Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Why low thyroid is so often misdiagnosed as depression or menopause

From heart trouble to sleep apnea and Parkinson’s, doctors all too often fail to see the signs or flat-out misdiagnose women’s health. And they’re still doing it when it comes to thyroid problems, telling women the symptoms are in their heads or just one more problem of menopause. Here’s why…

Joyce Hollman

The minimum amount of steps to lower dementia risk

10,000 steps a day seems like an impossible goal. And luckily, we’re finding you don’t have to really walk that much to get real-world benefits. Want to make a singificant dent in your dementia risk? You’ll be glad to know you can take that number way down…

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising effects of antioxidants on insulin resistance and metformin

The best way to combat damage from oxidative stress is with antioxidants. These powerful nutrients strike a balance against the perils of aging and inflammation that can destroy health. Now we’ve learned they can defend against a mechanism of metabolic disease that leads to insulin resistance…

Jedha Dening

Why this disease sign makes your teeth fall out

Tooth loss is considered a serious health problem that sits right up there beside arthritis and cancer. It’s also been associated with a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and even death. So, the reasons to be extra vigilant about what’s behind your dental health go far beyond that pretty smile.

Joyce Hollman

10 signs your immune system is sending an S.O.S.

The human body is amazing. But a lot of little things can go wrong. Some are annoying, like rashes, while others, like fatigue, can wreak havoc with our daily lives. Many of these mishaps are set off by a poorly functioning immune system. Here’s how to know if yours is in trouble…

Joyce Hollman

‘Menopause diet’ significantly reduces hot flashes and weight

The ‘M’ in menopause stands for miserable. Hot flashes at the most inopportune times during the day and relentless sleep robbers at night. If HRT isn’t for you, discover the diet that works as well and helped women drop an average of eight pounds…

Miguel Leyva

Risky drugs: From bladder trouble to vision damage

For consumers who suffer lifelong side effects after prescription drug use, the question that often arises first is: How could medication approved by the FDA cause them serious harm? A drug used to treat a painful bladder condition is just one example of what happens when the system goes terribly wrong…

Easy Health Options Staff

They used this vitamin to block tumor growth – and it worked

Colon cancer can be especially difficult to eradicate. But help for patients fighting this battle may come from a simple vitamin.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The aluminum-Alzheimer’s connection grows stronger

Everyday items we come in contact with can impact our health. One of those is aluminum, long associated with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s. As a theory, it’s controversial, but researchers find it wrapped up in brain tau tangles. Do you know all the ways you’re exposed to it?

Craig Cooper

Beta-sitosterol: Natural support for the prostate, heart and more

Plant sterols are natural substances produced by plants. Beta-Sitosterol is one type that’s well known for supporting prostate health. But the list doesn’t stop there. Here’s how to use this popular plant substance for your best male health and more…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

There’s more than meets the eye about how our arteries harden

Hardening of the arteries seems to be one of those things we just expect with age. It can destroy heart function, lead to heart attack, even death. But we’ve learned more about the process that causes arteries to harden, and that’s valuable information if you want to try to avoid this killer…

Joyce Hollman

How to keep night shift from dragging your health down

Night shift workers are prone to health risks based on the fact that their work hours are in direct contradiction to their circadian rhythm. From higher BMI to depression, these conditions can drag health down fast. Is the solution as easy as when to eat?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

‘Stepping away’ from chronic disease varies by condition

It’s no secret that more time spent sitting than moving shortens lives. That’s why experts encourage us to count our steps. They even nailed down how many daily steps you need to prevent a multitude of chronic diseases, ranging from obesity to depression, heart disease to GERD and more…

Carolyn Gretton

The diabetes side effect no one talks about

Sex. It’s a topic that’s all over TV, film and social media. Unfortunately, it’s one that many of us are uncomfortable discussing personally. And if you have diabetes, you may not even be aware that your blood sugar problems not only mess with your health but are also behind problems in the bedroom…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sex after 60: if you’re not doing it, you should be

Who says sex after 60 stops? If you think you’re supposed to leave all that behind after a certain birthday, you’d be mistaken. Researchers say an active sex life can offer benefits that can make your life more satisfying with age, and they have some tips to help you get it on…

Easy Health Options Staff

COPD: What to know about your prematurely aged immune system

COPD is an umbrella term for a group of incurable inflammatory lung disorders. It carries higher risk for other serious conditions such as heart disease, memory loss, stroke or diabetes. But less has been known about its connection to vitamin deficiency and an aged immune system…

Joyce Hollman

Two mistakes to avoid (like your life depends on it) when you retire

If you’re newly retired, or will be soon, some planning probably went into how you’ll spend this chapter of your life. Your finances may have been at the top of your list. But before you check anything off, be sure you don’t make the two mistakes that don’t leave room for second chances…

Jedha Dening

Cholesterol drugs: Prescription for disease?

When your physician suggests you need to take a medication, you likely trust their advice. After all, they are the medical experts. You’d never expect them to prescribe you a drug that doesn’t work — much less one with links to other deadly diseases. But that’s just what has happened…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The easiest way to drop your stroke risk by almost 50%

Some of us feel powerless about improving our odds of living long lives without the physical limitations that can make us dependent on others. A stroke is a perfect example of the kind of event that can change everything in an instant. But you can do something incredibly simple to lower that risk…

Carolyn Gretton

The after-stroke danger to be aware of: ‘Sticky’ blood vessels

It’s well-known that stroke can cause damage to the brain. But once the stroke is treated, it seems logical that the damage would stop there. Unfortunately, researchers have discovered a process deep within your body that can lead to more destruction. But it may be possible to dial it back…

Carolyn Gretton

DIM: The short answer to a long list of midlife ailments

In our 40s, our list of health concerns begins to grow. It doesn’t take long before that shortlist gets longer and longer. It would be easy to get overwhelmed trying to rein them all in, unless you’re familiar with one powerful phytonutrient that tackles them all, including hormone imbalance, sluggish metabolism, immune health and so much more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

It’s not your diet: Why breathing is making us fat

Nothing is more frustrating than seeing numbers on a scale tipping in the wrong direction, no matter how much calorie counting you’ve done. Is it your diet? Hormones? Or the air you breathe? It’s not high in calories, but it’s high in something else science says packs on the pounds…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Heart disease: Not as sexist as you thought

Unless you grew up in a family where mothers and grandmothers suffered heart attack, like mine, I can see why many think heart disease is a man’s disease. But once you know what fueled the stereotype, you’ll understand
it’s an equal opportunity threat..

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Pomegranate: The fruit fueling cancer-fighting cells

This juicy red fruit is packed with antioxidants and possesses rich levels of a compound found to revive aging and defective mitochondria to help keep muscles stronger longer and extend lifespan. Now its cancer-fighting potential has gotten the attention of the scientific community…

Joyce Hollman

A family history of disease? It matters much less in your 50s

If mom, dad or granddad had cancer or diabetes, most of us believe we’ll suffer the same fate. Well, you can worry a lot less about that if you’ve reached 55. That may seem counter to everything you think you know about aging. But it could be a game-changer if you’re ready to play.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For an immune system like a 20-year-old, do this one thing

Isn’t aging grand? Not only do you have to worry about wrinkles, blood sugar problems, osteoporosis, hormones and a laundry list of other issues, but there’s a reason your immune system just doesn’t function like it used to either. That one’s easier to fix…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 things muscle cramps say about your health

Muscle cramps are a common problem with a lot of potential causes. But no matter what’s causing your muscle cramps, regular cramping isn’t something you should ignore. It’s your body’s way of telling you something’s not right…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The cholesterol drugs giving you cataracts

Lipitor is the biggest-selling drug in the history of the pharmaceutical industry, even though the evidence for using statins to lower heart attack and stroke is not as strong as once thought. But, if you’re a statin-taker, you know they do far more than just that…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Women’s biggest benefit from intermittent fasting: Lower cancer risk

For women, just getting older increases the risk of breast cancer. Being overweight takes it up a few notches. Those odds double down after 50 if you carry extra weight and the change steals your sleep. How can you upset the odds? Change when you eat…

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising food that supports your aging memory most

Memory problems are often considered an unavoidable consequence of old age. “Senior moments” are an expected and even comical part of getting older. We create memes, books and birthday cards about them. But even though most of us can laugh about it, you don’t want it to happen to you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How stress kicks cancer into gear

Beating cancer once seems like it should be enough of a challenge for any lifetime. But the truth of the matter is cancer often does come back. Doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint just why some tumors suddenly activate again sending many survivors back into the spiral of surgery, chemo and radiation. Until now. Thanks […]

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Why your bones need extra TLC after weight loss surgery

Obesity is a leading health concern. But for some people, losing weight seems impossible. For them, weight loss surgeries, known collectively as bariatric surgery, can work and carry some major metabolic benefits. But there’s a downside for your bone health. But if that’s all that’s standing in your way, you can get around it…

Carolyn Gretton

Brain anomaly discovered that could be responsible for migraine

Once thought to be caused by blood vessels in the head, researchers now believe migraine is a neurological disorder involving nerve pathways and brain chemicals. Whatever the cause, effective treatment would be a huge relief for many. One research team has zeroed in on a particular brain chemical that could be involved in migraine onset… […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Training your nose to smell again after COVID-19

A weird and common symptom of COVID-19 affecting up to 80 percent of us is the loss of smell. Some suffer parosmia, where their sense of smell is distorted, making lemons smell like cabbage. Luckily, it’s possible to “train” your sense of smell back to normal…

Joyce Hollman

The supplement that guards against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Too few of us give our liver the credit and care it deserves. In 2018 there were nearly 3 million liver-related deaths. Roughly half were due to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disease, for which there is no treatment. That may be about to change, thanks to a simple amino acid. […]

Carolyn Gretton

A Chinese herb may hold the key to fighting pancreatic cancer

A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is pretty grim. In fact, the five-year survival rate is less than 10 percent. But, thankfully, medical researchers are busy exploring new avenues of treatment for the deadly disease. And one team has identified a compound from a plant commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that may be able to […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 places where Americans are exposed to high arsenic in drinking water

One thing most Americans take for granted is clean drinking water. Even most bottled water drinkers wouldn’t blink an eye at the thought of turning on the tap for a quick, refreshing glass in a pinch. But depending on the community you live in and its water source, that might not be a good idea. […]

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Are you going through the “cardiovascular change”?

Menopause is a time of distress due to the symptoms it brings. But few realize how much a woman’s risk for heart disease increases during this change. That’s because menopause isn’t just “the change” that marks the end of your menstrual cycle. It’s the time of life that also signals a change in cardiovascular health. […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What more wine and cheese can do for your cognitive health

If you enjoy a little cheese and a glass of wine regularly, we’ve got good news. That delicious indulgence may provide cognitive protection. A first-of-its-kind large scale analysis has connected specific foods to mental sharpness later in life. But not only that, they revealed the one thing you should never eat to avoid Alzheimer’s disease. […]

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Is selenium the answer to Graves’ eye disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid gland to become overactive. Unfortunately, in some cases, it can lead to vision problems. Fortunately, it’s not too common, only affecting a small segment of the population. But if you were in that group, wouldn’t you like to know how a trace mineral might help? […]

Carolyn Gretton

How tomatoes could make Parkinson’s treatment more accessible

L-dopa remains the gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease. But using L-dopa over the long term can lead to some pretty nasty side effects. Researchers have been exploring naturally derived alternatives to chemical L-dopa, and they’ve come up with a potential solution that can save money and possibly sidestep its adverse reactions… If you have […]

Joyce Hollman

Chemicals in green tea could help deactivate the coronavirus

Researchers are constantly looking for ways to weaken and block the action of the coronavirus. And that would certainly prove useful right now. So, it probably won’t surprise you to hear that one of the foods we already count on for its multiple health benefits may be part of the answer to conquering this pandemic. […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Bacteria’s role in cancer development, treatment and avoiding it

Science has many times proven a link between the bacteria in your gut and your odds of both getting and surviving cancer. Now, a new study has revealed a surprising truth behind cancerous tumors that could hold the key to cancer care in the future — and yes, once again, it all comes down to […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Good news if you’re running low on alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been told to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. But shelves that once were full of the germ-killing goo have gone bare. That’s ok, because research is finally catching up with what works and what doesn’t against the virus. And that applies not just to treatment but hand sanitizer too. […]

Carolyn Gretton

Diabetes care for the ‘new normal’

Diabetes is a disease that can be difficult to manage. Less than 50 percent of the half a billion people worldwide with diabetes meet glycemic targets, increasing their risk of complications. It’s a situation that cries out for innovation. And strangely enough, it is coming from a surprising source: the pandemic is changing diabetes care… […]

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Why fad diets don’t work

How successful was the last diet you tried? Based on our experience and research, the answer is probably, “not very!” We’ve all tried the newest trendy diet and guess what? We rarely last more than a few days and the results never stick! Before you try another, let’s talk about why and discuss effective options… Fad […]

Joyce Hollman

6 head-to-toe reasons to use marula oil

The average person has about 22 square feet of skin. In fact, your skin is your body’s largest organ and the biggest barrier between you and disease. Natural oils keep skin healthy and flexible. You probably know about coconut oil for your skin and hair. But it may be time to try something new… Dry, […]

Joyce Hollman

The stand-alone COVID symptom that makes recovery harder

Respiratory symptoms are the hallmark of a COVID-19 infection. But others are pretty strange, like loss of smell and taste. Others are more commonplace, producing flu-like body aches, sore throat and headache. But about 20 percent may get “stomach bug” symptoms and be in for a long recovery. Research is showing that those patients who […]

Joyce Hollman

Use this ‘sign’ language to have a healthier relationship with your cat

For a cat owner, there’s nothing better than a loud, rumbling purr coming from a warm body in your lap. To us, it says that our feline friends love us. And we love that their companionship offers up proven health benefits, as do other pets. But cats can also be notoriously aloof unless you know […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why high blood sugar could lead to a heart attack or stroke

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, you’re at risk for more than just nerve pain, kidney issues and poor wound healing. In fact, according to a brand-new cross-sectional study, the largest risk you face due to your blood sugar problems could be to your life itself. In fact, if you have type 2 diabetes, […]

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Blackcurrants’ powerful impact on blood sugar

Have you been struggling to keep your blood sugar levels under control? Dark blackcurrants have a noticeable impact on blood sugar and insulin levels after meals. That’s excellent news for those living on the edge of prediabetes or anyone looking for natural ways to improve insulin sensitivity, avoid blood sugar spikes and improve glucose metabolism. […]

Carolyn Gretton

How to help your lungs cleanse themselves

This cold and flu season may be exacerbated by COVID-19, so it’s wise to take extra precautions to protect your lungs and your respiratory health. While your lungs can and do repair themselves, you can take steps to help support that process by clearing mucus so you can breathe easier and hopefully avoid complications from […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Go coo-coo for cocoa for a sharper, healthier brain

You may have already heard that eating the potent little compounds known as flavanols that you find in brightly colored fruits and vegetables is good for your blood vessels, helping them to function better and keeping your heart healthy. Now, it turns out they’re also one of the healthiest things for your brain, too. New […]

Joyce Hollman

High blood pressure at middle age means brain problems in old age

If you’re like most, you figure you won’t really have to worry about hypertension until you’re well into your 50s or 60s. That’s a mistake that could set you up for stroke and dementia. New research says controlling your blood pressure is a “long game,” and we’d all be wise to start paying attention now… […]

Virginia Tims-Lawson

New and improved Mediterranean diet reduces heart risks even more

One of the best diets for lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke and even diabetes is the Mediterranean diet. But would you believe researchers have found a way to take those benefits up a few notches to help us lose more weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure even more? Meet the better, greener Med diet…

Joyce Hollman

Women are more likely to die from heart attack and heart failure than men

Heart attack continues to be the leading cause of death in men. But women do suffer heart attacks, and when they do, they appear to get the shorter end of the stick. In fact, recently published research found women to be at a surprisingly higher risk for heart failure and heart attack death than men… […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Everyday activities that can skyrocket your well-being and mental health

It’s not always easy to feel happy, alert and bursting with energy, even if you’re on the healthy side of things. But you may look at some mundane activities you do every day quite differently when you understand this one major underlying benefit…

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Three key periods in life when alcohol can hasten cognitive decline

The holiday season is buzzing with celebrations, albeit smaller this year, that include plenty of drinks to go around. But it’s no secret that alcohol affects the brain. Though the occasional celebratory drink may be alright, researchers have identified three key times in our lives when alcohol can be especially harmful to our brains. The […]

Carolyn Gretton

How antioxidants may reduce vulnerability to COVID-19

As COVID-19 spreads, scientists are unraveling the complexities of the disease and the virus behind it. One thing they’ve discovered is a particular mechanism that could explain why there are those among us, like the elderly and people with chronic disease, who are more vulnerable to infection, as well as provide clues to help them. […]

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to reduce heart failure risk by 42 percent

Sadly, almost 380,000 people are likely to die this year due to heart failure. And while numerous factors can raise your risk of becoming one of those statistics — like high blood pressure, heart attack and even diabetes that damages your blood vessels — there’s an easily modifiable risk factor that might surprise you… your […]

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