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…

Joyce Hollman

Is aspirin the simple answer to migraine?

The Migraine Research Foundation tells us that 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from migraines. And stroke risk is doubled for at least a quarter of them. Now, a review of research shows an inexpensive and easily available remedy could be the key to treatment and prevention…

Jenny Smiechowski

Is the secret to stroke recovery in your gut?

Nothing can prepare you for a stroke. It’s sudden. And it’s scary. And there are no promises when it comes to recovery. But what if there was a way to make sure that, if you had a stroke, the repercussions would be less severe, and you would recover quicker?

Joyce Hollman

Essential oils for cuts, scrapes and wounds

Long before Big Pharma was around, essential oils were used to control pain, ease stress and stimulate the immune system to fight colds and flu. Research continues into the ways that essential oils can make us healthier, including their power to control inflammation and help wounds heal quickly and safely.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 Supplements to ward off all that winter throws at you

When winter rolls around, in addition to stocking up our medicine cabinet, I stock up our vitamin cabinet with supplements that get us through the season happier and healthier — and hopefully unscathed. Here are our five ‘can’t be without’ supplements for winter…

Jenny Smiechowski

What’s behind diabetes’ strong connection to heart failure?

There’s a connection between diabetes and heart health… no doubt about it… People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease. They’re more likely to have a heart attack. They’re more likely to go into heart failure. Why?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

They failed their weight loss study and still lost 16 pounds

A whopping 54 percent of the resolutions made on January 1st involve weight loss goals. Unfortunately, only about 8 percent hold up. But, don’t give up… A little-known study found you don’t have to stick to a certain diet or give up as much as you think to lose considerable weight…

Jenny Smiechowski

The strange type of stomach cancer striking people under 60

If you look at stomach cancer statistics, you’ll see that less people are getting this terrible disease than ever before. That’s good news. But it’s also misleading… Even though stomach cancer is getting diagnosed less overall, it’s on the rise in one surprising group — people under 60.

Joyce Hollman

10 ways to reduce the BPA exposure that’s 50 times higher than the FDA told us

This endocrine-disrupting chemical increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and infertility, as well as cancer. And guess what? The FDA and other regulatory agencies have underestimated our exposure to BPA by as much as 44 times the average levels! Time to start protecting yourself…

Joyce Hollman

Could SIBO be causing all your stomach problems?

You’ve probably heard of irritable bowel syndrome. And most people have heard of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. But there’s a lesser-known condition that, on its own, can totally disrupt your gut health in addition to contributing to others. Is it behind your pain?

Jenny Smiechowski

3 diets that halt age-related hearing loss

It’s funny how common certain beliefs about aging are. Everybody will need glasses. Everybody’s memory will slip. Everybody will lose hearing. Well, hold on… A 20 year study says what you eat can help you avoid hearing loss. It’s the best diet you’ve never “heard” of…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to reduce your breast cancer risk after 50

By your 50s, your risk of breast cancer is 1 in 43 and by 60, a scary 1 in 29. But according to a new study from investigators at the American Cancer Society and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, even if you’re over 50, it’s not too late to lower your breast cancer risk significantly…

Jenny Smiechowski

Trouble with A-fib? Giving up this drink is good medicine

Researchers say that giving up a certain type of drink offered the same A-fib benefits as the drugs they prescribe to treat the condition. But that wasn’t the only heart-healthy perk…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sleeping like this could be the reason for those nasty migraines

The relationship between sleep and migraines hasn’t been well understood or even well-studied, leaving migraine sufferers with no information on exactly what type of sleep issues are more likely to cause problems, much less what they can do about it… Until now. And the connection is clear…

Joyce Hollman

CoQ10: The ‘magic bullet’ for a healthy energetic life

Of all the vitamins and minerals, there’s one that seems to hold the key to aging well. In fact, low levels of this nutrient have been linked to heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes and cancer. No, this time it’s NOT vitamin D, but it can help make healthy aging a snap…

Dr. Michael Cutler

How to tap into drug-free depression and anxiety relief

All of us feel good when things are going well. But when feelings of frustration, anger or despair erupt, it’s time for help. It’s easy to take the pills any doctor can prescribe to mask your symptoms. But you have other options, proven effective, safe, and inexpensive for pain, depression and anxiety…

Harry Cline

5 great reasons for seniors to try yoga

Yoga is for everybody, no matter if you’re young or old, in shape or out of practice. As a senior, you also have a lot to gain from yoga. Read on to learn how yoga could improve your health and life as a mature adult.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

4 supplements to protect your heart health this winter (and beyond)

It’s the perfect time to think about supporting your heart health to live longer and better. That’s because winter can be particularly harsh on your heart. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of heart-protective nutrients that can put your mind at ease while your heart keeps ticking away…

Jenny Smiechowski

How the wrong milk could completely sabotage your weight loss

Maybe you’ve wondered whether you should go with plant-based milks over whole milk. Or maybe you’ve asked yourself a far more common question among milk drinkers: Should you choose whole milk or reduced-fat milk? If weight loss is part of the equation, there’s something surprising you should know…

Joyce Hollman

Cranberries found to disarm superbugs and make antibiotics more effective

Cranberry juice is perhaps best known as a way to prevent the misery of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. Now, a Canadian study has shown that the mighty berry may also hold an answer to the crisis of antibiotic resistance. That’s because cranberries launch a two-pronged attack to help stop superbugs…

Joyce Hollman

Take down blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL and weight just by timing your meals

If you have been diagnosed with any of the components that add up to metabolic syndrome — high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or high blood sugar — here’s some good news: There could be an alternative path to health that doesn’t involve counting calories or calculating the fat content of your meals…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best therapy for incontinence following prostate surgery

The truth is that after a prostatectomy, not only do many men deal with erectile dysfunction, almost every patient has incontinence immediately post-surgery. Most doctors recommend physical therapy. But therein lies the problem…. for some men that makes matters worse, so here’s what your therapist needs to know…

Jenny Smiechowski

The antibacterial drink strong enough to go after TB

If you drink green tea, you probably do it for one of two reasons… To keep your cancer risk down or to keep your metabolism up. These are two of green tea’s most popular perks. But green tea has a huge benefit that most people forget about…

Joyce Hollman

How safe are generic drugs?

The Food and Drug Administration exists to protect us from putting toxic or otherwise harmful stuff into our bodies. Yet every single year, dozens of medications we commonly depend on are recalled by the FDA because they are contaminated with poisons. How does this happen?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 mood changes that could signal a serious illness

When most of us consider the possibility of disease, we tend to think physical symptoms will be the first indication of a problem. That’s not always the case… Many diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more can present with subtle emotional changes long before any physical ones…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Want to be younger by this time next year? Read this

You can’t change your birth date. But you do have some control over many aspects of the aging process. That’s why you hear more about heart age, mental age and biological age these days. Can you guess a simple way you can improve the resilience and longevity of your heart, brain and even your chromosomes?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Compounds in Mate tea and caffeine may help fight the ills of a high fat diet

If you’re like me, the next few weeks and months will be a whirlwind of rich foods, thanks to the upcoming holidays. Last January, my pants were a little tighter, my scale showed I was heavier, and I just didn’t feel as healthy as I like to. But some interesting research may make it easier for all of us to get back to our “normal” quicker.

Joyce Hollman

Why everyone, especially diabetics, should walk after dinner

As we get older, insulin’s response to a large meal tends to be weaker later in the day. If you want to control your blood sugar, prevent diabetes and obesity, digest your food more efficiently and sleep better, you’d do well to imitate the Italians. It’s time to bring back the evening constitutional…

Jenny Smiechowski

The one factor fueling modern-day head, neck and face injuries

Our lives have changed a lot in the past fifteen years… and most of those changes can be traced back to smartphones. You can FaceTime with friends and family across the world. You can instantly access weather reports. You always have directions. It’s amazing stuff. But with good comes bad…

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising reason preventative aspirin doesn’t work anymore

Did your doctor ever tell you to take low-dose aspirin daily? You’re not alone. For years, doctors promoted this habit to prevent heart attacks. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology even advised it for a while. Why the change? It just doesn’t work anymore and here’s why…

Joyce Hollman

Covering your gray could increase your breast cancer risk

The FDA doesn’t approve each ingredient used in hair dye. It’s up to manufacturers to include cautions and warnings on their packaging. If any of their ingredients are found to be unsafe, the FDA can request a recall but cannot require it. Why does this matter? Well, coloring your hair may give you cancer…

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