Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

The link between diabetes, UTIs and the hormone that helps

Diabetes can lead to complications, especially infections. In fact, diabetics are 10 times more likely to suffer urinary tract infections. And yes blood sugar is to blame for its impact on the innate immune system…

Joyce Hollman

5 things you need to know about drug interactions with cannabinoids

The effect of cannabinoids, when compounded with the effects of certain other drugs, can create some dangerous symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about possible interactions before you start to use CBD.

Joyce Hollman

Is a sharp mind as simple as taking a daily multivitamin?

Multivitamins are an easy way to supplement a diet that’s not always perfectly balanced, even though skeptics will tell you they only produce expensive urine. But their impact on cognitive decline in those most at risk is nothing to flush down the toilet…

Carolyn Gretton

The real stroke and heart disease risks of fake sweeteners

Anyone who’s ever tried to lose weight is familiar with those pink, blue and yellow packets, and has probably had quite a few diet sodas in their lifetime. But not only do they work counter to that goal, those fake sweeteners carry very real dangers…

Margaret Cantwell

8 Chemopreventive foods: The future of cancer therapy

Have you heard of chemopreventive agents? They can be synthetic (like pharmaceuticals) or natural compounds, like those found in foods. They help fight cancer by putting a big kink in cancer’s molecular pathway. Here are the strongest contenders to put to work…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Endurance and performance slipping? Could be medication

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an athlete or work out for your wellness, improving the diversity of your microbiome could improve your motivation and your endurance. Especially if you’ve taken medication found to steal your fuel…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Beat back Alzheimer’s in just 20 minutes a week

People living with mild cognitive impairment, where their memory has “slipped” but doesn’t significantly interfere with daily life yet, have ten times the risk for Alzheimer’s. But experiencing symptoms of MCI doesn’t mean dementia is inevitable. Especially if you have 20 minutes a week to spare…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Workout revelation means less time at the gym and more muscle

Lifting weights is one of the best ways to avoid frailty, slim a fatty heart and reduce diabetes and stroke risk. But how much and how often do you have to lift to build muscle? If I told you how little it takes, I’m not sure you’d believe me. So here’s the proof…

Joyce Hollman

Fact or myth: Breakfast like a king for better weight loss

When trying to lose weight, there’s an old saying that goes something like this: breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper. But do morning calories really equate to weight loss?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Are your blood sugar levels hurting your eyes and kidneys?

It’s no secret that blood sugar problems can lead to complications. And two of the most likely areas where secondary issues occur are the eyes and kidneys. A 36-year study offers advice on the optimal HbA1c level to avoid that damage…

Joyce Hollman

Hormone found to stop a key trigger of Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease slowly steals a person’s physical and mental abilities. But research indicates a substance produced naturally by the body can be used to control the debilitating symptoms. And it’s a therapy that involves a hormone that’s simple to boost…

Carolyn Gretton

Is a nut the secret to aging better? 30-year study says yes!

Previous studies have shown that a handful of this particular nut can make a difference for heart and metabolic health. Now data gathered over 30 years has reinforced not only these health benefits — but opened an unparalleled window into healthy aging…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Foods that raise men’s colorectal cancer risk

It’s a no-brainer that eating anything that barely resembles real food and bears a list of unpronounceable ingredients could be remotely healthy. That’s why these foods contribute to dementia, weight gain and colon cancer. But why is the cancer risk so much higher for men?

Carolyn Gretton

The antibody that could take down Alzheimer’s plaques

Alzheimer’s disease therapies leave a lot to be desired. But researchers are learning more about the mechanisms behind the disease and may have found a link to a whole new avenue of treatment… delivering antibody-based therapies across the blood-brain barrier.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to get benefits over and above your ‘total daily steps’

Over and over, the research tells us that to live longer, shoot for 10,000 steps a day. Getting more daily steps has been linked to a healthier brain, heart and independence. But truth be told, you can walk less and get benefits over and above your total daily steps with this simple trick…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

A cardiologist’s take on eggs, cholesterol warnings and the new study

Brand new research says higher consumption of dietary cholesterol — specifically eggs — was significantly associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. So, after years of conflicting information, do we have the definitive answer to whether it’s safe to eat eggs? See what a cardiologist says…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The elderberry’s secret to warding off cold and flu

You’ll probably never see elderberries in the fruit section of your grocery store, but these berries have been used for centuries to boost immunity and fight off viruses, like flu and the common cold. But have you wondered if they stand up to their reputation? Here’s what the science says…

Carolyn Gretton

The medication that could raise your breast cancer risk

There are a lot of potential risk factors for breast cancer, and researchers are discovering more every year. In fact, they’ve uncovered one that could be linked to medication commonly prescribed for certain psychiatric conditions. Here’s what they know so far…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Why high blood pressure means low bone density

Ever feel like your body fell apart at a certain age? Seems unfair how some conditions seem to team up to take your health down. One such surprising tag team is high blood pressure and low bone density. Well, I know a vitamin whose tag team game is powerful enough to wrangle them both…

Joyce Hollman

What you do while sitting: The real reason being sedentary leads to dementia

There’s enough convincing research to discourage anyone from being a “couch potato.” But when it comes to dementia and sedentary behavior, there’s a caveat: Your choice of activity while you sit can make all the difference, even if you run marathons all day.

Joyce Hollman

Sip away these signs of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health issues (high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar) that elevate your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Some even refer to it as the “stroke syndrome.” By any name, you want to avoid it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The deficit that makes exercise dangerous for your heart

Exercise is good for the heart. We hear it so often, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees. But it might not be so cut and dry… There’s another healthy activity that, if you’re not getting enough of, turns exercise into a setup for heart attack.

Carolyn Gretton

The sure sign after 65 you’re headed for an early grave

As we get older, we expect that certain things just won’t work as well as they used to. We don’t move quite as fast and some activities may seem physically harder. However, if you have trouble getting off the sofa or opening a jar, it’s time for a serious assessment to turn things around — if you don’t want to end up in an early grave.

Joyce Hollman

A ‘sweet’ solution to antibiotic-resistant lung infections

Manuka honey is the unsung hero of the world of natural remedies. And now it’s one-half of a new treatment to help attack lung infections that otherwise could be lethal. What’s more, it means fewer antibiotics and side effects, too…

Carolyn Gretton

Avoid the eye disease that follows diabetes and high blood pressure

One of the reasons glaucoma leads to vision loss is that it usually isn’t caught until the damage is done. Researchers hope to change that. After looking at every risk-raising factor, they’ve identified two that when they start early are a clear sign your eyes need help fast…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

5 fake estrogens that ruin your sex drive and cause man boobs

There’s no reason to let your manhood be stolen out from under you, Let’s take a look at the most common dietary sources of fake estrogen men encounter in their everyday lives — and what to do about them…

Carolyn Gretton

Does low testosterone really increase COVID-19 severity?

There are a lot of factors that appear to increase the odds of developing severe COVID-19. Studies have found connections between the illness and age, heart disease, diabetes, and deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc. And low levels of certain hormones seem to play a role as well …

Carolyn Gretton

Don’t let heart problems prematurely age your brain

Conditions like dementia are influenced by certain aspects of heart health, like high blood pressure and stroke. But the connection is even more inextricably linked: If your heart health is poor, your brain is aging prematurely…

Jenny Smiechowski

Take probiotics and this may happen to your brain

Probiotics may be the perfect pill to melt fat, fight disease and keep a body young. They heal gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. But their benefits extend far…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

The calcium paradox hurting your heart

Calcium is an essential nutrient and many people, particularly women,supplement it to ward off osteoporosis. But calcium appears to contribute to the formation of arterial plaque and other factors that lead to heart disease. So here’s what you need to know…

Jenny Smiechowski

The common gut infection that leads to long-term tummy trouble

Irritable bowel syndrome is a mystery. Doctors don’t know what causes it. And that’s frustrating, especially when you suffer chronic stomach cramping, diarrhea, gas and other uncomfortable symptoms. But it turns out those chronic symptoms may be tied to something that happened to you years ago…

Joyce Hollman

5 ways obesity accelerates the mechanisms of aging

At least 40 percent of Americans suffer from a preventable condition that significantly shortens their healthspan. Not only does this condition cause hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, but it damages the body on a cellular level — the kind of damage that mimics changes that normally come with getting old…

Joyce Hollman

9 foods for a slim liver and slimmer chance of liver cancer

When your liver’s overloaded with calories, fats and sugars from foods, it stores that excess caloric energy in the form of fat. This condition is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. That’s a problem because a fatty liver creates a welcoming environment for the most common form of liver cancer…

Jenny Smiechowski

The best morning hack for boosting your brainpower as much as coffee

Coffee is an incredible brain booster. That’s why we hit it first thing in the morning. Plus, it has amazing benefits, like lower risk of Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes and liver disease. But if coffee isn’t your thing, there’s another way to make your mind sharp, productive and limitless at the start of the day…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Meal delivery kit do’s and don’ts for your health and your wallet

A recent Nielsen survey shows 23 percent of American households were considering purchasing a meal kit within the next six months. Can these meal kits be part of a heart-healthy diet? The answer is possibly… But there are some do’s and don’ts to keep you and your wallet healthier…

Joyce Hollman

How food choices can make your menopause symptoms better or worse

You’ve heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” right? Based on a new study published in the journal Menopause, it’s entirely possible that an apple a day helps keep menopause symptoms away. And it’s not just apples, either. These foods can worsen or relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

You may be wasting your time on high intensity interval training

High-intensity interval training can carry big benefits, from fat loss and revving up your metabolism to better heart health. The idea is to exercise in short bursts and rest in between. When you’re exercising, you’re doing it to the max and the breaks give you time to recover. But doing this one is a waste of energy…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 healthy cooking oils and how to use them in the kitchen

Cooking oil overwhelm is REAL. There’s so much conflicting information about which oils are healthy… and which aren’t. Which ones have low smoke points — and which don’t (and what the heck is that anyway?). Here are five great ones to keep in your kitchen and all the answers to your questions about cooking with them…

Joyce Hollman

How to shift the heart disease, diabetes and stroke risk of shift work

In a clinical review of published research, evidence indicated that shift-workers are at a significantly higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that increases a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If you can’t quit your job, can you shift your risk? Certainly…

Jenny Smiechowski

What that daily drink does to your brain’s age

Here’s my motto when it comes to brain aging: the slower, the better. Because, as your brain ages, your memory slips, your cognitive abilities decline, and you lose your independence. Who wants that? So when I found out how much faster even a small sip of alcohol daily makes your brain age, it made me think…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Proven relief for low back pain that doesn’t require a prescription

Low back pain is sadly all too common, something I saw first-hand in my chiropractic practice. If you haven’t experienced it yet, you may be surprised to learn that about 80 percent of adults in the United States will experience lower back pain at some point. So don’t wait to arm yourself with safe and effective ways to treat it…

Jenny Smiechowski

What your commute has to do with your cancer risk

How much time do you spend driving? If you’re like most Americans, quite a bit. Maybe you love being behind the wheel. Or maybe, like me, driving is far from your favorite activity. Either way, there’s something you need to be aware of: The amount of time you spend in your car could be increasing your cancer risk.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

A cardiologist’s 10 tips for eating heart-healthy on a budget

There’s a pervasive myth out there that healthy foods are prohibitively expensive. I’m here to tell you that the opposite is true — at least, it can be true! Most people can actually save money by eating better. If you resolved to improve your eating habits, but don’t want to break the bank, here are my tips on how to do it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The right light ‘activates the burn’ that ‘melts’ fat cells in your body

Less sunlight during the winter can lead to the blues, but you may not know it can result in something far worse… excess body fat, high blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure that skyrockets your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Time to shed light on avoiding metabolic syndrome…

Joyce Hollman

Is 5G cellular technology something to worry about?

Every decade or so, the wireless industry introduces a new “generation” of powerful cell phone technology. With each generation, wireless capabilities grow — but do the health risks, as well? A 13-country study classified radiation from cell phones as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” What can we expect from 5G?

Jenny Smiechowski

The real reason statins cause muscle pain

If you’ve never taken statins, you might be thinking, what’s the big deal about a little muscle pain? But if you’ve experienced it, you know statin-related muscle pain can get pretty serious… But the bigger question here is why the heck are statin drugs so hard on your muscles? Researchers may have finally figured out an answer…

Joyce Hollman

The drink that exercises fat from your liver

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are on the rise. And both of these conditions are risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition forecast to affect millions. We’re facing more fat in our diets and our hard-working livers pay the price. But a simple drink can send that fat running faster than exercise…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 weird reasons you might be gaining weight

The New Year has come and gone and by now most of our resolutions, including those to lose weight, have done the same. But, even if you’re still watching what you eat, exercising, and doing everything that’s supposed to work, the numbers on your scale just keep going up. So, what’s with that?

Jenny Smiechowski

What you need to know about glucosamine, arthritis and allergies

Depending on who you talk to, glucosamine is either the must-have supplement for arthritis… or a potentially dangerous supplement that barely works. So, what’s the deal? Should you keep (or start) taking it for your arthritis? Here’s what you need to know about how glucosamine impacts your joints and your health…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to avoid catching Coronavirus, flu, or colds on an airplane

Spring break is just around the corner and if you’re thinking of flying, here’s some sobering news: 1 in 5 people who travel on planes will suffer from a cold or flu after the flight. That’s because they are in an enclosed area where some germs can remain for up to seven days. You think those cruise ships had it bad? Think again…

Jenny Smiechowski

The simplest way to slay morning grogginess

Being jolted awake by an alarm when your body isn’t ready to get up stinks. But for most of us, it’s an inescapable fact of life. But what if there was a way to make your morning alarm experience less miserable? And it could help you wake up far more chipper next time your alarm goes off? Alright, here’s how…

Easy Health Options Staff

Get your best sleep ever with these 7 products on Amazon

Like many people, I’ve always had a problem getting enough sleep, but refuse to resort to pills and prescriptions. Does that sound like you? If you’re ready to ditch the tossing and turning and grab more shut-eye, we’ve put together a list of the best sleep products we think you can find…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Change up your exercise intensity to change your brain, your mood and your life

Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do. It lowers the risk of numerous conditions from heart disease and high blood pressure to diabetes and even cancer. But did you know you can turn the dial on exercise intensity to affect specific aspects of brain health?

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The Japanese secret that reduces the risk of dying from anything (well, almost)

When you think of good health, heart disease protection, and longevity, fermented foods may not be the first to come to your mind. But the long-lived Japanese can affirm: They’re valuable tools against diseases — especially one that kills 37 Americans every second…

Jenny Smiechowski

2 nutrients that boost the immune system’s ability to battle melanoma

The link between bacteria in your body (your personal microbiome) and diseases like cancer is stronger than ever. Prebiotics and these bacteria have a special relationship. So it’s not all that surprising that researchers found two prebiotics decrease the risk of melanoma…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Treatment sheds light on avoiding long-term consequences of concussion

As much as we’re learning about the long-term effects of concussion, recovery is still challenging. Considering consequences like concentration and memory problems, it’s an important issue to address. Especially for seniors who can surprisingly experience a concussion during a fall even without hitting their head…

Joyce Hollman

What cocoa does for healthier arteries

Peripheral artery disease is a condition in which your arteries are narrowed and can’t carry enough blood to the parts of your body furthest from your heart, like your arms and legs. It increases heart attack and stroke risk, too. Its early signs can be surprising, but perhaps not so much as the spice that can help…

Joyce Hollman

The treatment that can keep a ‘broken heart’ from killing you

Can you really die of a broken heart? Previous studies leave little doubt. In fact, a person’s risk of having a heart attack increased 21 times over in the day immediately following the death of a loved one, and six times in the following week. It’s serious enough that doctors are looking at how to prevent a ‘grief heart attack’…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

What really matters about cholesterol in the big scheme of things

Cholesterol remains one of the most confusing areas of both nutrition and heart health. So, I’ll break it all down for you here… First, you need to know the difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol. Because one is a scapegoat that’s stealing the spotlight and keeping your focus from where it needs to be…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best first-aid step for minor burns to avoid scarring or worse

What do you do when you’re taking that hot bowl of soup out of the microwave and it splashes on your hand, blistering your skin and bringing you to tears? Everyone has their own ideas on how to treat a burn. But if you make the wrong choice you could end up with scarring, needing a skin graft or fighting a nasty infection…

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