Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is the ‘No White Food’ diet the simplest way to lose weight and get healthier?

Can we just agree that the number of diets has hit an all-time high? From paleo and keto to Mediterranean, DASH and Atkins, just keeping up with the rules seems impossible. Could there be a simpler choice… a diet that has only one rule and promises weight loss and better health? It’s called the ‘No White Food’ diet…

Jenny Smiechowski

What you should know about the alarmingly common heart complications from a flu infection

Researchers have known for a while that a case of the flu is hard on your heart. In fact, serious heart complications following recovery, even fatal heart attack, can occur. But until recently, they haven’t known exactly how prevalent the danger could be…

Joyce Hollman

7+ lifestyle factors that protect your heart and your vision

New research shows that an overall heart-healthy lifestyle that includes seven specific behaviors can not only save your heart, but it can also prevent the eye diseases that can steal your vision. Simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can protect both your heart and your eyes.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The prescription pain pills your body builds antibodies to

Low back pain is not only the leading cause of chronic pain and disability in adults, but it also tops the chart when it comes to opioid prescriptions. For many reasons, treatment with opioids is far from the best approach. Now there’s one more reason to find a better solution for pain management: opioid antibodies created by your own immune system.

Jenny Smiechowski

What women with diabetes should know about their coronary calcium risk

Whether you’re a man or a woman, there’s one factor that automatically increases your heart disease risk — diabetes. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than people without it. And according to the latest research, if you’re a woman with diabetes, there’s one medical test you should get to gauge your risk of having a severe heart attack…

Carolyn Gretton

Why colon cancer is on the rise in young people and how to curb it

Many were shocked when colon cancer claimed the life of 43-year-old Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman after a four-year battle. It’s not completely clear why the rate of colon cancer is increasing in those under 50, but it is clear that the age for screening needs to be lowered. But until that happens, it’s important to be aware of factors that put you in a high-risk group…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

People who eat pasta have healthier diets and weight

If you’re a pasta lover, I’ve got good news! Despite the bad rap pasta dishes have gotten, new research is revealing that it can be part of a healthy diet and could also help you lose weight and keep your waist trim. But you don’t get the all-clear to slather it with thick, creamy Alfredo sauce…

Jenny Smiechowski

Antibiotics double your risk of inflammatory bowel disease

Research shows that about 1 in 10 people deal with negative effects after taking antibiotics. This could include anything from chronic diarrhea to the sudden appearance of allergies to issues with blood sugar. But of all the potential impacts antibiotics can have on your health, there’s one that’s starting to appear more common — and more serious — than all the others…

Joyce Hollman

Plaque similarities point to Alzheimer’s/diabetes connection

Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease often go hand in hand. The evidence for this is becoming stronger. Recently, electron microscopy has enabled scientists to see that amyloid strands that appear in diabetics bear a strong resemblance to the ones that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

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

The surest way to a nimble brain

Memory loss and cognition problems are anything but normal. We all know people who are sharp as a tack well into their 90s. And, you’ve probably even wondered what their secret is. Well, it turns out that the secret to a nimble brain is a…

Easy Health Options Staff

Health benefits of prebiotics and where to find them [infographic]

Bacteria are living organisms, which means they have to eat. One way to enhance beneficial flora is to provide nutrition for them, in the form of prebiotics. By giving bacteria the food they like, we help them grow and maintain their balance in our digestive tract.

Dr. Mark Wiley

The easy way to get rid of a pain in the neck

Many of us suffer from neck pain and there are many reasons why… Chronic pain often stems from stress and poor posture habits. Sudden pain, stiffness and strain means you may be overdoing it. Whatever the cause, these easy, painless movements can bring relief…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The best spice for beauty and brains

Would you like to turn back the clock and reduce the signs of aging from the inside out? If so, I’ve got a spice for you that boosts both beauty and brains — and provides more health benefits than you can shake a stick at.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 essential oils to always have on hand

Essential oils have been used to prevent illnesses, ease pain and stress and promote natural health. They boost immunity, improve breathing and even fight off cold and flu viruses. And there are 5 must-have essential oils to keep on hand…

Jedha Dening

Two-step strategy keeps the weight off for good

When it comes to achieving permanent weight loss, experts believe they’ve zeroed in on two factors that can help you get motivated and stay on track to not only lose weight, but keep it off. Here’s how to do it…

Craig Cooper

10 ways meditation makes you better

Meditation has been making its way, gradually, from the realm of the Buddhist, the hippie, and the yogi into the mainstream, all for a very good reason. If you’re not on the meditation bandwagon, it’s time you considered it…

Debra Atkinson

7 reasons painless lunges are essential

Strengthening your lower body is a challenge with knee pain. Yet, strengthening the lower body is key if you want to increase your metabolism or gain strength. Done right, lunges can be a pain-free answer…

Jenny Smiechowski

Diabetes ‘kryptonite’ reduces threat 35%

A healthy diet can prevent or even reverse diabetes. But besides the usual advice to avoid sweets and refined carbohydrates, you may be wondering if there are any potent, diabetes-fighting foods with a powerful impact…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The key to making alternative medicine work

There is a vast difference in the approaches of mainstream medicine and alternative therapies. The mainstream uses a disease-based model, while alternative medicine works from a wellness model. Do you think it’s easier to prevent or cure disease?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 reasons you pee more at night and how to stop

There are a number of things that can cause you to have to “go” more at night and it’s not just about how much you have to drink. So why is your bladder waking you up and what can you do about it?

Jedha Dening

Anthocyanins keep heart disease, diabetes and obesity away

One thing we know about health conditions from diabetes to heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, is they’re associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Anthocyanins, have a distinct ability to switch off that inflammation at the core…

Jedha Dening

Avoid the daily dangers causing breast cancer

They’re in your food, the air you breathe, the products you clean with and even the ones you put on your body. Your exposure began in childhood and continues to this day. So it’s no wonder you’re a ticking time bomb for disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

‘Original’ superfood fights cancer and obesity

Feeling bombarded by fad diets, trendy superfoods and conflicting advice about what’s best for your body? It’s confusing to say the least. It’s okay to embrace these new trends. But you should never forget about this original superfood and potent cancer fighter…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Marine compound switches your longevity gene ‘ON’

Who wouldn’t want to live longer, be healthier and stay active? New groundbreaking research has revealed not just a gene that controls longevity… but also a simple compound that activates the gene, creating its own anti-aging therapy.

Debra Atkinson

Simple way to boost weight loss without exercise

Your body can breakdown fat better when it’s hydrated. So it isn’t that water increases fat burning, but it makes it much easier for your body to do so, whether you’re exercising or not.

Dr. Michael Cutler

11 ways music ‘fine-tunes’ your health

Music can play an important role in your health. It’s become almost free to obtain, has no adverse effects and it’s really been shown to help specific conditions. For these reasons, I consider it one of the best “natural” medicines of our day.

Jenny Smiechowski

The ancient Chinese food to save your modern gut

The bacteria that live in your gut play a huge role in strengthening your immune system, balancing your moods and your weight and boosting your overall health. But, it’s not always easy to eat a plate full of prebiotic-rich foods, so I’ve got a quick and simple tip for you…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The natural appetite suppressant that fights fat and diabetes

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that counteract medications such as antacids and antibiotics, which kill off good gut bacteria. But they’re only half the story. Prebiotics, on the other hand, feed these bacteria and can help you avoid disease and weight gain.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 steps for fighting gum disease naturally

Gum pain and bad breath can come from inflammation and infection of your gums. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease has also been linked to heart problems. This makes taking care of your mouth and getting rid of gum disease vital to your health.

Dr. Mark Wiley

Cobra pose for low back relief

Low back pain is a common complaint. And with good reason: We spend too much of our time seated. Cobra pose is terrific for not only stretching the lower back, but for relieving tension and strengthening the back at the same time…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Are ketones key to staving off Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is being called “type 3 diabetes” because of the way the brain cells of victims die from their inability to use glucose for energy. That’s why an alternative fuel source may save your brain.

Jedha Dening

The vitamin that slows aging where it starts

Telomeres are like plastic caps on the end of your chromosomes, protecting them. The shortening of telomeres is associated with rapid premature aging, and the development of many age-related diseases. But there’s one vitamin that’s shown it can help…

Debra Atkinson

You, yoga and avoiding shoulder injury

Many people assume yoga is all about relaxing and little about fitness. That may be why yoga injuries are on the rise. So it’s all the more important to get the basics down…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The beauty secrets in the produce aisle

It may not be the fountain of youth, but there are fruits and vegetables packed with so many anti-oxidants they can help you get the smoother, radiant skin you’re looking for. For the best complexion with the least wrinkles, the rule is to…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The 8 biggest headache myths

When it comes to making a health plan that works and sticking to it, you must also avoid the pitfalls. And when it comes to a subject as complex as headaches and migraines, it’s important to separate myth from fact…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to release your natural anti-anxiety ‘drug’

If you struggle with anxiety, you know it’s debilitating. Your brain is like a little chemical factory. It’s constantly churning out chemicals that affect how your body and mind function — that includes chemicals that could cure your chronic anxiety…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

5 weight loss secrets beyond diet and exercise

Do you ever wonder why some people just can’t seem to achieve their healthy weight goals? It doesn’t matter which diet and exercise program they follow or how diligent they are — the weight just doesn’t budge. Or worse, they add more fat rather than burning it. What’s going on?

Jenny Smiechowski

Pop one of these to fight DNA-damaging air pollution

Did you know that the air you breathe every day could be damaging your DNA and putting you at risk for disease? It’s a scary thought. But air pollution poses a real danger to your health. It’s been linked to everything from asthma to Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 simple ways to beat belly bloat

If your waistband is feeling extra snug, don’t blame your dryer. More than likely, your stomach is to blame, thanks to eating habits and the digestive problems that they bring.

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