Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Avoiding heart failure is the best reason to stay hydrated

You’ve probably heard that your body is 50 percent water. But did you know some of your most vital organs are up to 80 percent water? Your heart is one of them. And we’re hearing that your future risk of heart failure may hinge on how well-hydrated you keep it…

Carolyn Gretton

The ‘weight optional’ diet that lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

Your doctor says you’ve got to lower your cholesterol and blood sugar. Of course, he also says to do that, you’ve got to lose weight, and you’ve found that hard. No worries. Meet the diet that gives you these benefits and more, with or without the weight loss…

Joyce Hollman

Antibiotics and the surprising threat to women’s brains

It’s no secret that antibiotic overuse is harmful. It contributes to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance that threatens us all. But for women, it’s personal. If you’re not careful, fighting a simple infection could age your brain and hasten cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diabetes: Why a broken biological clock affects treatment

Mitochondria communicate with time-keeping molecules in our cells, and this communication is disrupted in people with type 2 diabetes. That’s a problem because some of the most common diabetes treatments affect mitochondria, meaning they may work differently depending on the time of day they are taken…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The ‘silent hormone’ that doubles women’s Alzheimer’s risk

Doctors have long known that if you’re a woman, your brain is in danger. Numerous studies show women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. And as you may have guessed, hormones are believed to be the culprit following menopause. But not the ones you’re thinking of…

Joyce Hollman

The trick to using optimism to live longer and better

Research says being an optimist can absolutely add years to your healthspan, the number of years you get to live a healthy, disease-free, productive life. But it depends on when you’re optimistic in response to the stressors in your life — before they happen or after…

Carolyn Gretton

A single cell may be the start and end of Alzheimer’s

The brain needs a lot of oxygen. Without a hardy supply, brain cells begin to malfunction and die off. That’s why the brain has a mechanism in place to make sure its energy demands are met: a single cell that may be all that’s between you and a cascade that could lead to Alzheimer’s or stop it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why cutting calories could cut your colon cancer risk

While we used to think of colon cancer as a concern for those middle-aged and older, more people are being diagnosed under the age of 50. And while plenty of research speculates as to why that is, the best is finding ways to keep it from happening to you…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Poor liver health could be destroying your bones

If your liver goes down, so do you. It’s a fact that’s as true for your bones as it is for any part of your body. So, if you’re experiencing bone loss, problems with bone density or are worried about suffering from weak bones and fractures, your liver health, or lack of it, could be to blame.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Live cold, die old: How temperature affects lifespan

We’ve all heard the saying, “Live fast, die young.” It’s one that’s stood the test of time since living a fast and risky life is often cut short. Now, there’s one more adage that will likely stand up to that time test, and may have you cranking up your AC: Live cold, die old…

Carolyn Gretton

The harmful brain legacy of leaded gasoline

You may think the only way to get exposed to lead is through drinking water or paint chips in older houses. But if you were born in the U.S. before 1996, you were very likely absorbing lead with every breath you took. And researchers say that could be affecting how your brain is aging today…

Joyce Hollman

What dentists get but doctors don’t about pH balance

Every time you eat or drink anything other than water, the pH level in your mouth drops (becomes more acidic). This causes minerals in your tooth enamel to seep out as your body tries to re-establish a balanced pH. Any guesses what happens in the rest of your body?

Carolyn Gretton

Protein: How to eat it to avoid high blood pressure

Nearly half of the American population has high blood pressure. But what’s really odd is that for most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of their hypertension. Lifestyle factors, like salt intake, get a lot of blame. But if you’re not eating your protein right, you’ll be surprised at what may happen…

Margaret Cantwell

The Alzheimer’s drug on the horizon that’s really a vitamin

Could an existing FDA-approved drug be that magic Alzheimer’s pill we’ve been waiting for? It reduced those signature brain plaques and improved memory deficits in mice. Better yet? The “drug” is a simple vitamin that’s already shown that people with the lowest intake are 80 percent more likely to develop the disease…

Craig Cooper

6 reasons you shouldn’t get testosterone therapy

The biggest complaints men have that can often lead to considering testosterone therapy are weight gain, lack of energy, low libido, depression and lack of muscle tone. They’re often convinced that testosterone therapy will solve everything. But there’s another side to that coin…

Jenny Smiechowski

Perfect pill melts fat, fights disease and keeps your body young

There’s an all-natural “pill” shown to help you lose weight. Sure, diet and exercise can help. But why not give yourself a break and take this pill every day? You’ll drop pounds and end up not only with a healthier body weight but a better gut, bones, skin and more!

Joyce Hollman

Our organs age at different rates and what it means

When you read about slowing aging or promoting a longer lifespan, it’s a safe bet you assumed your biological age applied to your whole body. Turns out, while our organs are busy doing different jobs, they’re also aging at different rates. What’s that mean for us?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Migraine may signal one of these four endocrine disorders

When is a migraine more than just a pain condition? When it’s a symptom. Having an endocrine-related condition is likely to increase your risk of migraine headaches. That means there could be a potentially serious condition behind those terrible headaches…

Carl Lowe

Survive the heat with a single supplement

Summer heat is a real hazzard. But you can help your body shrug off the dog days of summer with a simple vitamin. Sound crazy? Not when you understand how it keeps your blood moving, which cools your skin and reduces your risk for stroke…

Easy Health Options Staff

Aphasia: The disorder that steals your ability to communicate

You may know that well-known actor Bruce Willis is stepping away from his 50+ year career for health reasons. His family made the announcement for him, which may indicate the progression of his illness: Aphasia. Here’s what you should know about the difficult disorder affecting millions few have heard of…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 household nasties that make asthma worse

Some experts say asthma has become an epidemic in our country. And once you’ve got it, its symptoms hit you again and again. Luckily, researchers have identified the three bigest asthma culprits lurking in your home that if you can tame, could help you get better control of your symptoms.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why exercise is vital for Long COVID recovery

Long COVID can affect up to 80 percent of those who’ve been infected, resulting in a constellation of symptoms including diabetes and depression. While there’s currently no recognized treatment, experts recognize dousing inflammation is key to defeating its effects, and exercise can help…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Low T and ED? Blame a high protein diet

Eating a high protein diet is a great way to keep your muscles strong so that you don’t lose them with age. But there are some downsides. For men, eating a diet with too much protein can lead to low levels of testosterone, low sperm count and ED. Here’s how to find balance…

Joyce Hollman

Flavorful flavonoids that help your brain flourish

Eating foods that benefit your health in a major way isn’t all about just eating the green stuff or more fiber. In fact some of the most colorful foods can have the most amazing effects, especially on your brain…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What height has to do with colon cancer risk

Doctors have long noticed that taller people tend to develop colorectal cancer more frequently. Sounds odd, but the theory is height correlates to more real estate in organs too. Here are life-saving tips that can help bring those odds down….

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Coffee and heart health: The suggested daily limit

Research has proven time and again that your morning cup of joe doesn’t just give you the jolt you need to wake up. It packs proven benefits. Yet, too much of even a good thing can quickly turn bad. So, how much is too much coffee for your heart?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common medications that make fighting any virus harder

Just because millions may take a specific type of medication daily, it doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. And what we’re learning in the aftermath of the pandemic has put some very common medications in the spotlight. It’s important information no matter what virus you may have to fight…

Carolyn Gretton

GERD: A surprising cause of chronic headache

If you suffer from chronic headaches, you’ve probably gone down every avenue trying to uncover the cause and find relief. But for millions, the answers remain elusive. But you may have been looking for relief from the wrong body part, now that researchers have found a trigger within the gastrointestinal system…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Are you just tired, or is it Alzheimer’s?

Most of us wouldn’t think twice about napping a little during the day. After all, as we age, our nighttime sleep can become more disrupted, so why wouldn’t we catch up on it during the daytime hours? Surprisingly, it could be a sign of brain changes that need attention.

Joyce Hollman

How many steps to live longer? Which side of 60 are you on?

You’ve probably heard that 10,000 is the optimal number of steps per day to add years to your life. Truth is, there’s nothing to back that up. But a look at 15 studies has plenty of data to back up the amount that can give you real benefits. And it depends on what side of 60 you’re on.

Joyce Hollman

The toxin in beer and wine that could make teetotaling popular again

The nightmare called glyphosate is one we can’t seem to wake up from. That’s because the weed-killing toxin is capable of worming its way into every corner of your life… Even a recent test of 20 beer and wine samples shows it could be lurking in your favorite brand…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Slash liver cancer nearly 40 percent with the ‘right’ fiber

Liver cancer rates and deaths are on the rise. In fact, it’s the only cancer with rates expected to go up year after year in both women and men. But just by making a simple change, you can bring your risk of the most common form of liver cancer down by almost 40 percent.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

This proven weight loss habit takes less time than you think

Do you have a reason you want to lose weight? For me it’s just six extra pounds that will help me feel more comfortable when I hit the beach with my family this summer. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit health wasn’t a bigger and more important reason than feeling comfortable in my swimsuit…

Jenny Smiechowski

The breathing exercise that lowers blood pressure

What if you could improve your blood pressure just by working out for five minutes per day? What if this workout didn’t involve any running, jogging, jumping, weight-lifting or traditional exercise whatsoever? What if all it involved was breathing?

Joyce Hollman

When yoga can be bad for your bones

Meditation makes your heart healthier. So does yoga. But recent research has caught me up short. It warns that people with osteoporosis need to be careful. So do people like me — who have “pre-osteoporosis,” known as osteopenia. For us, there are certain yoga poses that will do more harm than good.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Progesterone benefits and management

In my previous article I explained some important details of estrogen dosing and monitoring. Let’s look now at how naturally-derived progesterone is safe and effective for short and long term, and how it is dosed and monitored.

Joyce Hollman

9 vaccines older adults should consider

Everyone has an opinion on vaccinations. But a sore arm might be better than some of the diseases these vaccinations prevent. Based on your health history, the work you do and even the year you were born, here are 10 you should probably check on and consider…

Jenny Smiechowski

The creepy reason food poisoning may become a bigger threat

Campylobacter bacteria are one of the leading causes of food poisoning. The most common sources of this unpleasant bug are raw and undercooked poultry and unpasteurized milk. But researchers say there’s another way to get this bad bacteria…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

One more way to ward off one of the deadliest cancers in the U.S.

When we talk about death from cancers, there’s probably one big one that comes to mind — lung cancer. That’s not surprising, since it kills more people than any other form of cancer. But, there’s one that runs a close second that many of us try to ignore, and that’s colon cancer.

Margaret Cantwell

The berry that could save you from insulin injections

So many Americans are walking a thin line between life and death. That may sound a little dramatic, but if you’re prediabetic, my friend, that’s where you are. Crossing the line to a full-fledged type 2 diabetes diagnosis is not just inconvenient — but it sets you up for…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 must-have essential oils (slideshow)

Long before the pharmaceutical industry was ever even thought of, essential oils were being used to prevent illnesses, ease pain and stress and promote healthy living. For anyone looking to live better, healthier and more naturally, there are 5 must-have essential oils to always keep on hand…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Signs you’re the 1 in 3 Americans with a protein deficiency

Protein has never been more popular as evidenced by the grocery shelves packed with everything from protein powders and drinks to Greek yogurt and protein-packed bars and cereals. But about a third of us are still missing the mark when it comes to protein and that’s a problem…

Joyce Hollman

Gluten sensitive? It might be something else

We’ve all known the feeling of eating something that just doesn’t agree with us. What you may not realize is that feeling really tired after a meal, getting a headache or even feeling kind of depressed could also be signs of a food intolerance. But finding the cause isn’t so easy…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What calculating your true age can reveal about your health and longevity

You’re birth date tells you how old you are, but it’s your body’s true age that matters more. That’s because it’s your physiological age that can reveal if it’s in the cards for you to live to a ripe old age or suffer risk factors that could lead to premature death…

Jenny Smiechowski

6 menopause symptoms you can treat with acupuncture

There’s evidence HRT increases your risk for breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. It’s hard to justify those risks. So, many women tough menopause out. You don’t have to. There’s another way to relieve symptoms that’s not so high-stakes. In fact, researchers believe this may be the best option…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

How to recognize labeling tricks that make foods seem healthier than they are

Can you trust the ingredient panel on food packaging? I’m a doctor and I don’t. Deceptive labeling is one of the major factors behind the epidemic of chronic disease in the U.S. If you’re trying to make the right choices, here’s how to decipher their clever marketing tricks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The 4 most common triggers of irregular heartbeat

When you have this condition, the electrical impulses in the upper chambers of your heart are chaotic, causing the atrial walls to quiver, instead of contracting normally and moving blood to the lower chambers. This can cause blood clots to form. That’s why you need to know your triggers…

Joyce Hollman

The double standard keeping the pain relief of cannabis out of your hands

Cannabis has proven benefits… yet, it’s grouped with drugs that kill. Why? There’s a double standard allowing the government a stranglehold on producer’s of CBD oil while allowing pharmaceuticals to produce drugs made from marijuana. Does that sound fair to you?

Jenny Smiechowski

The food that could replace blood pressure meds

Blood pressure medications are rife with side effects. In fact, blood pressure pills are being pulled from pharmacy shelves because of cancer-causing impurities. So, how do you avoid that conversation with your doctor about high blood pressure meds you really don’t want to take?

Joyce Hollman

3 reasons your dental care needs extra attention after 50

Maybe your whole life you’ve had strong teeth and a healthy mouth. But when you enter your 50s, you’ll experience changes that need special attention. Here are some proactive steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy as you get older…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The exercise scientifically proven to help you lose more weight

What if time is not on your side and you have no desire to become a slave to exercise to slim down? A new study has found that you can throw out the old guidelines that require lots and lots of exercise for a much faster and more effective way to lose weight…

Jenny Smiechowski

Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise and this habit’s to blame

Even though a recent study identified six different cancers on the rise in younger adults, for several years, we’ve heard about one particular cancer that’s popping up in the under 50 set more often than ever — colorectal cancer. Because it’s more aggressive, you need to be just as aggressive at avoiding it.

Dr. Michael Cutler

Estrogen replacement methods and management

You may have recently made the decision to give hormone replacement therapy a try. There are several ways to replace low estrogen. And several others factors that can affect how well it works for you.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The diet that helps seniors lose fat, keep muscle and gain bone mass

The older you get the more difficult dieting can be and not just for the same reasons as when you were younger. Now, there’s even more you have to worry about. Because losing weight can also mean losing muscle and bone density. That spells trouble.

Joyce Hollman

Are breast implants worth the cancer and autoimmune risks?

What lengths would you go to reshape your body so that it more closely matches the “ideal” women’s figure? Would you mind being inconvenienced or uncomfortable for a few days or a week? How do you feel about pain? What about cancer?

Margaret Cantwell

The broth that warms your bones and protects your heart

Soothing, healing broth is a natural health staple for helping people feel better from just about any ailment. But if you want to block the activity of enzymes known to lead to heart disease, not just any old broth will do. Let me tell you what the science says is so special about this one…

Carl Lowe

6 ways gluten can secretly ruin your life

Even if you don’t have celiac disease, gluten can be problematic — even dangerous. If you suspect gluten could be at the root of your problems, you may have to do some digging on your own. Start by weeding through these most common myths that people believe about gluten…

Jenny Smiechowski

The diet that makes you susceptible to sepsis

Sepsis occurs when your immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight an infection, but things go awry. The immune system goes into overdrive triggering body-wide inflammation and a real risk of organ failure and death. Who’d have thought your diet could do this…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

What the studies got wrong about fish oil’s heart health benefits

Lately, controversy has been swirling around the long-held belief that omega-3 fish oil supplements were beneficial for heart health. In fact, recent reports have come out saying they have little or no heart or vascular health benefit. Your life could depend on understanding what the research got wrong…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

If you’re shaving down there, know the risks

How do you wear your hair? Nope… Not the hair on your head, but the hair down there… Your pubic hair. Do you go au naturale, trim, shave, wax? Well, if you trim it back or take it off, you’re not alone. But there’s a dark side to this grooming habit.

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