Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Carolyn Gretton

Healthier ‘made with real fruit’ products to reach for in a crunch

Most of us still aren’t eating enough fruit. That’s why in a crunch you may reach for a “made with real fruit” alternative. But how much fruit is really there is anyone’s guess. The only thing for sure is the added sugars. Here’s how to tell the good from the bad choices…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sex-specific activities drive men’s higher risk of ALS

While most of us probably think that Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS is genetic, the truth is 90 percent of people who get the disease have no family history. But research has honed in on the toxic secret driving ALS and the sex-specific link…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Are you sleeping enough to finish your brain’s wash cycle?

When you fall asleep tonight, the dishwasher in your brain will turn on. It won’t keep you awake while it silently washes out metabolic waste left from the fuel your brain needs to run on. But if you’re not sleeping well and your neurons aren’t up to the task, waste buildup could spell trouble…

Joyce Hollman

Trouble exercising to lower blood pressure? Just sit less

Exercise isn’t easy, even if you’re young, fit and healthy. But it can get even harder with age. If you’re worried about your blood pressure but find exercise difficult, you can still lower your numbers practically as much simply by sitting less…

Carolyn Gretton

The unique way polyphenols improve heart and brain health

Polyphenols may keep cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions at bay, but how they do what they do in the body has been a mystery, until now. Researchers have nailed it down and provided a nice list of benefits you don’t want to miss out on and the foods that supply them.

Joyce Hollman

A blood test could predict how fast you’re aging

Some of us are healthy agers, while probably a lot more of us are rapid agers. Being in the latter group means your body is much older than your driver’s license may say. What if a blood test could clue you in to heading off that destruction and deterioration?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The symptoms that predict whether MCI turns to Alzheimer’s

Living with mild cognitive impairment can keep you up at night wondering if memory lapses are just that, or if they will progress. In other words, if you have MCI how likely are you to develop Alzheimer’s and will you or family members be able to see it coming?

Carolyn Gretton

How to start feeling younger overnight

Is feeling old keeping you from doing the things you want to, even the things you once enjoyed? Studies have shown that “feeling” can have a real impact on your health. Here’s how to ditch it and start feeling younger overnight…

Joyce Hollman

Eggs’ bad rap cheats those who need their benefits most

For far too long, too many misconceptions about eating eggs have had us second-guessing: Are eggs good for us or as bad as they say? Fortunately, attitudes are changing and research like the latest shows giving up eggs can lead to cracks in your health when you need them most…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Reducing the unique high blood pressure threat of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis comes with a 50 percent higher risk of fatal heart problems. That makes it less surprising that people with RA often have high blood pressure. Luckily, research found a solution with benefits that accumulate for long-term blood pressure reduction.

Joyce Hollman

Why the red meat-colon cancer link is higher for some

The colon is the last stop in your digestive system, so it stands to reason that food can significantly impact the risk of colon cancer, especially red and processed meats. But new research shows why that risk is even higher for some of us, and how we can take it down…

Carolyn Gretton

10 reasons your leg could be hurting

Sometimes if you have leg pain, the cause is obvious. But there are times when you may not be sure what’s going on. And whatever the source, no one wants to suffer through pain, wondering if the cause is anything serious or not. Here are 10 reasons you could be experiencing leg pain…

Carolyn Gretton

New prostate cancer therapy offers fewer side effects, more hope

Prostate cancer therapy hasn’t provided many choices other than surgery or radiation. And given the life-altering side effects those options cause, it’s time for some good news — as in less-invasive and fewer side effects…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The significant link between blood pressure, anxiety and depression

There are multiple factors that can contribute to high blood pressure that are reversible. The ones that come to mind include excess weight, smoking, inactivity and poor diet. But have you considered the impact of anxiety, stress and depression on your numbers? Here’s why you should…

Joyce Hollman

Women’s advantage for cheating heart disease

Men and women are different in many ways, including heart disease: Men may have the higher risk, but women face a higher rate of mortality. But women have an unfair advantage that can reduce that risk as much as 30 percent with much less effort than men…

Joyce Hollman

9 natural allergy remedies that won’t put you to sleep

For most allergy sufferers, spring can be absolutely miserable. If you’re tired of antihistamines that put you to sleep, give these natural allergy remedies a go, and watch out for the dehydration factor that can make your symptoms worse…

Carolyn Gretton

The leisure-time activity that sabotages a man’s sex life

A lot of things can impact a man’s ability to achieve an erection, including age and health. But there’s another factor that you may not have considered — and it involves an increasingly popular activity common among young and old alike…

Carolyn Gretton

When stroke triples the risk of dementia

The idea of suffering a stroke is a scary one. And what makes it even scarier are the potential long-term consequences. Researchers have known a link exists between stroke and higher dementia risk, but now they know that risk triples in a surprisingly short period of time…

Joyce Hollman

Phosphatidylserine: The natural way to a better brain and mood

Chances are you’ve never heard of phosphatidylserine. It’s a fatty substance especially important for brain neurons — for good reason: It’s the key to better brain function, including memory, stress management and healthy mood…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet that ‘detoxes’ diabetic kidney danger

For many people dealing with type 2 diabetes, kidney problems will crop up. Diabetes injures the kidneys, keeping them from cleaning the blood properly. But if you can eliminate one food compound you’ve likely never heard of, you might stop that threat in its tracks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Green cleaning’s not-so-green harmful chemical link

When it comes to living healthy in a polluted world, most of us will go out of our way. That may mean choosing organic produce or grass-fed beef. But when it comes to green cleaning, it looks like most of us are paying a premium for a false sense of security.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Women’s Health Alert: Rapid ovary aging, menopause and heart disease

The menopausal transition usually begins between 45 and 55. But a growing threat has been connected to rapid ovary aging as much as 10 years before a woman’s last period. Speeding up the biological clock is one thing, but harsher menopause symptoms and a higher risk for heart disease is another…

Joyce Hollman

The health and relationship benefits of a sleep divorce

A sleep divorce may not sound like a good thing. But sleeping separately could be great for your relationship. Here’s what experts say about the pros and cons and how to approach it so it’s a successful strategy for you, your partner, your relationship and your health.

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘cluster condition’ that raises kidney cancer risk almost 5 times

Most of us know that metabolic syndrome encompasses several conditions and is sort of a stern warning to get your “house” in order or face the serious threat of heart disease. But the worse metabolic syndrome gets, the worse your cancer risk gets too…

Carolyn Gretton

Microplastic discovered in artery-clogging plaques

Plaque buildup clogs arteries and can lead to stroke and heart attack. This nasty mixture consists of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium and fibrin. But a shocking new ingredient seen in surgically removed plaques may make them even more dangerous.

Joyce Hollman

Remove microplastics from water in your own kitchen

Microplastics are inescapable. They invade pretty much every system in the body and ferry other toxins in. But when they’re in our food and water what can we do? Reduce them by 90 percent right in your kitchen, no special equipment needed…

Joyce Hollman

The underrated benefits of stretching that rival strenuous exercise

Most people stretch to warm up cold muscles before they jump into some heavy-duty exercise. But what if stretching IS exercise? Check mark! And even better: what if it reduces arterial stiffness at the same time it reduces stiffness in your body, and helps you live longer?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The statin that more than doubles dementia risk

Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol. But while it may seem like a no-brainer to take a medication your doctor says will reduce risk of heart attack or stroke, you could be increasing the danger to your brain…

Joyce Hollman

Daily blueberry powder changed brains in just 6 months

The particular phytochemical compounds blueberries contain, known as anthocyanins, have been shown to decrease dementia risk and increase blood flow to the brain. But you can imagine how excited researchers were to see changes in just 6 months — and they weren’t even fresh berries!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The red fruit that lowered blood pressure like medication

Like a lot of fruit, often the most nutritional and health-promoting parts are the parts we throw away. When it comes to this unique red fruit, the same is true. But considering it lowered blood pressure as well as a prescription medicine, it warrants learning how to eat the most effective parts…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Going cellular on why communication breaks down in the brain

We’ve gained new insight into just how important synaptic transmission is in keeping our brains healthy. A long-sought, gene-encoded protein has been discovered that enables the brain to communicate a broad range of signals, but when depleted can lead to breakdown…

Joyce Hollman

3 ways red wine compounds promote a healthy mouth

Decades of research confirms compounds found in red grapes are heart-healthy, good for your skin and may even deter diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Now it appears they may be why a glass of merlot can offer oral health benefits for preventing cavities and gum disease…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why researchers say CBD ‘changes the channel’ on pain

CBD has gotten lots of press over the last few years. But perhaps its most hyped benefit is its ability to provide pain relief. Now CBD has been put to the test to determine if it’s truly a pain-relieving miracle or just hype based on the phenomenon of the “placebo effect.”

Joyce Hollman

How intense exercise starves cancer and stops the spread

Exercise is good for almost everything that ails us, even cancer. Past research says it cuts the risk of invasive breast cancer. And the latest shows no matter what kind, exercise can reduce cancer spread as much as 72 percent. But what it reveals about “permanent” protection is the big story…

Carolyn Gretton

The sweet truth about honey and your heart

There are so many types of sugar, natural and not-so-much. Still, the consensus among nutritional experts has been “a sugar is a sugar” and mostly all bad. Well, that adage may have just been debunked, thanks to honey’s surprising heart benefits other sweeteners lack.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Forgetting fiber over the holidays could do some lasting damage

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we’re allowed to splurge. But two studies demonstrate the damage that does even in the short-term to your colon, weight, blood sugar, cholesterol and more. So, enjoy the goodies but don’t forget the one nutrient they said could make all merry and bright again…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The number of medications and types that increase dementia

Many factors play into dementia risk, from health and genetics to lifestyle. That makes understanding more about the risks within our control, like the number and types of medications you take regularly, paramount. Here’s the number and dangerous drug combos to watch for…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 Japanese remedies that knock out a cold fast

Winter doesn’t just mean cooler temperatures. It can mean the common cold and feeling cruddy for days. There are plenty of over-the-counter cold medicines to ease your symptoms, but there are just as many reasons not to rely on them (like brain shrinkage!). We’ve got you covered…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

What a single cup of veggies can do for your heart

If there is one health problem that’s most likely to steal your life, it’s one that affects your heart. You could start taking a laundry list of medications now or discover the surprisingly significant impact of just one cup of the right vegetables on your heart…

Carolyn Gretton

The answer to reversing Alzheimer’s may already be on the pharmacy shelf

One reason Alzheimer’s disease is such a dreaded diagnosis is there’s no effective treatment to halt its progression. But one research team has found potential in medications that have been used for years to treat other conditions that appear to reverse it. But is the answer in the medications or the conditions themselves?

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘other’ male hormone that predicts longevity

Every day new things about the human body are discovered that may extend our healthspan — the number of healthy years we live. For men, a new discovery may unravel the puzzle as to why some men are more prone to developing age-related illnesses than others…

Joyce Hollman

The popular tech gadget that works like a hearing aid (without the cost!)

About 75 percent of Americans with hearing loss don’t use hearing aids because they’re costly. That increases their risk for depression and dementia. But hearing experts say a popular tech gadget can provide virtually the same improvements in hearing for a fraction of the cost…

Joyce Hollman

Fermented foods and fiber: A recipe for less stress

We all experience stress from time to time. Next time you’re feeling like you need a better way to manage it, try food before turning to medications. Researchers may have found the best recipe for less stress…

Miguel Leyva

Intoxicating beauty: Chemical hair straighteners linked to uterine cancer

In recent years, we’ve learned that our personal care products may harbor dangerous chemicals that can make us sick, including parabens and others that have been linked to cancer. Unfortunatley, it looks like adhering to beauty standards is indeed intoxicating…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

What causes high LDL cholesterol?

You might think this post is another speech from a doctor about lifestyle factors that cause LDL (bad) cholesterol to rise. But I really just want you to know about the biochemical processes that influence cholesterol levels that aren’t alway explained to patients, and which ones you may or may not be able to control…

Easy Health Options Staff

This vitamin gets sucked from your body when you soak up the sun

Sensibly soaking up the sun is a good way to boost your vitamin D. But research shows that while you’re soaking up the sun, the sun is soaking up your stores of another very important vitamin — one that can help your body fend off some pretty nasty illnesses and chronic conditions…

Joyce Hollman

Sedentary habits and sugar worse on men than women

Getting little, if any, exercise and following an unhealthy diet add up to a surefire recipe for disaster. These bad habits were thought to be equally risky for both men and women. But it’s been found men’s health can suffer much faster and face bigger dangers in a surprisingly short time.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Eating nuts strengthens your brain waves

You already know nuts are brain food. But a new study has measured their powerful effect in the form of brain waves. They tested six different kinds of nuts, and all of them produced brainwave frequencies that can improve cognition, healing, learning, memory and more…

Joyce Hollman

6 silent heart attack symptoms lucky survivors missed

Last month, my friend Jeff felt a strange heaviness in his upper arms. It wasn’t from exercise and it wasn’t painful, just strange. He called his doctor, who suggested a trip to the ER. Jeff was having a heart attack. What would you have done if you were Jeff?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How your microbiome helps or hurts weight loss

When you think about losing weight, chances are you think about your gut, the one that’s central in the battle of the bulge. But you might be focusing on the wrong gut. Research has found a surprising reason there that explains when you and your friend follow the same diet, only one of you loses weight.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Exercise: A powerful drug-free remedy for chronic anxiety

It’s no secret that exercise can help you feel better about yourself and your life. In fact, studies have shown regular physical activity to combat depression and put a smile on your face. But is a drug-free solution to chronic anxiety that easy?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 sneaky signs of a vitamin deficiency

Even in first world countries, like the U.S., vitamin deficiencies may be more common than you would ever guess. How do you know if you’re getting enough of the nutrients considered essential? Besides having your blood tested, pay attention to these six often sneaky signs of a deficiency…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What omega-3s do to a middle-aged brain

Most of the research into brain health has focused on slowing or reversing the mind-stealing conditions you see in the elderly. But what, if anything, can omega-3s do for a middle-aged brain, especially one with a genetic predisposition for those very problems?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Cut carbs now to cut 3 major health threats

Approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes and another 96 million are pre-diabetic. If you’re one of those 96 million, you may not even know you’re on the verge of developing diabetes, much less at increased risk for heart attack or stroke. One change could turn that around…

Carolyn Gretton

What you should know about shingles and stroke

Shingles may seem like more of an annoyance than a serious threat to your health. But that’s not exactly true. Shingles can actually affect your eyes, cause nerve pain and attack your internal organs. It can also raise your risk of potentially life-threatening cardiovascular complications…

Joyce Hollman

The two consistent warnings women get before heart attack

Many people still think that a heart attack strikes suddenly, or with very little warning. A Harvard Health survey tells us that, for women, the warning signs can come as much as a month in advance. And they’re anything but the classic signs most people look for…

Jenny Smiechowski

Is winter really heart attack season?

As the cold weather approaches, you know you have to protect yourself from ailments like cold and flu. But what about more serious events, like heart attack? Surprsingly, as the temperatures go down our risk for heart attack goes up. Here’s why (an odd effect on blood vessels, for one) and what to do…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Best for a sharp brain: Crossword puzzles vs. high-tech games

Certain activities help stimulate the brain to keep it running like a high-performance race car. That’s why there are plenty of sophisticated web-based cognitive games specifically designed to improve those skills we need to keep our independence. And then there are crossword puzzles…

Craig Cooper

Osteoporosis: Not just a woman’s disease

Even though men in their 50s don’t have the same rapid bone loss women do, that changes around 65. Then, men lose bone mass at the same rate, and recovery from fracture is riskier for men. Most surprising? The risk of an osteoporotic fracture in men is higher than the risk of prostate cancer.

Carolyn Gretton

The link between CoQ10 and age-related frailty

Frailty can strike anyone over the age of 65, and the subtle changes can sneak up if you’re not careful. The factor that makes it more likely is the loss of a certain nutrient that circulates in your blood less and less with each passing birthday, increasing vulnerability to this scourge of aging…

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