Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Only 1 in 5 of us has a healthy heart: Is it you?

While a higher risk of heart disease can be inherited, lifestyle can outweigh even these genetic tendencies. In a first ever study measuring specific factors that affect heart health, the news is grim for most of us, based on that simple fact, unless…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 ways to naturally relieve COPD symptoms

Many people don’t realize that COPD is actually an umbrella term that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and sometimes asthma. Nor do they realize how widespread and dangerous it is — especially if you’re a woman…

Easy Health Options Staff

The ONE question to always ask a thyroid doctor

Need a good reason to take extra care of your thyroid? Here’s a good one: If something goes wrong — surgery is risky. But if you absolutely must have it removed, there is one very important thing you must ask your surgeon…

Joyce Hollman

From weight loss to lower cholesterol: How to get the most from apples

Study after study has shown the health benefits of apples give credence to the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, there are many ways to enjoy apples, and they’re not all created equal when it comes to reaping their nutritional value…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Viral trigger to blame for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis has had doctors and scientists stumped ever since it was first identified. While they could put up theories of what might cause the crippling autoimmune disease, the proof was elusive, until a solid connection was linked to a common virus…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Stomach cancer: Risks and symptoms you should know

While stomach cancer is only the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide, it’s the third most common cause of cancer death. Because it’s so dangerous, it’s important to know the signs, risks and best prevention…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Over 51? You may have monkeypox protection

No one is sounding loud alarms about monkeypox yet, but cases have started to rise. An interesting thing is that most of them are in people under 50. Unlike the last virus that made older adults a target, if you’re 51 or over, you may have little to be concerned about…

Carolyn Gretton

Is E. coli and a bad diet a recipe for colon cancer?

A Western-style diet is linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. And separate studies have indicated colorectal cancer could be influenced by a certain type of bacteria. Now, scientists are looking closely at the connection between these two colorectal cancer risk factors…

Joyce Hollman

The best way to avoid knee pain says science

The pain of knee osteoarthritis can be excruciating, and the stiffness can really slow you down. For many people, the solution is a total knee replacement. But science is stacking up for a simple way to slow damage and reduce your pain risk by 40 percent…

Carolyn Gretton

The menopause change that increases stroke and Alzheimer’s risk

Many changes come with menopause. And most of them we’re very familiar with. But one symptom has left experts wondering if it’s the result of out-of-whack hormones or if actual physical changes occur in the brain. Researchers recently explored this and what they discovered is concerning…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The microbe shortage spreading disease

The microorganisms that dwell in your gut impact vitals such as blood pressure, immune system development and your risks for more than two dozen other diseases, that they know of at this point. But most of us are running around with an “impoverished microbiome.”

Joyce Hollman

LISS: The low-intensity workout with big cardio benefits

Remember when high-intensity interval training became popular? I wondered how anyone but a seasoned athlete could stand up to those intense bursts of exercise. If you’re looking for cardio you can keep up with, that elevates your heart rate with less risk of injury, welcome to low-intensity steady state workouts…

Carolyn Gretton

Low sex drive? It may be your thyroid

There are a lot of symptoms of low thyroid function. You may experience cold hands and feet, fatigue, headache, stiff or painful joints and depression, among other effects. But there’s another thyroid symptom affecting men and women we don’t talk about…

Carolyn Gretton

The sneaky substances raising women’s blood pressure

Modern living is synonymous with chemicals. And unfortunately, some of them may be inescapable. They’re called “forever chemicals” and there’s no doubt they impact our health. If you’re a woman puzzled about what’s behind your blood pressure, this may be the first place to look…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

That low-fat dairy advice? It’s way wrong for your heart

Many of us believe the only way we can enjoy dairy is to only choose low-fat options.That’s meant watery milk and giving up rich, delicious full-fat yogurt, not to mention real butter and cheese. Time to stop. You’ve been cheating your tastebuds and your heart for too long…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

8 great supplements for calming rheumatoid arthritis

Living with RA can get a little easier when you use supplements to naturally reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve pain, improve your overall health and combat the side effects of those prescription drugs. Here are the great eight…

Joyce Hollman

How obesity can lead straight to heart failure

A lot’s been said about obesity as a contributor to diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. And some of it’s been contradicted. But cardiac scans don’t lie about the physical changes obesity wreaks on the heart that lead straight to heart failure…

Jenny Smiechowski

What your itchy skin indicates about your gut

You’ve heard of the gut-brain axis. Well, research shows there’s a gut-skin axis too. That means your gut is constantly communicating with your gut, and your gut is constantly communicating with your skin. In fact, a new study shows exactly why people with skin problems are more likely to have gut problems and vice versa…

Margaret Cantwell

The vaccine that lowers Alzheimer’s risk 40 percent

For years researchers have teased us about the potential for an Alzheimer’s vaccine. So far we’ve been left high and dry, or have we? Turns out a vaccine that’s been around for decades may activate the immune system in a way that protects against the disease…

Carolyn Gretton

Your brain and cholesterol on cranberries

Like most berries, cranberries are bursting with health-boosting micronutrients which give berries their red, blue, or purple color. But it’s their potential impact on the brain and vascular health that has experts giving the tiny berry a closer look…

Carolyn Gretton

How a mistaken Alzheimer’s diagnosis proved deadly

Lyme disease is growing across the country. Testing for it is often inaccurate. And if not caught it in time, it could prove debilitating or deadly. That’s what one family discovered when their father was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s before the truth came out…

Carolyn Gretton

Low thyroid? Keep these 9 foods on your radar

If you’re suffering from unexplained weight gain, fatigue, thinning hair, stiff or painful joints, memory issues and increased sensitivity to cold, you may want to get your thyroid checked. Chances are, you’re suffering from low thyroid. Then take a good look at what you’re eating…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why are tomatoes being genetically modified with vitamin D?

In this day and age, it’s hard to believe a vitamin deficiency could be at the root of many of the significant health problems we face. But more and more research says it is, from heart problems, to autoimmune disease and even Alzeimer’s. But is the answer in tomatoes?

Carolyn Gretton

How your eyes can influence your longevity

So many of the body’s systems are interconnected and influence each other. For instance, the gut has been found to influence mood, immunity and dementia risk. Knowing this, researchers were still surprised by the connection they found between lifespan and our eyes…

Joyce Hollman

Cognitive decline and aphasia: How singing can help

Cognitive flexibility is a key component of executive functioning, and group singing provides an opportunity to “exercise” the portions of the brain that control this crucial function. In fact, singing may be an enjoyable and effective way to boost your brain function…

Carolyn Gretton

Your immune system is aging faster and here’s why

The body’s immune system tends to grow weaker as people age. But as the aging population grows, something stands out. In some people, this aging seems accelerated. Why? A not-so-surprising difference that makes it hard for your immune system to do its job…

Carolyn Gretton

More proof a vitamin D deficiency spells dementia

As the world’s population ages, dementia is on the rise. Researchers, feverishly hunting for anything that can stop this cognitive destroyer in its tracks, have found new evidence further indicating that preventing dementia could be as simple as correcting one key deficiency…

Joyce Hollman

More than 100 health conditions increase with height

There are many instances where being tall may be considered an asset. Reaching the top shelf at the supermarket is just one. But you should know, being on the taller side is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for several health conditions you should watch for…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The surprising way an entire family got lead poisoning

What if I told you that you could be unknowingly serving up a dangerous substance in your home every day that could poison your body, cause behavior and learning problems in your children and skyrocket your risk for heart disease? This is how it happens…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The ‘new and improved’ treatment that slows AMD

Age-related macular degeneration is a disease that progressively steals vision. There’s no cure, but the main treatment slows progression to avoid severe vision loss. And as effective as it was, researchers have kicked it up several notches with two new sight-saving ingredients…

Dr. Michael Cutler

High fiber foods: The good and the bad

Fiber is one nutrient no one can afford to go without. Let’s look at the powerful health benefits of high fiber food and which ones you’ll want to be wary of, the difference in soluble and insoluble fiber, how much you need for disease-prevention and the best high-fiber foods to get the job done…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why purple corn fights inflammation, obesity, diabetes and more

You’ve probably heard that corn causes inflammation, is hard to digest and is chock-full of GMOs. And there’s no denying that there are some downsides to corn. But here’s the thing… a new study shows that this colorful corn is an antioxidant powerhouse that fights disease…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The exercise that could save you from diabetic heart disease

The longer you live with diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar, the higher your risk of heart problems. But researchers have found another way you can protect your heart from the damage caused by blood sugar problems, without any necessary changes in your medication or diet…

Joyce Hollman

More proof that broccoli is a cancer slayer

I don’t know about you, but I find it comforting to know that for pretty much any disease, I can reduce my risks using food instead of dangerous drugs. But there’s one vegetable that stands out as a potent weapon against disease. And new research confirms the power of this “little green tree” to fight cancer…

Joyce Hollman

Why the Japanese eat seaweed daily (and you should, too)

Seaweed is a staple “superfood” of Japanese cuisine. So, let’s take the mystery and confusion out of how to eat seaweed, and help you start getting these nutritional benefits. Here are four varieties that every Japanese cook keeps in their pantry.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Walk this way to live up to 15 years longer

There are a lot of factors that go into determining how long you might live, including genetics. But two large studies have found that the speed at which you put one foot in front of the other could either cut your life short — or boost it by about 15 years…

Jenny Smiechowski

The new diabetes drug causing genital gangrene

Managing type 2 diabetes isn’t easy. Lifestyle changes may not work for everyone, but neither do medications, like metformin. That’s where secondary meds come in. But a recent study shows that a new class of drugs has a disturbing (albeit rare) side effect… A higher risk of flesh-eating genital infections.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What broccoli sprouts do for the brain that could treat mental disorders

A prescription for better brain chemistry may have just been discovered in the produce aisle. It affects the brain chemical glutamate, which is known for its role in sending messages between brain cells and has been linked to depression and schizophrenia. 100 percent natural, too!

Jenny Smiechowski

Try this smelly approach to kicking your cigarette habit for good

Smokers are a dying a breed. And I don’t mean literally (although, statistically smokers do die a lot sooner than non-smokers). I mean that fewer people are smoking today than ever. Yet there are still 40 million Americans who smoke. Go figure. If you’re having trouble kicking the habit, I bet you haven’t tried this…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The drugs that could cause dementia in men

With one in ten people already suffering from Alzheimer’s the statistics are already frightening. But, it might shock you to find out that if the problem wasn’t bad enough already, the drug companies have made it worse, at least for men who have been diagnosed with a certain cancer…

Jenny Smiechowski

Two common food additives that harden arteries

As you age, your blood vessels begin to stiffen. What you eat is a huge part of that unhealthy process. Two common additives hidden in your food could be making your arteries a heck of a lot harder.

Joyce Hollman

The drug-free pain therapy of the future is here

If you suffer from pain that won’t go away, you’ve probably tried everything to get relief. If only you could trick your body into not feeling the pain, right? Well, a new “brain hack” holds bright promise for being able to distract our brains so completely that pain isn’t even an issue…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

High blood pressure just might be optional

There’s a good argument that high blood pressure just might be optional. Turns out, for most of our evolution, humans ate diets containing less than a quarter teaspoon of salt a day, because we mostly ate plants. As a result, we evolved into salt-conserving machines. See the problem?

Jenny Smiechowski

The newly discovered brain disease that mimics Alzheimer’s

Nothing’s more devastating than getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor can’t offer much help. And you know it’s only a matter of time before you lose your memory and independence. But do you know what else stinks pretty bad? Getting incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Joyce Hollman

For strength, longevity and happiness, take a hike!

At first glance, walking and hiking may not seem that different. But the benefits of hiking are indeed measurably different from the benefits of a stroll around the block. Walking on flat terrain allows the body to just keep going without a lot of effort. But whichever you choose, there are benefits you can’t pass up…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Sitting is dangerous

Study after study has shown unequivocally that sitting too much is bad for our health. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to everything from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and cancer. So, have all these warnings done what they’re meant to do? By that I mean, are people (you, too!) sitting less knowing the dangerous implications?

Dr. Michael Cutler

8 ways to save your thinning hair

If you’re not one to pay for expensive hair restoration treatments such as platelet rich plasma, low level laser light therapy, or hair transplant surgery, consider these remedies made using natural products right at home…

Jenny Smiechowski

3 steps to more energy, better sleep and a stronger immune system

There are things about your body that feel like they’re out of your control… Like how fast your heart beats or how cold you feel when you jump into an icy lake. But amazing individuals have demonstrated that you can control bodily processes that appear to operate on autopilot. Case in point?

Joyce Hollman

Use it or lose it: Urgent advice about your muscles and your mind

I’m closer to 63 than I am to 62. And believe me when I tell you, I’m not a lover of exercise. But I may make an exception for one kind. Why? Besides benefitting my muscles, it can affect the holes, or lesions, that develop in your brain’s white matter as a part of aging…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Healthy fat’s no substitute for how walnuts lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure is a tricky condition. After all, it’s known as the silent killer for good reason. You can easily have dangerously elevated pressure and not even know it until it’s too late. And, once you’re diagnosed, getting it under control is no picnic either.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Finally! The definitive answer on cranberry juice and UTIs

You’ve probably heard that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections. But, clinical trials of this popular remedy have produced mixed results. A new study has dug deeper though, and it looks like the debate over whether the red fruit really works to prevent UTIs is over…

Joyce Hollman

The brain chemical that helps banish unwanted thoughts

Being able to control the thoughts that go through your mind from moment to moment can be hard. You’re trying to concentrate but you can’t stop thinking about everything else but what you need to focus on. Here are some scientific tricks that work… including boosting an effective neurotransmitter.

Jenny Smiechowski

Why your skin could sky rocket your autoimmune disease risk

I’ve always been fascinated by medical mysteries… Like the man who looks like he’s part tree. Or the girl who doesn’t age. But a medical mystery doesn’t have to be bizarre and extraordinary to capture my attention. Take the mysterious connection between women and autoimmune disease…

Jenny Smiechowski

The fatal side effect of prescription sleep aids

Insomnia stinks. But, sometimes, you’d do almost anything for sleep, right? However, if you do turn to prescription sleep aids to get some zzz’s on occasion, there’s something you should know… They threaten lives more often than those commercials with the calming, sleep-inducing butterfly lead you to believe.

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Could moves like Jagger help your heart just as much?

Mick Jagger, the 75-year-old frontman for the Rolling Stones, underwent heart surgery about a month ago. But you’d never know it from this video… If you want to bounce back from any kind of surgery, especially heart surgery, there are a few things you could learn from Mr. Jagger, including his dance moves…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet-bacteria combination that could stop colon cancer

Did you know that teams of scientists and doctors across the world are now taking a step back from the traditional prescription for deadly diseases like colorectal cancer and beginning to dig deeper into how you can use combinations of diet and natural supplements to not only prevent them but stop their spread?

Joyce Hollman

5 ways empty calories hook you and the weird way to break up

What should you do when you smell warm cookies or French fries and you really, really want some? Walk away, of course. Stop smelling them and you’ll stop wanting them. You may find this hard to believe, but one of the best ways to curb your desire for, say, those French fries your friend is eating, is to…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can this carb curb a creeping waistline?

If you’re struggling to lose weight, there’s one piece of advice no one will ever give you: Eat more carbs. Well, I know at least one carb-y food you can add to the “nice” rather than “naughty” list as you work to get your weight in check…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Medicinal mint’s ancient healing secrets decoded in the lab

Have you ever noticed that the second scientists discover that a natural substance like an herb or plant can help promote better health or fight disease, they immediately begin using it to design a drug that pharmaceutical companies can sell for a ridiculously high profit?

Joyce Hollman

Why cancer is still lurking in your drinking water

There are poisonous, cancer-causing chemicals in your drinking water. If you’re thinking you’ve heard this from us before, you’re right. Chemical companies are still hiding these poisons or disguising them as something else. Bottom line: A year later, you’re still drinking poison. Take these steps to protect yourself…

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