brain

Ever have a day when you just don’t feel like the brightest bulb in the bunch? We all do, but now science knows one reason why: Your lighting choices are much more important to your health than you ever realized, and could mess with your memory…

Joyce Hollman

The cold, flu, sinus-allergy tonic you can make at home

Did you know that you can use apple cider vinegar as the base for a high-powered drink that’s good for everything from the flu to indigestion? To take ACV’s health benefits to the next level, just add in these superfood all-stars for a homemade tonic that’ll ward off almost anything.

Jenny Smiechowski

Why grass-fed milk may be the ultimate health drink

Whether you’ve converted to nut milk or you’re still drinking conventional milk, you may want to consider drinking a glass of grass-fed milk daily. Researchers believe it may be an easy way for people of different ages and lifestyles to fight disease from cancer to heart disease…

Joyce Hollman

Know these early signs to head off Parkinson’s disease

People often ignore the early signs of Parkinson’s, since they often closely resemble signs of aging we’ve been groomed to accept as normal. This makes it even more important to reduce severity of symptoms and maintain quality of life…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Get a younger, brighter smile without damaging your teeth

A bright smile doesn’t just show the world how happy you are, it takes years off your face! No wonder we’re all so obsessed with whitening and brightening our teeth. But, leave the bleaching for the toilet. Get a brighter smile without harsh chemicals…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Get IBS under control in 4 steps

IBS is a painful and often life-altering syndrome. The good news is there are, indeed, natural and effective methods to control and greatly reduce your symptoms. With these 4 tips, you should be able to reduce its frequency, duration and level of discomfort…

Joyce Hollman

The ‘healthy’ dental habit that destroys your thyroid

A huge body of recent research has proven that preventing gum disease can also prevent cancer, diabetes and more. But be careful. There’s one thing you want to make sure your dentist never does to your mouth, since it is linked to yet another debilitating health problem…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to keep post-menopausal heart changes from becoming heart disease

It’s a huge relief once menopause is over. No more hot flashes, mood swings or sleepless nights. But there’s one post-menopause change that’s a bit harder to feel optimistic about… skyrocketing heart disease risk. But the simplest thing can protect you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The proven pain relief of touch

I had a major surgery just a few months ago and something weird happened. I remember waking up in pain, but when my husband took my hand, I could tolerate the pain better. Now, the power of what my husband did for me has been scientifically proven…

Jenny Smiechowski

Avoid the enamel-stealing downside of these 2 health foods

There are several culprits that strip the enamel from your teeth. Sugary and starchy junk foods are the worst. But you should know that there are a few health foods that cause some major enamel loss too, and may be ruining your smile and your dental health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sanitizing your way to skin cancer?

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine decided to take a look at what role the bacteria on your skin play in protecting you against cancer. It turns out that you might be washing away cancer protection right now…

Joyce Hollman

9 herbal teas to help tame your tummy, blood sugar, cholesterol and sleep problems

Most people know chamomile tea to be a good choice for a calming drink just before bed. And without it, I don’t think I would have survived losing an hour to the time change last weekend. But these 9 teas offer even more if you’re looking to boost your health naturally…

Dr. Michael Cutler

HGH: The decision to start

HGH supplementation has been shown to diminish wrinkles and age spots; make skin firmer, increase lean muscle mass, improve bone density, re-invigorate sex drive, improve mental sharpness and more. But there’s more to know before you start…

Jenny Smiechowski

The bad food behind your bad back

There are a lot of causes behind back problems. Stress, poor posture, injuries, obesity, arthritis… all increase the odds of your back hurting. But what about diet? Could certain foods aggravate your back too? You’ll be shocked at how…

Joyce Hollman

When fish isn’t good for your heart

Recent research shows how mercury destroys the heart. That’s not surprising considering it’s “the most dangerous of all the heavy metals.” How can you reduce your exposure? Just as important, what about the mercury already in your body? This might sound fishy, but…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How food can improve your asthma symptoms by half

Most asthma sufferers rely on daily medicine to control their symptoms, but new research is offering a better, more natural way to take control of asthma than those prescription drugs and their side effects… and the improvement is huge…

Margaret Cantwell

Researched ways to fight that infernal ringing in your ears

Tinnitus is a strange condition. Imagine suddenly hearing a ringing sound or hissing, clicking or roaring that seems to come from nowhere. It might last only a short time, or it may start and seem like it’s never going to stop. Most doctors will tell you to deal with it, but…

Jedha Dening

4 kitchen tricks to lower your triglycerides (slideshow)

It’s high total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL that have long been associated with increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, triglycerides and LDL are aspects of your health that can be influenced from your very own your kitchen, using the great powers of nutrient dense foods…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to work out for a brawny body and better brain

Okay, when you’re lifting those weights at the gym, you’re probably not thinking about how you’re helping your brain… But, maybe you should be. That’s because according to a new study, strong muscles lead to a stronger brain.

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