Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The tea that keeps you young, fit and energetic

If you’ve been feeling like you’re slowing down lately or maybe you’ve been noticing a few new wrinkles and extra pounds around your middle, don’t write it off as a normal part of aging. There are natural ways to stay young, fit and energetic at any age.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why a hospital stay could increase risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

No one plans to get sick enough from a viral or bacterial infection to be hospitalized. But now there’s all the more reason to plan to avoid that scenario. That’s because landing in the hospital for infection just a couple of times could greatly impact the health of your brain a few years later…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Some animal-based foods not so bad for T2D

If you’ve been told your blood sugar isn’t so good, your doctor probably advised eating more plant-based foods, like whole grains, veggies, fruits and legumes while limiting consumption of most animal products. Good news: all animal-based foods are not equal in their effects on T2D.

Carolyn Gretton

3 beverages to drink for better metabolism

We’d all love to keep the metabolism we had when we were kids. But aging makes that impossible. While our metabolism naturally slows with age, there’s lot we can do to help it run at peak efficiency, starting with our drinking habits…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 fabulous reasons to eat more pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are nutrient powerhouses. Problem is, most people only eat them one day per year… the day they carve their Halloween pumpkins. But once you know the six big health benefits of these seeds, you won’t be able to keep your paws off them.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Eat this every morning for less arterial plaque

Did you leave the house without eating breakfast again? If so, you could be at risk for far more than just low blood sugar. In fact, according to a new study, skipping the most important meal of the day could leave you at increased risk of atherosclerosis…

Jenny Smiechowski

The statin alternative that lowers cholesterol just as much

Statins cause muscle pain, liver damage, digestive problems, memory loss and high blood sugar, among other side effects. Plus, they lower levels of the heart-protective antioxidant CoQ10 in your body. So why are hundreds of millions of Americans taking them when there’s a safe alternative?

Jenny Smiechowski

The vitamin 10 times stronger than a cancer drug

Are there specific vitamins you should take to heal from and prevent cancer? Yes. There are two vitamins that have been proven time and time again to kill cancer cells and decrease your risk of a wide array of cancers, but this one…

Carolyn Gretton

How eating late makes body fat ‘grow’

Most experts advise against midnight snacking if you want to maintain a healthy weight, partly because it causes an unhealthy spike in blood sugar. But there are three additional factors affected by late-night eating, and you’ll definitely want to avoid the one that makes your body fat grow…

Carolyn Gretton

Research reveals stronger metabolic link to dementia

Research has discovered that changes in brain structure and function can occur years before dementia is diagnosed. They’ve also determined factors can put people at higher risk of developing dementia later in life. The metabolic link is one to pay attention to…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet found to fight dementia 4 ways

One diet has been shown to douse the fires of inflammation, prop up a failing immune system and enhance longevity. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s more good news: how it fights against dementia in four very powerful ways…

Joyce Hollman

3-year study proves lipids keeps Alzheimer’s at bay

Of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, Alzheimer’s is the only disease where existing treatments don’t really help. But now, scientists are working on ways that nutrition can slow the cognitive decline and memory loss of Alzheimer’s. And lipids hold the key…

Jenny Smiechowski

The ancient Greek gum that’s good for your teeth, liver and more

Studies show a plant-based gum can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth, lower plaque levels, reduce gum inflammation and neutralize mouth odor. That’s probably why chewing it has been a popular dental hygiene practice in Greece for centuries. But its medicinal benefits don’t stop in your mouth…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Kick the common cold 3xs faster

Feed a cold, starve a fever… But, is sitting at home eating chicken noodle soup all you can do to get over the common cold? Actually, according to scientific research, there’s something else you can do to up your chances of getting well faster. In fact, you could triple your recovery time…

Joyce Hollman

A glass of wine could help keep that sore throat away

As winter comes on, there’s good news for those of us who enjoy the occasional glass of wine, or even a nightly drink before dinner. Apparently, wine contains powerful antibacterial agents that could keep you clear of a sore throat and maybe even improve the results of your next dental visit…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to burn double the fat and control blood sugar

We all know that if we want to lose weight, slim down, and tone up, we have to do two things – watch what we eat and exercise. Yet too often, even when we stick to those two principles, it can be difficult to truly see much difference in a short amount of time.

Jenny Smiechowski

Is too much screen time making you age faster?

Electronics are so ingrained in our day-to-day, it’s hard to imagine life without them. But people who remember a pre-digital world, often wonder if being so plugged-in is harmful. A new study shows that the blue light from electronics may damage brain cells. But that’s not all… it could make you age faster too…

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…

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