Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

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

Weight or inches: Which matters most for heart health?

There’s no doubt that being overweight is bad for your heart, upping the odds as much as 60 percent. But some obese people have better cardiovascular health than people of healthy weight. Here’s what makes them heart-healthier than someone of normal weight…

Joyce Hollman

Your stress score could increase cancer risk almost 2.5 times

Stress signals the body to produce the hormone cortisol at times when you need it, like to meet a deadline. But chronic, ongoing stressors that never allow your cortisol to ‘come down’ cause wear and tear on your body at a biological level. And that’s only good for cancer…

Jenny Smiechowski

Meet the superbugs living in your makeup bag

I have a bad habit. It puts my health at risk daily. But I can’t (or don’t want to) quit it. I’ve been doing it since I was a teenager, after all. Despite what you may be thinking, it’s nothing too crazy. It’s not smoking, drinking, doing drugs or even eating donuts. It’s wearing makeup.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Just how inconvenient are convenience foods on your heart health?

I don’t know about you, but Christmas is almost here and I’m still recovering from Thanksgiving. And, it’s not just the hours spent cleaning and decorating to prepare for company – only to clean again once the fun was over and everyone went home that has left me dragging – but the food, oh the food!

Dr. Michael Cutler

7 more reasons you need cacao in your life

Wow, the response to my post last week on cacao, the superfood to beat statins, was amazing! But I’m not really surprised… Now that you know what cacao can do for cholesterol, let me share other benefits that will have you adding cacao to your coffee like I did this morning…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Have you wondered why your psoriasis is worse since developing high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a life-threatening condition if not properly managed. So, medication is a no-brainer for most… At least until your psoriasis flare-ups get worse and your irritated skin becomes swollen as it cracks and bleeds. Unfortunately, for people with psoriasis, things just aren’t that simple…

Carl Lowe

The first 10 steps to losing weight

If you’ve ever struggled to lose weight and keep it off, you know that the battle of the bulge can be challenging. Surprisingly, a few simple tricks and lifestyle changes may represent easy ways to shrink your waistline. Start with these 10 simple tricks that are easy to stick with.

Jenny Smiechowski

3 surprisingly easy ways to fight the scientific cause of brain fog

Lots of people deal with mild to moderate brain fog that keeps them from functioning at their best. That’s because brain fog is a symptom of a wide variety of conditions, which makes you wonder… what’s really causing brain fog in all these situations? Now we know and what to do about it…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The best diet for a disease-free body

You might focus specifically on your heart or brain when you think of your health. While there’s no doubt they’re important, we tend to ignore an organ that’s every bit as vital — one that plays a role in the health of every other part of your body, especially when it comes to stopping disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

The connection between cake, cookies and high blood pressure

As a rule, blood pressure tends to go up after menopause. Many doctors think it has something to do with changing hormones. But there’s another factor adding to the problem… and this is the time of year that the risk could be especially plentiful if you’re not aware of it…

Joyce Hollman

Dramatically lower your heart disease risk with legumes

Readily available, far less expensive than medications, and with no side effects, the foods you choose to eat — and not eat — can make the difference between becoming a statistic and living a healthy life. A new study points to one class of food that can dramatically lower your risk for heart disease…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 ways to keep menopause from stealing your sex life

Wildly fluctuating hormones go hand-in-hand with everything from mood swings and hot flashes to night sweats, sleep problems and weight gain. To top it off, most women face a less-than-satisfying sex life thanks to the added bonus of sexual problems. But it doesn’t have to be that way…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 cancers that cause your stroke risk to skyrocket

Research shows that most cancer patients don’t die from cancer. They die from conditions caused by or related to their cancer. And one of the most dangerous cancer-related risks you need to be aware of is stroke, especially when it comes to these five types of cancer…

Joyce Hollman

4 reasons your hips may hurt and how to help

Hip pain doesn’t stop at your hips. It can cause debilitating pain in the lower back and knees because your hips simply cannot bear their share of the weight. If you are living with hip pain, even if it seems minor, it’s good to know the cause. Here are four possible reasons for hip pain, and the signs of each…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to “clean up” your sleep and why you should

Like many people, I’ve always had a problem getting enough sleep. Whether it’s falling asleep in the first place or waking up and spending the rest of the night with my mind spinning, it seems like a solid eight or even five hours can be hard to find. Then I discovered clean sleeping…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

If keto isn’t working for you, your sex may be why

When I was growing up, my parents were always on one type of diet or another. From Cambridge Shakes to Slim Fast, the grapefruit diet to eating only cabbage soup, if it wasn’t one, it was another. And, no matter what, I remember my mom saying that my dad always lost more weight, faster.

Joyce Hollman

Breast implants, what we didn’t know and why the FDA didn’t protect us

There was a time, in my younger years, when I thought that having a breast implant was just an act of vanity. Then I learned about breast cancer. But these medical devices have a troubled history, to say the least, including fatigue, exhaustion, joint swelling and pain, frequent muscle cramps, fibromyalgia and now, cancer.

Jenny Smiechowski

What that late-night snack does to your heart

Evening snacking is a hard habit to break. It takes willpower to not pour a bowl of cereal at 9 pm. Or finish that whole bowl of popcorn while you catch up on Dancing with the Stars. But sometimes to break a bad habit you need to be reminded why your body is built to eat during the day…

Margaret Cantwell

2 old-school golden rules for simple health and longevity

After years of being told what to eat, what not to eat, and even omitting entire food groups, we’re realizing some of these diets are rather extreme. And confusing. If you find yourself overwhelmed about how to eat to avoid disease and live a longer life, scrap the complicated diets and remember two simple rules…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

The 4 best supplements for oral health

Regular brushing, flossing and visits to your dentist are essential for maintaining oral health. But equally important is your diet. These self-care measures can make a significant difference in promoting dental health, reducing cavities and, most importantly, supporting your overall health.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Russian tree bark may be significant source of powerful antioxidants

By now, most people have heard of antioxidants and what these little gems can do for their health. But, just in case you’re still wondering if getting enough antioxidants every day is actually important, let’s do a quick recap on their most important points…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to use white noise to improve your hearing

Like a lot of people, I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, my hearing isn’t quite as good as it used to be. In fact, I’m pretty sure that I drive my husband crazy by constantly saying, “What?” and “Can you please talk louder. I can’t hear you!” But I’ve found a little trick to avoid embarrassing moments like these…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How sunshine brings disease protection to your gut

When someone is extremely self-absorbed we may say that they think they’re the center of the universe. My dad, on the other hand, prefers saying that they think the sun shines out their backside. Well, you know what? He’s onto something, but UV rays bring disease protection to everyone’s gut…

Joyce Hollman

10 healthy comfort foods to keep the winter blues away

It’s hard to imagine anyone getting a case of the winter blues with all the holiday hustling and bustling happening, but seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect as many as 10 million Americans. If the cold grey days get to you, try these comfort foods with nutrients that can combat the winter blues in a very real way.

Jenny Smiechowski

Can the keto diet help you fend off the flu?

Fall and winter are seasons of serious indulgence, starting with the holidays… They’re also seasons of serious cold and flu viruses that run rampant this time of year. I hate to break it to you, but what you eat affects your immunity a lot more than you think. In fact, this diet might keep you flu-free…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

$100 million dollar study shows there’s a better way than surgeries and stents

Every cardiologist in America (including me) had an eye on Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago, and it wasn’t for the Eagles-Patriots game. The results of a major study on the effectiveness of stents and bypass surgery were announced at the annual conference of the American Heart Association — and surgeons are stunned…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why melanoma may have more to do with your hair than skin

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that’s caused when UV rays damage pigment cells in the skin called melanocytes. When melanocytes are damaged, they mutate and start growing rapidly. But the root of skin cancer may be hiding somewhere other than your skin cells — in your hair follicles.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Omega-3 relief: You don’t have to choose between heart health and prostate cancer

Essential fatty acids found in fish oil have had their ups and downs in health news. First, they were praised for heart health, then dashed for prostate cancer potential, then dashed again on heart disease. But finally, it looks like more studies are coming out that vindicate omega-3s all around…

Joyce Hollman

How bad sleep habits age your bones

The evidence is clear: the amount of sleep you get each night is a predictor of your health and of your lifespan. Seven to eight hours is the number you should be shooting for. In fact, numerous studies have enlightened us about the dangers of too little (and too much) sleep. The latest threat? Old bones…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What your walking pace says about your brain, body and how fast you age

Step into any store, park, mall, or gym and you’ll see immediately that some people walk more slowly while others speed past. And, while you may think that how fast you walk is simply a matter of preference, a new 40 year study by researchers at Duke University says that you should think again.

Joyce Hollman

Why BMI may be the worst way to measure your health

A Belgian astronomer and mathematician developed this easy-to-calculate ratio between a person’s height and their weight. It’s become an accepted measuring stick for a person’s chances of living a long, healthy life, or of dying young. But BMI, or body mass index, is coming under a lot of fire…

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising connection between chelation, kidney disease and heart disease

It may surprise you to learn that heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with kidney disease. See, when your kidneys stop working, calcium builds up in your arteries. But a new study shows EDTA chelation could help clear calcium out and prevent many of these deaths…

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