Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Cortisol: The forgotten blood sugar trigger

Stress causes a boatload of problems no matter who you are. And these days it seems there’s so much more triggering stress. But if you have diabetes, you should know that stress is an often-forgotten trigger that can send your blood sugar levels through the roof as well…

Joyce Hollman

Brain imaging shows common supplement’s impact on depression

The gut plays a major role in the production of neurotransmitters and chemicals that influence the immune system, metabolic functions and even the brain. By looking at brain changes, researchers have discovered the gut’s role in fighting symptoms of depression.

Carolyn Gretton

Zoning out may be your brain’s rinse cycle

We’ve all been there. After a night of poor sleep, we find our attention wandering or just zoning out altogher. Well, it turns our there may be a very beneficial reason for zoning out…

Joyce Hollman

The common drug with a longevity ‘side effect’

Drugs often have undesirable side effects. But sometimes, the result is welcome. Especially if it’s considered a gerotherapeutic, a drug that, in addition to its original purpose, can slow various aging processes…

Joyce Hollman

The nutrient linked to anxiety disorders

Some nutrients are in the spotlight over and over. But one that just happens to be vital for brain health is not only underappreciated, but underconsumed. It should be a priority, especially if anxiety is a problem for you…

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

Common pain conditions linked to high blood pressure

From hips and knees that ache to back pain misery, chronic pain has a significant impact on daily life. What might surprise you, though, is the effect it has on your blood pressure, and the single solution for both…

Joyce Hollman

The one food that fights both cancer and stroke

Researchers conducted a series of tests on compounds commonly found in plants to see which, if any, might have a stronger tendency to prevent deadly blood clots. It just so happens the winner also has powerful anti-cancer clout too…

Carolyn Gretton

All the benefits of exercise in a third of the time

Good reasons to exercise include improving body composition, metabolism and heart health. But who has 150 minutes a week? No problem, try interval running and get these benefits and more in a fraction of the time.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The bacterial infection with a growing colon cancer reputation

H. pylori is a nasty bacteria known for infecting the stomach and small intestines, causing bad breath, painful gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer. But research indicates its cancer-causing reputation is growing, Good news, it’s a treatable risk…

Joyce Hollman

The nut that’s a colon cancer-fighting trifecta

Nuts are like disease kryptonite, especially when it comes to cancer. But one nut in particular contains a special cancer fighter that launches a three-pronged attack on the growing threat of colon cancer…

Carolyn Gretton

That snap, crackle and pop in your knee may start with your thyroid

If you notice your knee crackling, it could signal osteoarthritis or a build-up of calcium crystals thought to only happen in really old age. Turns out they do structural damage much earlier than thought, especially if your mineral metabolism is off…

Carolyn Gretton

The truth about caffeine and your blood vessels

Is the caffeine in your cup of coffee harming your heart? The answers have been mixed. On the one hand, it can raise blood pressure. On the other, it reduces risk of heart failure. But what it does for your blood vessels…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 GI conditions linked with brain aneurysm

Research into the gut-brain axis, the signaling pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, has uncovered connections never before known. The latest is especially concerning. If you have a GI condition, know your elevated risk for brain aneurysm…

Joyce Hollman

3 amino acids can slay your mental and physical fatigue

Mental and physical fatigue doesn’t just make it hard to do things, it makes you depressed. Don’t miss out on life just because your body’s missing 3 critical amino acids that can make a world of difference and aren’t that hard to get…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The drinking habit linked to stroke 10 years early

One of the most debated topics of health is alcohol consumption. Studies have shown benefits, while others show harm. Is moderation key? You may be surprised at how few drinks a day can put you at the same risk as heavy drinkers for a catastrophic brain bleed.

Carolyn Gretton

The fiber that could stave off liver damage

High fructose corn syrup isn’t healthy, in the least. But the damage it can do to our livers, without a single symptom, should be criminal. Protection against, and even reversal of, fatty liver could lie in a warm bowl of oatmeal…

Carolyn Gretton

How to slash your risk of AFib by 60 percent

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It’s also a leading cause of stroke. Risk of devloping it climbs with age but it can also run in families and take your risk even higher. Do this one thing to slash it…

Carolyn Gretton

3 benefits of a daily coffee that cut Afib risk

Afib is a heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to beat too quickly and irregularly. People with Afib have been warned off coffee for years. But in a shocking turn of events, a daily coffee could help manage the condition. Here are 3 reasons why…

Joyce Hollman

Turn up the tunes to turn down dementia risk

Music has always been a vital part of my life. I depend on my playlist to help my mood, get work done and relax. If music doesn’t play into your life, here’s why it should: Music is medicine that may significantly lower dementia risk…

Carolyn Gretton

Best for blood sugar control: cardio or weights?

Which is better, aerobic exercise or strength training? While the ideal answer is “both,” one is clearly better at improving one aspect of health that, unchecked, is a kick-off point for metabolic disaster…

Joyce Hollman

Weight loss without hunger? Try Hara Hachi Bu

Japanese culture offers a wealth of wisdom on how to nourish the body, including hara hachi bu, one simple principle for shedding weight, getting healthier and feeling satisfied when you leave the table…

Carolyn Gretton

What happens when you stop supplementing omega-3s

Omega-3s are healthy fats your body can’t make on its own. They help lower triglycerides and reduce risk of stroke. Here’s what you should know about getting them from food or supplements and the impact your metabolism could have on your levels…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Processed food fats may not be so bad on our hearts

By now, you’re sure to have heard about the heart health dangers of processed foods. Relax, there’s good news: Some processed food fats may not be nearly as bad for our health as we were led to believe — within reason…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Metformin cancels out the diabetic benefits of exercise

Yes, you read that right. The most popular drug for treating type 2 diabetes may cancel out the biggest benefits expected from exercise when part of a treatment strategy. Beyond diabetes, that may be a setup for long-term health risks…

Carolyn Gretton

Magnesium: An inexpensive defense against colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer rates are rising, so it’s vital to decrease your risk by avoiding lifestyle habits that can raise it. But research reveals the surprising way magnesium goes to work right where the cancer can start…

Carolyn Gretton

The scientific reason it really is better to give than receive

Everyone loves giving and getting gifts. But it seems we enjoy gift-giving a bit more. Turns out the old adage “it’s better to give than to receive” is actually true in terms of the response it elicits from your brain…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Key player in kidney disease identified (and a supplement that helps)

37 million Americans live with chronic kidney disease. If you have diabetes or hypertension, you’re at high risk of joining them. Luckily, a new treatment, and better yet, preventative, is on the horizon. Even better, it’s available right now without prescription…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The serious threats that stick around after the virus is long gone

Fever, cough, chills, congestion and body aches… a viral infection can be rough. When the symptoms are gone, it feels like the worst is over. But a surprising symptom sticks around: elevated risks for stroke and heart attack.

Easy Health Options Staff

Read before hanging out under the mistletoe

A kiss under the mistletoe is a longstanding holiday tradition, steeped in ancient lore. Depending on the health of your kissing partner, when you indulge in a 10-second kiss, you exchange much more than good tidings…

Joyce Hollman

How to lose twice as much without eating less

Nutrition guides can be helpful. But in the real world, most of us eat foods that have been processed at various levels, and not so much whole food. Luckily, all processing isn’t all bad. One option can help you lose twice the weight…

Carolyn Gretton

How loneliness and hearing loss accelerate cogntive decline

Hearing loss makes it difficult to communicate and engage with others, leading to isolation and loneliness. It’s something more than a third of seniors have reported experiencing, and a combo that can open the door to bigger trouble…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Menopause and the big lie: The facts they left out

The Women’s Health Initiative was a series of clinical studies by the National Institutes of Health in 1991 to address health issues in postmenopausal women. It changed how we approach menopause, for all the wrong reasons…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The sleep solution that rivals pills to tackle insomnia

Tossing and turning at night and dragging through the day half asleep? Research is revealing a natural way to boost your sleep that rivals pills in effectiveness — yet comes without the troublesome side effects…

Carolyn Gretton

Just ‘move more’ to lower disease and lengthen lifespan

Even the best of intentions around exercise can fall by the wayside. Don’t fret. Switching to a more active lifestyle at any point in adulthood may extend lifespan. It’s never too late to start, and you control the dial on the benefits…

Joyce Hollman

Say goodbye to nighttime leg cramps

Nothing jolts you awake like a leg cramp. Sometimes they’re associated with a serious condition. Other times, they strike from too much or too little exercise. Say hello to this vitamin and goodbye to the pain…

Carolyn Gretton

5 critical nutrients Americans fall short on

If you eat a typical Western diet, chances are good you aren’t getting all the nutrients you need, even from fortified foods, like cereal. In fact, there are five nutrients critical to disease prevention we’re falling short on…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

29 million-person study finds 3 ways air pollution fuels dementia

Dementia dangers with every breath — that’s the warning of a 29-million person study. Here’s what you need to know about the triple-threat hidden in air pollution and how to fight back and win the battle for your brain health…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The breakthrough that reversed skin aging in 28 days

Want firmer, younger-looking skin (with the bonus of a healthy heart)? A breakthrough in skin aging, discovered in one of my favorite plant compounds, is poised to change the way we approach anti-aging skincare formulations…

Carolyn Gretton

Low-cal sweetener linked to brain cell damage and blood clots

The dark side of artificial sweeteners has been coming to light for years. But the newest generation carries especially concerning risks, like trading calories for higher stroke risk by interfering with how your blood vessels function…

Joyce Hollman

The food that won’t let you ‘outrun’ obesity

For decades, obese Americans have been made to feel lazy and at fault for eating too much and not moving enough to avoid weight gain. Energy in, energy out, right? That was wrong on so many levels, and we know why…

Joyce Hollman

Hot tub time improves blood pressure and immune response

It’s time for hot tubs to go from luxury to wellness tool. If you can’t or won’t exercise, time in a hot tub may be just what you need to lower blood pressure and improve your immune system, even after you dry off.

Carolyn Gretton

The link between the vitamin D gene and cancer

While vitamin D deficiency is mainly the result of not getting enough vitamin D from sun and diet, in some cases, it can be traced to a gene mutation. Researchers uncovered something shocking about this mutation that could be a huge step forward in the fight against cancer…

Joyce Hollman

The unnecessary reason for men’s increasingly shorter lifespans

Harvard researchers say the life expectancy gap between men and women has grown to six years. That’s unsettling enough, but the underlying reason behind increasingly shorter lifespans among men is even more so…

Carolyn Gretton

Drink away the risk of age-related muscle loss

Research is learning more about the cellular hallmarks of aging — those that happen at a level we don’t see, but can sneak up and pull the rug out from under your feet. One of those is sarcopenia which can leave you frail and dependant, unless you drink a daily dose of trigonelline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Coffee: The cardiometabolic disease crusher that lowers heart disease, diabetes and stroke

Loads of research has stacked evidence of coffee’s health benefits. But it gets better. Beyond the heart, it slays a cluster of conditions, even in early stages, to crush what’s now known as cardiometabolic disease, and it just takes this much…

Joyce Hollman

7 skin changes that should never go unchecked

Your skin is a shield between you and the pollutants, UV radiation, pathogens and toxins you encounter daily. A lot can go wrong, and not just skin cancer. From skin tags to spots, skin changes warn of conditions that are more than skin deep…

Carolyn Gretton

Could we actually poop out ‘forever chemicals’?

There’s no escaping “forever chemicals.” They’re everywhere and, as the name implies, they stick around. They’re also linked to numerous disease conditions. But have we been overthinking the solution?

Joyce Hollman

The vicious cycle of adult ADHD and insomnia

Adults with ADHD face some unique challenges. Struggling to focus takes a toll that results in reduced well-being and higher risk for depression. But research uncovered a significant factor that fuels that cycle…

Carolyn Gretton

New gene link to obesity and a thyroid connection

Genes have come to the forefront of research into obesity, adding a layer of complexity. A study into one gene sheds light on the thyroid, a small organ with big influence on the repression and enhancement of gene activity…

Carolyn Gretton

Why poor sleep is a ticking time bomb for women over 45

Women are fortunate that, for most of their lives, heart problems are of little concern. That changes in menopause, when it becomes a significant threat. Four factors can increase the danger, but one in particular needs addressing sooner than later.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

7 powerful health benefits of watermelon

Summertime is here and that means markets across the country are once again selling that sweet, juicy fruit kids and adults alike wait all year for. And we’ve got good news: If you eat watermelon, you’re getting much more than a tasty treat…

Joyce Hollman

5 ways to slash risks for painful diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a painful inflammation of the colon that becomes more common after 50. But diet, lifestyle and some conditions can increase your odds. If not treated, complications can be life-threatening. Here’s what to know…

Carolyn Gretton

How slightly elevated blood sugar tanks a man’s sex life

Low testosterone and aging are often blamed when men have trouble in the bedroom. But a six-year study shows an unrelated health problem, easily remedied, may actually be the impetus for a man’s sexual health decline…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

Menopause and the big lie

Given that it’s a normal physiologic process and not a disease, women are expected to just endure menopause and get on with it. But misery is not “normal,” and neither is accepting the harm it does to your health…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The superfood enzyme that ‘dissolves’ sinus pain and pressure

Superfoods get their reputation because they’re nutrient dense and do for your body what it normally takes a variety of other foods (in copious amounts) to do. Or because they contain that “one amazing” ingredient, like the natural answer for your sinus problems…

Joyce Hollman

What makes obesity-related heart disease so deadly

In the last two decades, there’s been a significant increase in deaths from obesity-related ischemic heart disease. Let’s talk about why obesity drives heart problems, the type of fat that does the most harm, who’s most affected and what to do about it…

Carolyn Gretton

Live near a golf course? Your risk for Parkinson’s may double

Even if you don’t play golf, but have a golf course in your neighborhood, you’ll want to pay attention to this. You could face more than double the risk of developing Parkinson’s, and it may start in your groundwater…

Joyce Hollman

The berry powerful enough to treat bowel inflammation

If you follow nutritional health like I do, you know one superfood stands out study after study. Now researchers are calling it a natural therapeutic agent for intestinal health. That’s because it goes after the root of conditions like colitis and more…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How this sneaky protein triggers leaky gut syndrome

With the incidence of leaky gut and celiac disease on the rise, people are left suffering as doctors struggle to get to the root of the problem. Luckily, researchers are shining a light on how leaks form in the gut lining, providing hope for treatments that work…

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