Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Carolyn Gretton

Gut bacteria linked to high blood pressure and more than 2 dozen other diseases

There are trillions of bacteria, both good and not-so-good, colonizing your gut. Now, researchers have uncovered the staggering extent to which those bacteria impact your health. It turns out bacteria are directly tied to specific diseases. Time to get serious about your microbiome…

Jenny Smiechowski

Cinnamon and turmeric’s brain-boosting clout keeps stacking up

Despite the fact that cognitive decline is considered a normal part of aging, you’re not doomed to a future filled with “senior” moments. There are ways to slow (or even reverse) the impact aging has on your brain. In fact, science says potent doses of two spices could keep your cognitive skills sharp as a cactus needle…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Cruciferous vegetables shown best at fighting calcium buildup

Did you know that most heart attacks and strokes don’t start with your heart but with a buildup of fat and calcium in your blood vessels? And while there are numerous ways to keep your blood vessels healthy, they often take willpower, hard work and dedication. But just eating the right vegetables can lower risks by 46 percent.

Jenny Smiechowski

Honey beats medications at treating cough and upper respiratory tract infections

A lot of people see all-natural honey-based cough medicines on the drugstore shelf and think they need something stronger and more serious to tame their cough. But that just isn’t the case. Not only do popular drug-based cough medicines come with more risks, but they’re also not nearly as effective as plain old honey, according to the latest research.

Joyce Hollman

Daily aspirin almost doubles melanoma risk for men

For years, a daily aspirin was viewed as a panacea that would prevent heart attacks and strokes and even help decrease the odds of some cancers. But it also carries risks. Recent research has turned up another one… the increased potential for deadly melanoma, especially in men.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Tips that help you kiss unhealthy food cravings goodbye

Have you ever noticed that your diet can be going along just fine until you eat one of those “forbidden foods” and suddenly the cravings you thought you had conquered are back with a vengeance? Here’s how to avoid temptation and kiss food cravings goodbye.

Jenny Smiechowski

How a multivitamin could help you through our most challenging cold and flu season yet

The COVID-19 pandemic combined with our usual cold and flu season is going to make this autumn one of the most challenging ones we’ve ever faced. We need all the help we can get, especially those of us on the mature side, since the immune system naturally weakens with age. Luckily, a new study shows that taking a multivitamin could offer some critical protection…

Joyce Hollman

The 7 best diets for lowering blood pressure

There’s no lack of research comparing the detrimental effects of a meat-heavy diet with the blood pressure-lowering benefits of a plant-based diet. But all plant-based foods are not equal. In fact, if you’re eating the right plant foods, you can still eat meat and lower your blood pressure without feeling deprived. Here are some of the best diets to choose from…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why menopause may put you at risk for liver damage

There’s a common misconception that liver disease only threatens people who drink a lot of alcohol or take a lot of medications. But nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can strike anyone and lead to liver damage, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. Unfortunately, one group of women may be extra vulnerable to this dangerous liver disease…

Jerry Walker, Ph.D., Dale Wilson, Ph.D.

The natural health benefits of an emotional support animal

From a natural health perspective, there is strong evidence to suggest various benefits to a person’s mental and physical health from interacting with a pet. Studies found a significant reduction in stress among cardiac patients when compared to non-pet owning cardiac patients with similar conditions.

Jenny Smiechowski

12 actions that could reduce dementia rates by 40 percent

Part of the reason dementia is so difficult to prevent and treat is that it doesn’t have one cause. It’s caused by a lot of different things. Genetics. Diet. Exercise habits. Pollution. These and many more factors play into your risk of developing this devastating disease. Luckily, new research published in the journal The Lancet […]

Jenny Smiechowski

Can plant-based meats really keep your heart healthier?

A lot of people choose plant-based meat over real meat in the hopes of improving their health. But many of these plant-based meats are highly processed and full of saturated fat and sodium. So, should you just keep eating real burgers? Well, if you’re concerned about your heart, plant-based meat may still come out on top…

Joyce Hollman

Keep diabetes away with a spoonful of cinnamon

It’s nearing the end of summer, so our favorite Fall spice may be on your mind, with good reason! Because not only is cinnamon tasty, it’s helpful for losing weight and managing blood sugar so well it could keep prediabetes from developing to full-blown diabetes…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can probiotics put a plug in urinary incontinence?

When it comes to staying healthy, it seems like all roads lead back to your microbiome. Everything from anxiety to Parkinson’s to diabetes to depression to multiple sclerosis to cancer has been linked to the microbes you have (or don’t have) in your body. And now there’s another common condition in which your microbiome may make a huge difference… urinary incontinence.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Losing weight may take the aggression out of breast cancer cells

Even though the medical community has long known of an association between obesity and increased breast cancer risk, researchers weren’t exactly sure why — until now. What they’ve learned about fat tissue, inflammatory molecules and breast cancer aggression is lifesaving information every woman needs to know…

Joyce Hollman

How to make bacon that won’t give you cancer or heart disease

Bacon is one of those processed meats that raises your cancer and heart disease risk. So, what’s a bacon lover to do? Some people turn to turkey bacon. But don’t kid yourself. It’s still processed meat. But there’s a tasty alternative you can make easily and eat to your heart’s content…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Supplementing lipoic acid for weight loss: Does it work?

Losing weight can feel like fighting a losing battle, leaving many of us to give up before the weight even starts coming off. What if there were an easier way to shed that extra fat and slim down without the struggle… all wrapped up in an easy-to-find medium-chain fatty acid supplement?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Smile! Science says faking a happy face raises your spirits

When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you. Celebrities from Louis Armstrong to Katy Perry have produced hits praising the power of a smile to lift your spirits and make the world a better place. But is there science backing the premise behind these songs, or is it all just blind hope? The answer to that question will put a smile on your face…

Jenny Smiechowski

Don’t get duped by ‘whole grain’ decoys’ deceptive labels

With mounds of research showing whole grains help fight disease, filling your shopping cart to the brim with whole grains is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Full stop. But what if the whole grains you’re buying aren’t really whole grains? New research shows that far too many of us are getting fooled by deceptive labeling. Here’s how to get the real stuff…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to calculate your stroke risk right now

Despite how sudden strokes seem, there are often clues that hint a stroke could be on the horizon years before it happens. The biggest clue is metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include things like high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels. Luckily, researchers have recently developed a simple online calculator you can use to gauge your risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

What can we do about the microplastics found growing in our fruits and vegetables?

In case you haven’t heard, microplastics are taking over the planet. Scientists are finding them in every nook and cranny of the earth. And it’s kind of scary since microplastics contain BPA, phthalates and other toxins proven to harm human health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How night-time blue light increases your colon cancer risk by 60 percent

Blue light from artificial sources like phones, tablets and LEDs has been linked to numerous health problems ranging from sleep disorders to obesity. Now, we find the risk for one type of cancer is through the roof, especially if you’re exposed during the nighttime hours. But a supplement may help…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Your gut-brain axis: Connecting bowel disease and dementia

Who doesn’t like a BOGO deal? When it comes to shopping, I’ll take a “buy one-get one” deal every time… but when it comes to health, BOGO means that when one system isn’t functioning, it affects all other systems. That’s why so many diseases are linked — especially when it comes to your gut-brain axis…

Will Bonner

Can these extreme-altitude wines reverse aging?

Do you know what’s in that wine bottle sitting on your kitchen counter? Try “oak” flavoring, “Mega Purple” dye and tons of sugar. But better wines do exist… and they don’t cost an arm and a leg either…

Joyce Hollman

Obesity and poor immune response

Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. But research reveals that being obese also increases the risk of becoming severely ill from a COVID-19 infection. And unfortunately, once a vaccine is developed, obesity is one factor that could lessen its effectiveness…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 reasons you should be taking CoQ10 right now

If you’re not taking CoQ10, you’re missing out on one powerful nutrient. In fact, the power of Coenzyme Q10 is found in its ability to generate energy in every cell of your body. That’s why the supplement socks a serious punch to your health. Here are three big benefits of CoQ10 you can’t miss…

Jenny Smiechowski

Mangoes pack powerful prevention potential against 3 cancers

There are a lot of great reasons to munch on mangoes. Besides being delicious, they contain nutrients and antioxidants that can protect eye health, lower blood pressure, balance blood sugar, support a healthy gut and more. But what you may not know is that mangoes may keep cancer away…

Jenny Smiechowski

Never take this over-the-counter pain killer if you’re deficient in selenium

You’ve probably taken Tylenol many times in your life. Most of us have… whether it was to relieve a headache, reduce fever or tame a toothache. But unfortunately, like many over-the-counter pain relievers, it comes with serious risks, especially if you’re low in this essential mineral.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How concerned should you be about arsenic levels in your rice?

If you eat rice regularly, it’s time to understand the very real arsenic risk that experts believe contributes to a whopping 50,000 premature deaths yearly — many due to its impact on the heart. Does this mean you have to give it up completely? Not as long you’re careful and follow these tips…

Joyce Hollman

Two reasons to be concerned about feeling lightheaded when you stand up

Do you get dizzy and lightheaded if you get up from your chair or bed too quickly? Orthostatic hypotension is the cause, and research shows that repeated episodes of this sudden drop in blood pressure put you at risk of dementia and stroke. For those reasons, it’s important to know what to do about it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Purrfect remedy builds better bones

Want to stay healthy longer, be less stressed, and even get stronger bones? Then, it’s time to get a cat. The sound of a cat purring can do everything from preventing heart attacks to healing injuries. Who knew our furry friends were so powerful?

Dr. Michael Cutler

Signs you need a heavy metal detox

Certain elements, namely heavy metals, are considered systemic toxicants — meaning they don’t just poison one area of your body… they’re known to spread and induce multiple organ damage even at lower levels of exposure.

Easy Health Options Staff

7 tips for safe and healthy running [slideshow]

Did you know that running improves your joint health, retrains your brain to need less sleep, gives you more youthful muscles and may even reduce your risk for cancer? To get started, make sure you follow these 7 safe and healthy tips…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Throw a few punches to boost your cardio

Back in the 90s cardio kickboxing came into vogue. But how about something more holistic, like whole-body exercises that work the core, balance, endurance and strength – using body weight at all levels? Let’s get started!

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Don’t sacrifice your brain for your bladder

Overactive bladder can be stressful. But one of the most common prescription medications for overactive bladder comes with some serious side effects that are much worse than all the urinary urgency, frequency, stress or incontinence in the world…

Jedha Dening

A hay fever supplement?

If you’ve ever suffered from hay fever, you know it’s no walk in the park. In fact, it can turn a mere walk in a park into an unpleasant, sneeze-and-sniffle-filled ordeal that, it turns out, may be caused by an imbalance between different types of immune cells. Here’s how to fix that…

Jedha Dening

Could you have a pollution-triggered heart attack?

In many areas, concentrations of air pollutants exceed “healthy” levels. When you’re doing your regular activities, you may be inhaling fine particles of pollutants known as ambient particulate matter. And it’s these particles that can do major damage to your heart…

Craig Cooper

Boxing: The perfect workout

If you were to ask me what type of exercise I consider the most complete, most challenging, and most fun, I’d give an answer that might surprise you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Cell phones signal rising blood sugar

There’s a game I see people play when dining out. Everyone puts their smartphones in the middle of the table, and the first one to use their phone during dinner has to foot the bill. But there’s another very important reason for putting your smartphone away…

Dr. Mark Wiley

Do you have any of these life-threatening symptoms?

Americans keep gaining weight. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity or being overweight is a key factor associated with increased mortality rates in adults — as well as elevated risks of heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Jenny Smiechowski

Quick fix for your afternoon energy slump

Whether you work in an office, behind a cash register or in a classroom, it never fails… The clock strikes 2 p.m. and your energy and productivity take a dive. You can barely keep your eyes open, let alone finish out your workday. Next time it hits, try this…

Jedha Dening

‘AGE-forming’ foods make your brain old

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are real fears that all of us face… the idea of one day losing your mind, the ability to recognize loved ones, perform daily functions or take care of yourself — that’s just not a thought any of us want to entertain.

Jenny Smiechowski

Add three years to your life in 15 minutes

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who can’t wait to lace up their running shoes daily, and those who would rather get a root canal than run a mile. Love it or hate it, running is hands down the best exercise for adding years to your life…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Get golden slumbers with golden tea

Spanish explorers named it “Copa del Oro” or “Cup of Gold” because its petals looked like they were filled with gold. But, this gorgeous blossom has more going for it than beauty. If it’s golden slumbers you wish to fill your eyes, you might fill your tummy with golden tea…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Avoid Lyme disease during tick season

Like people, ticks love the warm weather, which means “tick season” is here. If Lyme disease is detected early, most courses of treatment entail a heavy round of antibiotics. However, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to chronic, exhausting symptoms that can persist for years.

Jedha Dening

8 anti-cancer compounds and where to get them

When it comes to cancer-fighting compounds, which are the most effective and where do you find them? Here are eight that are shown to be particularly effective and, as it turns out, these anti-cancer compounds can be found in everyday foods you consume…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 incredible benefits of ginseng

A few years ago I started using ginseng to help with my fatigue. And, it’s been such a lifesaver for me that I’ve never stopped using it. However, I recently discovered four other amazing benefits this super herb has to offer…

Jenny Smiechowski

A can a day triples your risk of stroke

You’ve heard all about the best brain drinks… like tea, pomegranate juice, blueberry juice and coffee. But what’s the point of drinking brain-boosting beverages if you’re going to turn around and drink something that damages your brain and increases stroke risk?

Dr. Michael Cutler

9 diseases that can indicate mineral toxicity

Sometimes illness is the first sign of mineral toxicity. In fact, exposure to aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are linked to many disease states. Some of these include…

Margaret Cantwell

Is your medical treatment based on hocum?

Science has brought us a long way. We are living longer healthier lives, thanks in large part to scientific discoveries. As great as science is though, it’s not infallible. But people who go against the scientific grain are treated like blasphemers. And the reason why is disturbing…

Easy Health Options Staff

8 ways to ease muscle spasms and cramps [slideshow]

Spasms and cramps account for much of the daily chronic discomfort and pain we feel. Although they are more common than they should be, the good news is that most muscle spasms and muscle cramps can be relieved naturally…

Jedha Dening

How much broccoli must you eat to fight cancer?

Everyone knows that the little green tree known as broccoli is an incredibly healthy food. Now, a recent study has revealed that broccoli has super cancer-fighting powers. But how much should you eat to benefit?

Dr. Mark Wiley

Improve ‘range of motion’ stiffness and pain

Range of motion is very important… Think about backing out of a parking space. Sure you can use your mirrors, but to be safe, you need to be able to also look over your shoulder just to be sure. And it’s surprising just how restricted that simple motion, and many others, can become over the years.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The forgotten anti-fracture vitamin

Your rate of bone loss skyrockets in the 10 years following menopause and can leave you living in fear of breaks and fractures. However, there is one vitamin that most doctors overlook that when taken along with calcium and vitamin D can help increase your bone density.

Craig Cooper

Why a PSA test is still a vital first step

It’s no wonder men are confused… Over the past few years, various different medical organizations and professionals have changed their minds and recommendations about if and when men should get a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.

Debra Atkinson

Lose your muffin top without hurting your joints

These standing core exercises can be more than a simple solution for someone who has an injury or limitation in getting to the floor and back up. And the icing on the cake: they’re gentle on joints, but hard on the muffin top!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sip away wrinkles with white tea

The next time you make a cup of tea, you just might want to reach for white tea rather than its green cousin. Although green tea has powerful health benefits, it has nothing on the white variety for keeping your skin young, firm, and wrinkle-free.

Jenny Smiechowski

Produce pesticides are stealing your sleep hormone

There are plenty of compelling reasons to purchase organic food… but if you’ve ever experienced the misery of chronic insomnia, I have one more life-changing reason to ditch pesticide-covered produce for good… it messes with your sleep.

Jenny Smiechowski

‘Vibrate’ belly fat and high blood sugar away

Have you ever run across one of those vintage ads from the 1950s featuring a full-figured model strapped to a vibrating belt exercise machine? As funny and strange as those machines seemed, it appears the concept of using vibration for weight loss actually works…

Jedha Dening

Drink wine and eat chocolate to see better

If you want a good excuse to enjoy your glass of red wine with dinner, you’ve now got one! Overall, resveratrol stacks up to be a very potent antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agent, with some seriously powerful benefits for your vision…

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