Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Mark Wiley

Sick during air travel: What to do

Air travel can make you sick, both on the plane and after you land. But if you’re properly prepared before takeoff, you can deal with air sickness and reduce your risk of illness. Here’s what you need to do to keep those skies friendly.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why your eyes are a window to your heart attack risk

You’ve heard the phrase, “Your eyes are the windows to your soul.” Well, according to research, they might also be the windows to your heart. In fact, what your eye doctor sees during your exam could reveal whether a heart attack or stroke is in your future so that you can take steps to save your life.

Joyce Hollman

How sugar steals your vitamin C

To effectively use the power of vitamin C to combat oxidative stress, your white blood cells need 50 times more C in their cell walls. Macrophages in your respiratory tract are dependent on C. And it helps the body produce interferons to keep viruses from replicating. See why it’s more important than ever to understand how sugar steals yours?

Carl Lowe

Get thinner with the right kind of apple

An apply a day can do a lot of good things. A study of how apples support the gut microbiome shows that one variety in particular may promote the growth of bacteria associated with less body fat…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Coffee’s incredible benefits: longevity plus heart health

For decades, there’s been a debate as to whether our favorite morning beverage is truly friend or foe when it comes to our health. But a study of almost half a million people may give you a a reason to rejoice and pour a second cup each morning…

Carolyn Gretton

Poor gut health and the risk of aggressive breast cancer

Investigators have discovered interesting connections between breast cancer and the health of the body’s different microbiomes. In fact, the gut may be just as influential as the breast microbiome when it comes to the risk of aggressive breast cancer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Scleroderma: The autoimmune – heart disease diet link

In people living with scleroderma, the immune system tricks tissues in the body into thinking they’re injured. This causes a buildup of scar tissue that hardens the skin and damages blood vessels and internal organs. But it get much worse with a common metabolite found in a very common diet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Light on sleep? This heavy habit will get you more Zzzs

Not getting good sleep can tear down your health. You can try sleeping pills. But they can be addictive and carry additional risks. Instead, you might opt for something completely natural that comes with the kind of side effects you’ll actually appreciate — maybe even dream about…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 big benefits of good old-fashioned buttermilk

Fermented foods are all the rage nowadays because they contain probiotics that support gut health. But despite the enthusiasm for everything from yogurt to sauerkraut to kombucha, there’s one fermented food that doesn’t get much love — buttermilk. As a result, we’re missing out on some serious benefits…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Nighttime blood pressure: What every diabetic should know

It’s no secret blood sugar problems can complicate your health. In fact, it’s been long known that diabetes and heart trouble go hand-in-hand. And according to researchers at the American Heart Association, every diabetic should be on the lookout for one thing that could double their risk for heart trouble — what your blood pressure does at night.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How opioids sabotage your ‘feel good’ receptors to make pain worse

Emotional pain can cause chronic pain and chronic pain can cause emotional pain. It’s a bidirectional relationship that’s made worse when opioids enter the mix. So, while taking these painkillers can make you feel better early on, over time, they only make your problems worse.

Joyce Hollman

COVID’s legacy for young adults: Metabolic disorders

We don’t often think about young adults as being at high risk from a COVID infection. But research looking at the impact of even mild infections among them points to a potentially risky constellation of health issues they need to watch out for in the coming years…

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…

Amanda Polden

The complicated connection between dairy and prostate cancer

Dairy marketing has long convinced many of us that drinking a lot of milk is the express lane to strong bones. We’ve told that “milk does a body good.” Turns out, that may not only be false, but a downright dangerous statement that’s luring thousands of men to their early deaths.

Craig Cooper

12 health benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fat, a fat long considered to be unhealthy. Yet coconut oil has been credited with a wide range of health benefits. What’s wrong with that picture? Here are 12 ways the research shows coconut oil can impact your health and wellness….

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The glitch in the French paradox

Since the early research on the French paradox, a lot of naysayers have come out of the woodwork to cast doubt on its validity. And they’re partly right: There was a glitch in the research concerning the correlations with red wine. But dismissing the French paradox completely would be a big mistake…

Easy Health Options Staff

Fighting Stigmas: Common disorders and why we should talk about them

Millions of Americans are so affected by health disorders that are so stigmatizing, they’re too afraid to get help. Many feel alone in their experience, so they don’t seek the treatments they need. Here are a few of the most commonly stigmatized health issues and tips on how to get help…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

At-home test measures risk of dying from heart disease or cancer

There are two things they say are 100 percent certain in life… death and taxes. And according to the CDC, in the U.S. you’re most likely to die from either heart disease or cancer. I can’t help you with your taxes, but there’s a way to measure your heart disease and cancer risk at home and do something about it…

Joyce Hollman

Why you may want a billing advocate on your side after a hospital stay

Being sick or in the hospital is hard enough, without having to figure out the bills that soon follow. Are you being overcharged? Did the doctor or hospital submit the charge to your insurance company? Is the insurance company paying what it should? Having someone in your corner makes a big difference.

Jenny Smiechowski

What the sugar you ate decades ago could be doing to you today

Ahhh… childhood… Cartoons. Games. Candy. Sugary cereals. It was a blast, wasn’t it? Well, that was then, and this is now: All of that stuff is still weighing down your (and my) health today. In fact, our childhood diets play a bigger role in our major health issues as adults than most of us ever realized…

Joyce Hollman

Heavy purse syndrome: How your favorite accessory is hurting you

Using your purse as a back-up plan, a place to throw things “just in case” they’re needed during the day, is a recipe for muscle and nerve damage. You’ve probably not thought about what that sort of load is doing to your body. Here are 8+ pains that it causes and how to avoid them…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Slow medicine and how it can improve your level of healthcare

Fast medicine is impersonal and cold. Patients are now just bits of standardized data. But the biggest casualty of fast medicine is the forgotten concept that if we remove the obstacles, the body can heal itself. That’s called slow medicine. Together, both ways of healing could optimize your health…

Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby

The cool (and beneficial) concept of chrononutrition and what it can do for you

The human body has a complex network of thousands or millions of clocks all over the body, all doing their own thing and all of which have to talk to each other and synchronize with each other. When that happens, health is good. A way to make all this work for you is called chrononutrition… and it’s easier than you’d think…

Jenny Smiechowski

The invisible factor that ages your memory an extra 10 years

You may have already hatched a plan to protect your memory as much as you can in these critical years. Mediterranean diet? Check. Daily power walks? Check. Sudoku book on your nightstand? Check. But there’s another factor influencing your memory, one you probably don’t realize you need to protect yourself against…

Joyce Hollman

What we’ve learned about coffee in the last 20 years

There’s a lot of research claiming to prove the health benefits of coffee. Some of those health claims have a good deal of solid research behind them, while others warrant further investigation. But after more than 20 years of research into coffee, there is one thing we know for sure that can keep you drinking, worry-free…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 cancers that underscore the importance of healthy BMI before midlife

We all know that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing numerous diseases. But did you know your weight and your risk of cancer are inextricably linked? Not only that, but over 40 you’re at higher risk for certain cancers. The secret’s in your BMI. Here’s how to check your risk and lower it…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why these 3 herbs battle high blood pressure

Plants make potent medicine. Our ancient ancestors knew it. And modern scientists know it (why do you think most medications have their roots in plants?). Still, many folk remedies get written off as hogwash. That’s why it’s especially exciting when research can pinpoint the mechanism behind a plant’s medicinal power…

Joyce Hollman

When your bladder works overtime

Despite what many people think, an overactive bladder is not a natural or inevitable part of aging. It is a diagnosable condition that, while more likely with age, can occur at any age. If an overactive bladder is affecting your quality of life, check out your options — from botox to bladder training and more…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Metformin: Prescription against age and disease?

Metformin is a drug for treating diabetes. Like rapamycin that I wrote about last week, metformin has humble beginnings. It is derived from a kind of French lilac, reputedly used to treat diabetes-like conditions in medieval Europe.

Craig Cooper

Foods that help prevent Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease has no cure at this point. Does that mean you should sit back and only hope it doesn’t happen to you? That’s a big fat NO. There’s enough research on how to avoid the mind robber, starting with foods you should eat, those you shouldn’t and other helpful tips to live dementia-free…

Jenny Smiechowski

High doses of certain vitamins may put you at risk for hip fractures

A hip fracture is especially serious as you get older. It can mean a loss of mobility and even loss of life. People over 50 who fracture a hip have a much higher risk of death within ten years of their injury. Unfortunately, one certain B supplement can be problematic, especially for women…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The number of teeth in your mouth may be measure of disease in your heart

You’ve probably heard the warnings before: take care of your oral health or you could end up with heart problems. New research shows the harm to your heart may actually be measured by the number of teeth you have. Even if you only lose a few, your odds for heart trouble increase…

Joyce Hollman

How important is the expiration date on your vitamins?

Do you have a cabinet full of multi-vitamins and other supplements in your kitchen? If you’re like many of us, the answer is YES. And, if you’re like many people, you haven’t paid too much attention to the expiration dates on those bottles. Here’s why you should — and why you shouldn’t keep them in the kitchen…

Jenny Smiechowski

The secret to multitasking like a 30-something well into your 70s

You expect a lot from your brain… afterall you’re constantly connected, so it’s easy — and hard — to do everything at once. As we age, it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, you may eventually find it difficult to keep up with it all. But there is a way to master multitasking well into your 70s and 80s…

Jenny Smiechowski

Avoid the sugar that leads to fatty liver disease, cancer and heart disease

Eating too much sugar causes weight gain and increases risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But before I get all worked up about sugar, it’s worth noting that not all sugar is created equal. One type of sugar sets you up for dangerous health conditions… and another type helps protect you…

Joyce Hollman

Going gluten free? Necessity for some, risky for others

Have you jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon yet? It seems everywhere you turn these days, people, including some big-name celebrities, are going gluten-free, claiming it’s helped them with weight loss, energy and their health in general. But there are a few things you should be aware of before jumping on board.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The common food preservative linked to diabetes development

More than 400 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and the rate at which people are developing this disease is accelerating. The surging rates of diabetes and obesity in the last 50 years strongly link environmental and dietary factors. But one of the culprits may be a common food additive…

Jenny Smiechowski

How to send type 2 diabetes into remission

It’s been shown type 2 diabetes can be reversed on extreme low-calorie diets. But slashing your daily intake to 700 calories when most of us eat more than that in one meal seems impossible. That’s why I have some exciting news… You don’t have to go super low-cal to send your type 2 diabetes into remission…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is this drug-resistant bacteria lurking in your laundry room?

While most people probably wouldn’t think doing the laundry could put them on the path to wellness — or sickness, for that matter — new research is showing just how important it is to put the heat on germs when you’re doing the wash… Especially the multidrug-resistant kind living in your washer…

Amanda Polden

Two of the simplest ways to lower blood pressure

Chronic hypertension increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It can also lead to dementia, vision loss and kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to lower high blood pressure and keep it in a healthy range. Medication can help, but you’d be surprised how well these simple hacks work…

Amanda Polden

The one thing you haven’t given up that sabotages healthier eating habits

It’s important to eat healthy to be healthy, right? That means eating more fruits and veggies and leaning towards whole foods in general while steering clear of overly processed foods — especially if you want to manage your weight and avoid conditions like heart disease. But this habit throws a kink in your best efforts…

Jenny Smiechowski

The cardiovascular risk vegetarians and vegans face

Eating more plant-based protein is tied to a 60 percent lower risk of developing arterial plaque. That may be why people who follow a plant-based diet are less likely to end up with a cardiovascular disease. But a new study throws a curveball at all those who gave up meat to curb this major health risk…

Dr. Michael Cutler

How close are we to a real anti-aging pill?

When a drug is used off label, it means a physician has prescribed it for an approved use other than what it was developed for. A long-used drug, Rapamycin, is being considered for this very thing because of research that indicates it just may be an anti-aging pill…

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