Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

Chronic inflammation: Your brain’s single biggest threat

Until about a decade ago, scientists believed we had a finite number of brain cells that could not be replaced, and that, over time, we continue to lose those brain cells. We now understand they can, in fact, regenerate themselves — and have identified the most significant source of their destruction…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Common prescriptions can amplify a flu infection

It never hurts to take extra precaution, especially when it comes to the flu. And we have an new reason too, that surprisingly isn’t due to COVID-19. It has to do with common medications found to amplify or dampen how your body reacts to a flu infection.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The simplest step to grow your brain’s white matter

With the global incidence of dementia expected to double every 20 years, combatting cognitive decline has become serious business for researchers. If you’re ready to get just as serious, they’ve found a simple step to grow your white matter day by day.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 reasons to be wary of cannabis

Cannabis has been making big news for its health potential over the last few years. So much so, it’s practically mainstream. However, despite all the interest, there may be a catch… or two or three to know before you decide if it’s for you or not.

Carolyn Gretton

The grapes-gut connection that lowers cholesterol

It’s always a good thing to include fruit in your diet. Most of us don’t eat enough of it, but now we’ve certainly got more reason to — especially when it comes to grapes and the special effect they have on gut bacteria.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Two popular herbs reveal recipe for anti-cancer compounds

We often forget that Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet often holds the answer to so many of the illnesses that we suffer from. The latest: two popular Italian herbs that could go from farm to table to cancer treatment…

Carolyn Gretton

Phytic acid: The antinutrient found in healthy foods

We tend to see phytic acid as something to avoid because of its reputation as an antinutrient. But this plant-based substance isn’t all bad. In fact, it has some health benefits that could offset its potential for causing mineral deficiencies. So let’s dig into the conundrum…

Carolyn Gretton

The ancient spice that tackles a modern-day plague: Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to a host of problems, from obesity to autoimmune conditions to depression. So researchers are exploring ways to directly target inflammation in people at risk. It turns out a long-used ancient anti-inflammatory spice could help with these modern-day problems…

Joyce Hollman

Health risks that could decrease if dentists talked to doctors

The connection between gum disease and more serious health problems is no secret. But recent large-scale research has painted a more comprehensive picture, and it’s not pretty. It’s time to stop thinking of the mouth as an independent system of its own…

Joyce Hollman

When women practice self-compassion, their hearts benefit

If you’ve cracked open a magazine or gotten online, you’ve seen lots of terms you might chalk up to New Age fads or practices, like “self-care” and “mindfulness.” News flash: beyond helping with stress, one specific practice made improvements to women’s hearts that could be seen in their arteries…

Joyce Hollman

Black beans: Potent ingredient for insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is when a body’s response to the hormone insulin is impaired and glucose in the blood cannot be used for energy. The next step is usually diabetes. Beans and legumes are great for people with insulin resistance, but black beans just may take the cake…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 rules to overcome chronic pain from a Survivor champion

Chronic pain is a fact of life for over 20 percent of adults. And if you’re part of that one in five, you know just how much of an impact that pain can have on your ability to work, play and simply enjoy your life. But what if you could learn to “reframe your pain” to better manage it? Pain science says it works.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Stroke warning: The significant impact of anger and exertion

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Many health conditions can increase risk for stroke including high blood pressure and diabetes, but when researchers looked closer, they found two common things happening in the hour before a stroke that pushed those risks over the edge.

Easy Health Options Staff

Why poor sleep causes heartburn (and vice versa)

We all need a good night’s sleep. That’s a gut feeling for most people. But sometimes discomfort within the gut is what hurts our ability to get deep, restful sleep. To make matters worse, it tuns out the process can occur in reverse: Sleep disorders are believed to trigger the stomach, too…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Stress: What it does to your DNA to speed aging

Science has discovered how to go beyond chronological age (the number of years you’ve lived) to measure biological age (the rate at which your cells age) using epigenetic clocks. They track chemical changes in DNA that not only helps predict health but also lifespan. And they’re finding too many of us aging faster thanks to the same culprit…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The only 4 cholesterol foods you should avoid

Which is worse for your heart: an egg or a hot dog? Think about it. Since the amount of cholesterol in a food doesn’t always correlate with raising your cholesterol, which high cholesterol foods are the worst culprits for elevating bad cholesterol levels? The doctor says it’s these four…

Carolyn Gretton

3 dietary molecules linked to aggressive prostate cancer

While most men with prostate cancer recover completely, the outlook is grim for the handful diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease. But research has identified three molecules — and the foods they come from — showing that the place to start to change your fate is your gut…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The good deed that shows up in your blood work

There’s growing evidence that many of the worst and most chronic diseases, including coronary artery disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s may be riding the same steed: inflammation. But there’s a simple, non-medicated fix that works so well at dousing it, you can see the proof in your blood work…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Study finds a handful of heavy metals clogging major arteries

Some experts have said that at least 31 percent of the cardiovascular disease burden in the world could be avoided if environmental pollutants were eliminated. So when researchers looked at the association between toxic heavy metals and the body’s major arteries, they were shocked, but not surprised…

Joyce Hollman

Discovery shows how omega-3s help prevent stroke

Hardening of the arteries is a dangerous factor that can increase a person’s risk for stroke. It’s associated with chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels and hinders self-repair from mechanisms called resolvins. That’s where omega-3s come into the picture…

Joyce Hollman

An urgent reason to pamper your liver: Air pollution

Fatty liver disease isn’t new. What is new is learning its impact on metabolic health is so strong it’s now called Metabolic-associated liver disease, and that with every breath you take, you’re increasing your odds of the most common indication for liver transplantation. Start here to reduce your risks…

Joyce Hollman

Why giving up saturated fats can lead to heart trouble

Are you a label reader? Do you review the fat content of almost every product before adding it to your grocery cart? We’re not judging but we do want to share some new evidence that will blow all your concerns about saturated fats and heart trouble out of the water — and make life easier…

Carolyn Gretton

Why are more of us more exhausted than ever?

A survey of 2000 respondents has found that an alarming 59 percent of us feel permanently short of energy. Just as many feel disjointed and unfocused. Worse, they say sleep isn’t the answer. Why do more of us feel more exhausted than ever before, and what can we do about it?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

One more risk of too little exercise: Pneumonia

Winter is here, and you know what that means: Your chances of getting sick and ending up with pneumonia are higher than at any other time of the year. And if you still haven’t gotten the message about the harms of a couch potato lifestyle, you’re missing out on the easiest intervention that works across all age groups.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For women, hormones could wreak havoc on arteries

When it comes to your arteries, you want the consistency of a wet noodle, not an uncooked piece of pasta. Otherwise your risks go up for heart problems. Yet, age isn’t the only thing that can stiffen our arteries. From birth control pills to menopause, women face a unique risk that can have serious consequences…

Carolyn Gretton

The vitamin deficiency that doubles risk for heart trouble

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the No. 1 cause of death worldwide. And though we’re familiar with the three main risk factors for CVD — high cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking — research has uncovered another, less-obvious factor that can double your risk for heart trouble…

Carolyn Gretton

Eat this dairy daily to lower blood pressure by almost 7 points

If you have high blood pressure, you know it’s tough to get your readings down to normal levels, even with medication. One popular food known for health benefits could tank it by 7 points…

Carolyn Gretton

Experts may have found ‘fountain of youth’ in tiny seed

We’ll do just about anything we can to extend our lifespan, whether it’s following an anti-aging diet or exercise regimen — or as involved as using hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In all those efforts, there’s one goal scientists continue to chase: the ability to swallow one pill to stop aging. And they are inching ever closer…

Joyce Hollman

What you should know about peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is similar to coronary artery disease. Both involve a buildup of plaque inside the arteries, which slows the flow of blood that nourishes all parts of the body and increases risk for blood clots. Scary thing is, it’s considered a “silent disease.” Here’s what to watch for…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Good news for your bones if you’ve passed menopause

Saying the word “menopause” immediately conjures up images of hot flashes, night sweats and bones becoming frail and prone to fracture. However, while menopause isn’t always a walk in the park, everything post menopause isn’t always bad news…

Joyce Hollman

6 things that can go wrong with your spine and how to avoid them

The spine houses a bundle of nerves that allows the brain to keep us moving, functioning and healthy. When a connection is severed, it’s like shutting off the switch to a vital function. It doesn’t take a serious injury to have problems. Watch for these…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 wildflowers with big health benefits

There are around 21,000 plants that have the potential to fight disease, but you’re unlikely to come into contact with most of them. However, there are six wildflowers that you could easily run across in a short hike that pack a big punch when it comes to your health.

Jenny Smiechowski

The mineral that helps you master your vitamin D levels

Optimizing vitamin and mineral levels is a bit like walking a tight rope. Too much or too little, and you’ve got problems. So, when supplementing your vitamin D, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little “insurance” that protects you from getting too little or too much?

Joyce Hollman

Don’t fall victim to Big Pharma’s promotional scare tactics

You know how drug commercials rattle off dangerous side effects so fast there’s no way to get it all? Well, drug companies have found a new way to get around the law requiring them to disclose that information. Here’s what to watch for so you don’t get tricked…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Two foods that shield your heart from high blood pressure damage

We all know that high blood pressure is dangerous and that it can lead to heart attacks and even strokes. But, did you realize that it can also dramatically increase your risk of heart failure – a condition where your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of your body?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

75-year Harvard study reveals the secret to a fulfilling life

What factors have the most significant effect on your physical and emotional well-being? Is it how much money you make, how respected you are in your community, or how much you gave back? Or, is it something else? A 75 year Harvard study may have the answer…

Jenny Smiechowski

The secret that slays your desire for delicious-smelling junk food

How hard is it to turn down a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie once you catch a whiff of it? Or garlic bread? Or French fries? Scent triggers cravings. And scent-based cravings are hard to resist. But there’s a secret to overcoming those stubborn cravings.

Joyce Hollman

Why a heart attack sets you up for dementia

Hypertension and heart attacks are intimately connected. And, since both hypertension and vascular dementia are caused by thickening and narrowing of small blood vessels, it’s no surprise that vascular dementia risk rises right along with blood pressure, particularly for women…

Jenny Smiechowski

The nut that cracks two common nutrient deficiencies

A lot of us aren’t eating enough micronutrients, because, let’s face it… it’s not easy. How can you get enough of these disease-fighting nutrients? You might think a total diet overhaul is the solution. But not necessarily. There’s this tasty food that gets you two for one…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Corydalis for natural pain relief

Corydalis yanhusuo, a Chinese herb, has well documented effects on various types of pain — acute, inflammatory, neuropathic, and even bone cancer pain. All without causing tolerance. If this sounds too good to be true, how about a testimonial?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why a marathon on your bucket list spells danger for your heart

For years a good friend of mine has been trying to talk me into running a marathon with her. But there’s a danger that comes with marathons few realize. If you’re new to marathons but planning to compete one day, read this before hitting the pavement…

Joyce Hollman

How to support your body’s cannabinoid system without going up in smoke

In 1988, two scientists proved that the human body is wired for cannabis. In fact, your body has an entire system that runs on cannabinoids, and a deficiency spells trouble. Besides marijuana, there are other natural substances that will support it…

Jenny Smiechowski

What to know if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure under the new rules

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology created new treatment guidelines for high blood pressure, assuming it’s better to catch creeping blood pressure sooner rather than later. But despite their good intentions, the new guidelines do more harm than good…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 essential oils that might win the fight against Lyme disease

Lyme disease is still a mysterious condition in many ways. And just as mysterious is curing it. But Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has discovered 5 essential oils that are more effective at killing the disease than standard Lyme antibiotics.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

More protein could be the answer to defeating fatty liver disease

Weight is a major factor for a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD. It significantly increases risk for liver cancer and liver failure, and makes it more likely that you’ll develop type 2 diabetes. But more of a healthy nutrient can help…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What really works for tennis elbow pain

In over 10 years in chiropractic practice, one of the most common complaints from patients was tennis elbow. Some doctors have tried everything from medications, to botox injections, to ultrasounds. Turns out what I was recommending has been proven to work best.

Joyce Hollman

10 baking soda uses for health, house and hygiene

That little yellow box sitting in your refrigerator and keeping things fresh? The white powder in that box isn’t a miracle cure, but it has more amazing uses than most people realize. Here’s how to put it to use for health, house and hygiene…

Jenny Smiechowski

The bowel problem that quadruples your prostate cancer risk

Many chronic diseases come with other health risks. And that seems to be the case with inflammatory bowel diseases too, like Crohn’s or colitis. In fact, a new study shows that men with IBD are more at risk for a super serious health condition…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How a bad night’s sleep throws you off balance

Multiple studies have linked poor sleep to everything from weight gain and depression to chronic disease. Yet, there’s another danger you could be facing that hasn’t gotten enough attention… Your risk of serious falls and even fractures.

Jenny Smiechowski

The healthy tea that raises diabetes risk 20 percent

It’s the holy grail of health drinks. It improves brain function. It speeds up your metabolism. It lowers your risk of certain cancers. It keeps your teeth healthy. But here’s how new research says it could increase your risk for type 2 diabetes…

Joyce Hollman

12 poisons that hijack your body, wreck your hormones and cause cancer

Endocrine disruptors cause hormone imbalances that wreak havoc on your body and can lead to hormone-dependent cancers. But, don’t panic, yet. We know where the bad guys are hiding, and you can do a lot to avoid them…

Jenny Smiechowski

How air pollution turns off the genes that prevent breast cancer

Whether you’re a construction worker, a truck driver, a tollbooth attendant, a border patrol officer or just live by a major highway, you’re inhaling large amounts of air pollution daily. It’s no secret that this isn’t good for you. In fact, it could make your cancer risk as much as 16 times higher…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can’t choose between low-carb and high-carb? There’s a third option

There’s evidence that low-carb diets improve your health. And there’s evidence that high-carb diets improve your health. It’s enough to make your head spin! How could two completely different diets both be healthy? More importantly, which one should you choose? You may not have to…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Helicobacter pylori: More your doctor hasn’t told you

Testing for and treating H. pylori for gastroesophageal disease is now mainstream. That’s because it’s commonly accepted that it’s the culprit behind gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. However, study results show two sides of H. pylori: it may be both protective and harmful…

Joyce Hollman

6 foods (and 5 other things) to get you out of a funk naturally

Being depressed can feel like being sick — all the time. Your energy is low, you don’t feel like doing anything. People may look at you likes it’s all in your head. But the truth is, there are real, physical reasons that are often behind depression: hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies… even cancer.

Jenny Smiechowski

Common infections that increase your stroke and heart attack risk

When you get over an infection, you’re relieved that the worst is behind you… The discomfort. The pain. The worry that it will progress into something more serious. But you’re not completely in the clear yet. There’s a post-infection pitfall to be aware of. And a pretty serious one, at that…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

5 Alzheimer’s early warning signs you should know

What if I told you that memory loss is not the first sign of Alzheimer’s? And that once memory loss is present the damage is already done? In fact, researchers have discovered five early warning signs that you could be developing Alzheimer’s that have nothing at all to do with memory loss…

Jenny Smiechowski

The heavy metal hiding in your spice rack

In recent decades, we’ve done a good job of reducing lead in our homes. Paint and pipes (in newer homes at least) are pretty much lead free. But several popular spices resting innocently in your spice rack could still be increasing your lead exposure…

Joyce Hollman

How to ‘climb’ away from diabetes and heart disease

If you live in a house with stairs, you’ve probably been missing out on a daily opportunity to strengthen your heart and lungs, keep your weight down, and stretch your muscles. Studies have shown how this deceptively simple form of aerobic exercise benefits all aspects of our health.

Jenny Smiechowski

The 3 best foods to eat for a strong mind and sharp memory

Picture your life in 20 years. What do you want it to look like? I bet you don’t want to see yourself being cared for by someone else because your brain’s too feeble. To improve your odds of keeping your cognitive health intact 20 years from now, I have a suggestion for you…

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