Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘controversial’ aluminum-Alzheimer’s connection

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 a physician suggests a medication, you trust them. You’d never expect them to prescribe a drug that may not actually work — much less one with links to other 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…

Joyce Hollman

5 reasons you wake up at night and how to stop

Insomnia is commonly thought of as the inability to fall asleep. But if you find yourself sound asleep, only to wake up at 2 a.m. to stare at the ceiling for hours, you’re dealing with a phenomenon called “middle insomnia.” Here are five reasons it might be happening…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Purple tomato boosted with 10x the cancer-fighting antioxidants

A purple cancer-fighting tomato is making headlines. Its beautiful hue is the result of antioxidant pigments naturally found in berries which exert powerful benefits by mopping up dangerous free radicals. But are GMO antioxidants any better than organic ones?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘diet’ fruit that makes you feel full faster

If you’re looking to lose weight, don’t fall into the low-fat trap. That’s not only difficult, but for men a low-fat diet can lead to low T and tank a healthy libido. Instead opt for this diet “fruit” with the good fat that make you feel full enough to push back from the table sooner…

Jenny Smiechowski

The superstar antioxidant that stops osteoarthritis in its tracks

Osteoarthritis is a pain in the butt, or more accurately, the knee, hip, hand, neck or back. The loss of cartilage in these areas leads to painful bone rubbing that can prevent you from doing all sorts of everyday activities. Unfortunately, doctors can’t help much, but there is a promising antioxidant that not only relieves the pain but could stop osteoarthritis from progressing…

Joyce Hollman

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Protection far beyond your eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids known for supporting vision health. That’s why mom made sure you ate your carrots. But even mom didn’t know then that this duo’s protection could go far beyond, extending benefits from your brain to your bones and more.

Joyce Hollman

Is your doctor prescribing you drugs on the ‘danger list’?

There are a few classes of drugs you should be wary of… they can cloud your mind, reduce your abilities and they’re slow to leave your system. That increases risk of injury. What do you do if your doctor prescribes them? Try this…

Jenny Smiechowski

To protect your brain, watch where you get your calcium

The older you get, the higher your risk of developing osteoporosis. And taking a calcium supplement can help curb that risk. But, it turns out, taking a calcium supplement for healthy bones could put another crucial body part at risk…

Joyce Hollman

When sound drives you crazy: Misophonia, tinnitus, phonophobia and more

Do certain sounds make your skin crawl? Do you anticipate with dread that one repetitive sound that you know could push you over the edge? Or do you hear constant noise that has no external source? You may be suffering from one of these conditions — and you’re not alone…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 ways apple cider vinegar could save your health

When you think of apple cider vinegar, you probably picture that tangy salad dressing that makes your mouth water or that tart marinade that gives your favorite chicken dish an extra kick. But, if you’re only using the flavor-packed powerhouse in your cooking, you could be missing out on some big health benefits…

Jenny Smiechowski

How getting mindful can help eliminate chronic stomach symptoms

Do you have stomach issues, food allergies or intolerances? What if you could get rid of your gut trouble without changing anything in your diet? It sounds too good to be true, but it’s possible. That’s because gut issues don’t always have to do only with the contents of your stomach…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The high fiber fruits and veggies that lower breast cancer risk by 8%

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. And even while breast cancer rates have been decreasing, this year alone, over 42,100 women will die from it. But a review of 20 studies proves a high fiber diet is a solid way to bring your breast cancer risk down.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

6 signs you’re deficient in these essential nutrients

In many modern countries, even the U.S. where most people have access to high-quality nutrition, vitamin deficiencies are more common than most realize. That puts wellness at the top of the list… starting with these essential nutrients…

Jenny Smiechowski

12 unusual COVID-19 symptoms that are striking seniors

COVID-19 has us on high alert for fever, cough, shortness of breath, not to mention the loss of taste and smell and red eyes. But according to medical experts, seniors may start acting “off” before they develop these symptoms. Here’s how COVID-19 affects them and 12 signs to watch for…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 habits that age you, kick them to keep your age a secret

We all want to look younger. Yet, little things you do each day could be aging you beyond your years… That’s why we’re counting down six seemingly harmless habits that can leave your face looking like a road map. If you’re doing any of these, stop now to keep your age a secret…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The statin mistake that increases your weight and decreases your health

On their own, statins are not a fool-proof guarantee of better outcomes. In fact, I recommend that all my patients eat a heart-healthy diet. Why? Because if your cholesterol is high and you can reduce it with diet alone, that’s always the better answer. That’s why a new study is so alarming…

Jenny Smiechowski

High selenium diet increases chance of COVID-19 survival

With COVID-19 going around, you want your immune system to be primed and ready to fight if and when it needs to. That means you should pay a little extra attention to the vitamins and minerals you’re getting daily. A new scientific review shows that high selenium levels could be linked to a higher likelihood of surviving COVID-19…

Jenny Smiechowski

The clean 15 and dirty dozen fruit and veggie guide for 2020

I buy a lot of my food organic, but not all of it. Sometimes, the price tag is so steep that I convince myself my body can handle a little dose of pesticides for the sake of my pocketbook. But based on all I’ve learned about pesticides and produce, I know I need to be strategic about which foods I buy organic and which ones I don’t…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The top 5 science-backed benefits of walking

There’s one exercise that can be done anywhere. No special equipment is required and the benefits are wide-ranging — from boosting your brain health to keeping your heart ticking.So, throw out the excuses and break out your shoes…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 heart attack habits to ditch before it’s too late

Since we know that heart disease is the leading cause of heart attacks, is there anything you’re doing that’s increasing your risk of death? What can you do differently that could save your life? For starters, you can change these five habits and change your risk…

Joyce Hollman

Inflammation fix helps fight depression and obesity

I’m being careful to make very conscious choices about what I eat these days. See, the link between depression and weight gain is well established. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that may be the root of the problem and the answer to fixing it…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why too much TV is hurting your heart

As much as I enjoy losing myself in good television, I know that by watching so much all at once, I might be putting my health at risk. According to all the research, binge-watching is linked to a higher risk of inflammatory disease and a shorter life span in general… so is there a level that’s safe, especially for your heart health? The good news is yes!

Jenny Smiechowski

‘Recipe’ for dementia found: don’t eat these foods together

You’ve probably heard about “brain-boosting” foods that lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. But an area that gets overlooked when we talk about diet is food pairing. Can eating certain foods together impact your risk? Turns out these pairings are a recipe for cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 cancer warning signs that are easy to overlook

Overall, fewer people are dying from cancer. But while cancer deaths are going down, the number of people being diagnosed with certain types actually went up last year. We’ve put together a list of six symptoms that doctors say patients often miss to help you avoid being caught in this nightmare scenario…

Jenny Smiechowski

Protecting your heart from metabolic syndrome is easier than you’d think

If you have metabolic syndrome, you’re officially at a much higher risk for heart disease (diabetes and cancer too). Scary thought, I know. But protecting yourself from the dangers of metabolic syndrome might be easier than you’d think…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How the skins of some fruits could slow the damage of MS

More than one million people suffer from MS in the U.S. But ground-breaking research may be able to help them slow, even reverse the damage it inflicts on the nervous system. Best of all, it’s a natural compound found in some of our favorite fruits.

Jenny Smiechowski

The one factor that determines whether your coffee is heart healthy

Even though coffee has transformed its bad-for-you image over the past couple of decades, there are still lingering questions about coffee’s impact on your health. Why is coffee OK for your heart in some studies and not OK in other studies? Research shows it all may come down to this one thing…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to use the power of your mind to reverse signs of heart disease

In the weeks after a heart attack, you need to do things differently so you don’t have another one. What should you do to turn your heart health around? Healthy eating and exercise are great starters. But there’s another component to restoring heart health that people often forget about…

Joyce Hollman

Why deep sleep helps lower your Alzheimer’s risk

For decades, scientists have questioned the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s. Does poor sleep increase risk? It seems people with sleep problems are more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s. Or, does the brain biology of people at risk cause them to have poor sleep? Regardless, what’s at the root of this is what deep sleep does to your brain.

Joyce Hollman

Experts agree: Dietary supplements can help in the fight against COVID-19

We know that, as of now, there’s no cure for COVID-19 infection. The best defenses have been social distancing and handwashing. But what about nutrition? Now an international team of physician-researchers is advising vitamins and minerals that support immunity in this battle…

Jenny Smiechowski

The willow compound with more anti-cancer potential than aspirin

Over the past couple of decades, we’ve seen aspirin’s anti-cancer clout rise significantly. But the salicin that inspired aspirin may not even be the best anti-cancer compound the amazing willow has to offer. Recent research shows there’s another willow compound with even more cancer-fighting potential…

Joyce Hollman

A dozen delicious ways to power-up your immune system

Making deliberate choices about the foods you eat and what kinds of meals you prepare for yourself can truly make the difference between good or poor health or between a minor illness or a life-threatening one. Foods that boost your immune health are especially important…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘hangover supplement’ with powerful liver protection

I like a glass a wine now and then, but I’m finding my body doesn’t tolerate it as well as it did in my younger days. Luckily, a study has found an herbal remedy may work like a natural hangover drug to not only significantly reduce acute alcohol-related symptoms but protect the liver.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Fallen lately? Here’s why you should get your hearing checked…

If you’ve been feeling out of balance or even taken a tumble, it may be time to get your ears checked — but not for the reasons you might think. It turns out your hearing plays a bigger role in your balance than ever realized and a hearing test could help you avoid a fall…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet that could help people with asthma breathe easier

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, more than 25 million Americans now suffer from asthma. That’s 25 million people that have to take more extensive precautions with their health in these unprecedented times. So, what should you be doing now to protect yourself if you have asthma?

Jenny Smiechowski

The probiotic that could help clobber celiac disease

If you have celiac disease you have to strip every trace of gluten from your life. But even when you try your best, a dose of gluten gets past and ends up triggering diarrhea, fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, and other terrible symptoms. Here’s good news for you, even if you’re just gluten sensitive…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

10 foods to avoid when you’re fighting a virus

If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that prevention is worth its weight in gold. But you should know, just like there are foods that can boost your health when you need it most, there are some foods that, no matter what bug you’re fighting, you should avoid like, well… the plague.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How inflammation sabotages immune cells to lead to liver cancer

There’s no way to put this that it doesn’t sound scary: Inflammation causes your body to produce cells that stop your immune system from fighting off cancer — basically putting the brakes on your defenses and allowing the cancer to grow unchecked. But’s that information you can use to turn your risk around…

Jenny Smiechowski

The habit that could make your brain nearly a decade younger

As you know, brain volume tends to shrink with age. And as a result, you start to experience some level of cognitive decline, even if you don’t end up with dementia or Alzheimer’s. But one man’s brain scans show a near lifetime practice can slow down the rate at which the brain ages…

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