Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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.

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…

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.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The root juice that boosts the weakest hearts

Millions of americans are currently living with congestive heart failure (CHF) – leaving them with extreme fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Despite treatment supposedly “improving,” the death rate has remained high. But, there is good news…

Craig Cooper

Don’t let germaphobia steal your fertility

Americans are way too obsessed with killing germs… Take Triclosan, for example, an antimicrobial substance commonly used in personal care items. It’s been shown to have a significant effect on numerous aspects of human health, especially male fertility…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Hear that? It’s the sound of powerful pain relief

While it’s no secret that the music you listen to can make you happy or sad, take you back to another time and evoke memories that you never want to forget, did you know that music could also be the secret to controlling your chronic pain?

Jenny Smiechowski

The mineral deficiency deactivating your vitamin D

When your vitamin D levels dip, your disease risk surges. But even if you’re doing your due diligence where vitamin D’s concerned, there could be one thing standing in the way of optimum vitamin D levels and better health…

Jenny Smiechowski

How bowel problems put your heart at high risk

It’s no secret that chronic bowel issues can eventually cause other health complications… Some of these connections are well-known. But people with serious bowel problems face another risk that comes totally out of left field: They have an insanely high heart attack risk.

Joyce Hollman

3+ surprising health benefits from drinking beer

More and more types of craft beer are appearing in stores and in pubs every day. For some, trying different new beers has become a hobby of sorts. What if I told you it’s a hobby that might improve your sleep and your cardiovascular health?

Dr. Mark Wiley

3 digestive woes that strike women and how to relieve them

A woman’s digestive tracts empty slower than a man’s, which makes it even more important and necessary for women to pay extra attention to their digestive health. If you’ve experienced mild to moderate digestive issues in your life, this is for you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 better ways to soothe eczema

Itchy, uncomfortable red patches… Dry, flaky, peeling skin… A rash that burns… If you’re living with eczema your doctor may have told you to use their “tried and true” prescription for eczema – bleach baths. But, before you fill up the tub, you better read this…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why women’s heart attacks go unnoticed

Say you go to the doctor with chest pain. Your doctor checks you out, then tells you there’s nothing to worry about — you’re fine. But in actuality, you’ve had a heart attack. It sounds like a nightmare. But it’s a nightmare that’s all too real for many women.

Jenny Smiechowski

The sweet snack that slays high cholesterol

Trying to lower your cholesterol naturally so you can avoid the side effects of statins? You can exercise, lose weight, avoid trans-fats, eat more soluble fiber… you get the picture. Those methods are all effective. But they’re not as tasty as this one…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Overcoming the fatigue of chronic fatigue syndrome

Complete and total exhaustion, muscle weakness, confusion, forgetfulness… these are symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. But new research found that a very specific program including physical activity can overcome much of these debilitating symptoms…

Joyce Hollman

How your dentist can save you from cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease

There’s a 50-50 chance that something going on in your mouth right now is threatening your life. In fact, an often-overlooked oral health issue increases the odds of dying from a serious disease for at least half of Americans. Are you one of them?

Jenny Smiechowski

What eating yogurt does to your heart

By now, you’ve heard all about the health benefits of fermented foods. Well, it turns out that yogurt — the most popular of fermented dairy products — is a must-have for high blood pressure-sufferers everywhere… and anyone else who wants to manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. Here’s why…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The amino acid deficiency that leads to depression

It’s estimated that over 18 million adults are affected by depression. Fortunately, a new study is shedding light on the disorder. It turns out that a simple amino acid deficiency could be at its root and may provide clues to beating the battle against depression for some people…

Margaret Cantwell

The hidden hypertension threat hurting women

Breast cancer is a dreaded disease. But there is something else dangerous about breast cancer — and other female-related diseases… They can mask symptoms and make it hard for a doctor to recognize the high and unique risks that women face from diseases that they feel are outside of the realm of our sex.

Craig Cooper

9 places where the healthiest people live (slideshow)

There are some places in the world where common diseases actually rarely occur. While experts have speculated on why this is so, let’s just say the jury is still out, although there are some theories and maybe also some principles to live by, that we can all adopt from these nine countries…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 essential oils that fight chronic Lyme disease

Antibiotics don’t do the trick for a lot of people with Lyme disease. Even if you get antibiotics right after your tick bite, you could still be among the 10 to 20 percent of people who deal with chronic symptoms after Lyme disease treatment.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Flu-fighting advice you won’t get from your doctor

You’re working hard. Getting less sleep than you should. And the stress is piling up. Surprised you’re sick again? If you’re not careful it could be flu that strikes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the season is winding down, but the threat is not even close to being over yet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Scientists discover secret to making any diet work

We’ve all been there… Your friend lost 20 pounds on a new diet so you try it and… nothing. No weight loss, no new thinner body, no feeling great and fitting into those skinny jeans. So, what’s the deal? Why do some diets work for some people and not for others? Researchers set out to find the answer…

Joyce Hollman

The truth about those triglycerides

Triglycerides have really gotten a bad rap. In fact, you’d be extremely unhealthy without them, since they perform some crucial bodily functions… Essentially, triglycerides are the fats that are stored in the liver for use whenever the body needs energy. But nothing’s perfect, right?

Jenny Smiechowski

The ONE thing that makes obesity healthy (it’s not weight loss)

Being obese puts you at risk for a lot of health problems like stroke, sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, anxiety, depression and certain cancers. But there’s one way to remedy those risks, and I’m not talking about losing weight…

Joyce Hollman

18 tips for a stronger, infection- and cancer-free bladder

When was the last time you thought about your bladder? As organs go, we pretty much take the bladder for granted. Unless something goes wrong or you have an overactive bladder, chances are, you rarely think about it at all. Here’s why you should…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The workout that’s easy on joints and hard on blood sugar and lipids

If time and pain keep you from fitness, consider rebounding. There are so many built-in benefits, but three new studies help to showcase this exercise form’s vast benefits to health and wellness beyond a shadow of doubt…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Weed or alcohol: Which is worse for your brain?

You may think that you’re as healthy as you can be and that you’re at lower risk for things like dementia and Alzheimer’s than someone who regularly lights up a joint. After all, alcohol is legal and if you consume it responsibly, what could you have to fear?

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

MCP research looks positive for prostate protection

The health of the prostate gland is a focus for most men as they age and for good reason. Changes in prostate size can drastically affect quality of life with symptoms such as difficulty urinating, nighttime frequency and urgency, and carry cancer concerns…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to reduce hormonal dark spots on your skin

Have you tried everything to get rid of dark spots… from microdermabrasion and peels, to lasers, lotions, potions… and even prayer? Maybe you haven’t had to deal with it, but, especially if you’re a young woman, it could still be in your future…

Jenny Smiechowski

4 healthy habits 90-year-olds want you to know

Want to live to your 90s and beyond, and stay healthy doing it? A recent study from the University of California identified four habits that can increase your odds of blowing out 90 candles on your birthday cake one day. And #3 is really surprising!

Joyce Hollman

How mouthwash makes you 50 percent more likely to get diabetes

Nobody wants to have foul-smelling breath. But gargling with mouthwash may not be such a great idea. In fact, in doing so you could greatly increase your risk for diabetes and do some cardiovascular harm as well. That’s because your mouth is home to a beneficial health-boosting compound you’re sending down the drain…

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