Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

Carolyn Gretton

Sit a lot? Activity ‘snacks’ counter the harm and maintain muscle

The research is in: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and weaken our bones and muscles, making us more susceptible to frailty as we age. But adding this “snack” to our daily menu could go a long way toward reversing that damage to live longer and healthier…

Jenny Smiechowski

Fight colds and cancer with camu camu

Need an edge this cold and flu season? It’s time you discovered the berry with up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, and enough potassium, calcium, protein, beta-carotene, amino acids and antioxidants to support your heart, liver, eyes and more.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Lose weight and keep it off: Tips from 6,000 people who have

Only about one in five people who lose weight will actually succeed in keeping it off long-term. So does that mean you’re doomed to failure? Definitely not. Just take the right advice to heart, from those who’ve been there, done that and, most importantly, succeeded…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

5 cardiologist-approved tips for heart-healthy holidays

There may have been fewer trick-or-treaters at your door this year, but Halloween still marks the first holiday of a season that can make it extra challenging to stick to your heart-healthy eating plan. With cardiologist-approved tips, you can make it.

Easy Health Options Staff

10 things to know about blood clots

A blood clot is a collection of blood in the body that has changed from liquid to a semi-solid mass. The body does this to stop bleeding when injured, but sometimes a clot forms inside a blood vessel and does not dissolve on its own. Here are 10 things to know about them…

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…

Jenny Smiechowski

Fish may lower women’s crazy high Alzheimer’s-air pollution threat

A variety of factors can contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s. But one incredibly important factor often gets overlooked: air pollution. Women who live in highly polluted areas are as much as 92 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Luckily, there may be a simple way to counteract the Alzheimer’s-air pollution threat…

Joyce Hollman

8 tasty ways to stay hydrated as it warms up

Even those of us who normally hide from the heat and sun have felt the need to get outside to avoid “cabin fever.” Just don’t forget that the danger of dehydration can sneak up on you. Here are eight foods that have more than their share of water and can help you stay healthfully hydrated…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to improve family bonds and keep peace while safe at home

You love your family. Life wouldn’t be the same without them. But let’s face it, sometimes family relationships can be stressful, especially when you’re stuck in the house together for months and months. But there’s something simple you can do to make your family dynamic less stressful during the pandemic and beyond…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

7 reasons your sex drive (and your health) may be lagging

It’s normal to go through ups and downs when it comes to your sex drive. However, if you’ve found that your libido is chronically lagging, there could be something more going on. And even though it’s easy to just fall into a rut, a healthy sex life has too many health benefits to give up on…

Jenny Smiechowski

The secret ingredients for prostate cancer prevention

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of death. So, how do you protect yourself? Well, according to new research, eating more fruits, veggies and plant-based protein could deliver a potent dose of prostate cancer protection…

Jenny Smiechowski

Herbs to reach for when a hangover happens

The best prevention for a hangover is to drink wisely if you drink. My advice would be to stick to one to two drinks max, in which case you wouldn’t need to worry about hangovers at all. But accidents happen, and these herbs may be the remedy for such occasions…

Joyce Hollman

How curcumin prevents muscle damage and soreness

Why reach for dangerous NSAIDs when you can reach into your spice cabinet for something that relieves muscle aches without the side effects? Research shows that curcumin supplements are a safe, effective way to prevent muscle damage, pain and inflammation whether you’re exercising, working, gardening or getting your game on.

Jenny Smiechowski

When too much of a good thing could lead to colon cancer

You’re constantly being told to eat antioxidant foods to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases. But what if these typically healthy antioxidants have an unpredictable side that can fuel cancer under certain circumstances? New research shows that may be the case…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 things that trigger an IBS flare

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome can feel like you’re living on a razor blade, never knowing when your symptoms are going to flare. But the truth is, there are a number of common triggers (not all food-related) that can make your IBS worse. Avoiding them could mean enjoying more symptomless days, making life with your condition much easier…

Joyce Hollman

Flu and pneumonia vaccines may prevent Alzheimer’s

If you’ve wondered about the benefits of a flu vaccine, here’s something to consider… If you already get it every year, you’ll be glad to know you may be getting something else: protection from another, seemingly unrelated disease that can rob you first of your memories and then of your life.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The grain science says can slow down aging

People have been searching for the fountain of youth for thousands of years. Research has found that diets that severely restrict calories do the trick. But who wants to give up food? You don’t have to! Simply adding one type of grain to your diet can mimic that life-lengthening caloric-restriction, without starvation…

Joyce Hollman

How to save a fatty liver before it’s too late

Left untreated, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. At this point, a liver transplant may be the only way to save a life. That’s why we’re so excited to learn about a new study on how to prevent this silent liver disease that’s attacking more than 100 million Americans.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Fever, fatigue, headache: Is it a tick bite or COVID-19?

We all know that ticks can carry disease. So, we’ve learned to look out for the little bloodsuckers after a day outdoors, specifically the deer tick to avoid Lyme disease. But, there’s another tick-borne disease from the rather aggressive lone star tick you need to be aware of…

Jenny Smiechowski

How high blood sugar stands in the way of getting fit

When you first take up exercising, it’s excruciating. You can’t breathe and every muscle hurts. But, eventually, you build up aerobic capacity and it gets easier, unless you have high blood sugar, that is. New research shows why exercise can be the hardest for those who have the most to benefit…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The common testosterone thief targeting men and women

Testosterone is the elixir of life, an antidote to some of the worst health issues plaguing us today. You might think it’s just men who need to protect their levels as much as possible. But women need it to… because this testosterone-thief doesn’t discriminate.

Jenny Smiechowski

For brain-saving omega-3 benefits, dosage matters

There’s a ton of research showing omega-3s have the potential to stave off Alzheimer’s. But there are also studies that didn’t hold up. These discrepancies have left many wondering whether omega-3s really work against Alzheimer’s. Luckily, new insights show their effectiveness may all come down to this one important factor…

Joyce Hollman

The ‘low-down’ on what green tea does to high blood pressure

You might think that a drink with caffeine couldn’t be good for your blood pressure. But study after study shows there’s something about green tea. That’s why two groups of scientists from distant areas of the world decided to take a look at all those findings and give us what we’ve been waiting for… the definitive answer on green tea.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For more heart protection, eat more chocolate

Every year, heart disease kills more people than any other disease on earth, including cancer. So, is it any wonder that we’re all searching for ways to keep our ticker ticking? From exercise and supplements to diet, we all want to know how to keep our hearts healthy. And now, science has found a sweet answer to that problem in an unlikely source.

Jenny Smiechowski

12 sunscreen ingredients the FDA could ban

It’s becoming obvious that sunscreen comes with serious baggage. Studies have found the active chemicals seep into your body at much higher levels than what’s considered safe. And as a result, the FDA’s putting some new regulations in place soon. But here’s how to make safer sunscreen choices…

Joyce Hollman

Curcumin: From spice to potent anti-viral

Research on curcumin, the compound found in the Indian spice turmeric, is pointing to its potential as an antiviral drug. It’s shown the ability to counteract herpes and Zika viruses and may even have some power against the HIV virus. How you can get some of curcumin’s anti-viral power now?

Joyce Hollman

How to brew up the many benefits of lavender tea

The scent of diffused lavender oil can help you wind down and relax before bed. But a cup of lavender tea can also do the trick and help settle your stomach. That’s because lavender tea is good for more than just sleep and relaxation. Here are more reasons to drink this lovely tea, and how…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 superfoods for super women

Eating a healthy diet is important for anyone who wants to live better, longer. But certain foods are especially effective at helping women meet their special health needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top seven superfoods that are especially good for women…

Jenny Smiechowski

The three best foods for fighting diabetes

It’s easy to get confused about what you should eat to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Should you go low-carb? Vegan? Low-cal? There’s so much conflicting information out there. So, here’s some simple advice — if you want to escape type 2 diabetes, focus on these three food groups to slash your risk up to 50 percent…

Jenny Smiechowski

Grapes deliver the perfect dose of heart-healthy antioxidants

Oxidative stress is like kryptonite for your heart. It’s tied to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure, cardiac fibrosis (scarring), plaque rupture, arterial blood clots and even heart failure. Luckily, there’s a fruit that contains the three most powerful antioxidants to fend off oxidative stress and provide serious heart protection…

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