Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Does your blood type increase your risk for certain diseases?

A Japanese concept called ketsueki-gata suggests that blood type shapes personality. The Blood Type Diet suggests certain foods may be healthier based on blood type. And while research on the validity of these concepts may be lacking, science is learning that blood type may influence disease risks…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The link between vitamin D, inflammation and COVID-19

Researchers are all still learning what can be done to stack the odds against COVID-19. Quite a bit of research has been stacking up — including recommendations about vitamin D. The latest? It may help shut down dangerous inflammation in patients with severe infection…

Easy Health Options Staff

Flurona: What is it and what to watch for

Months and months ago we warned that the fall and winter months were expected to be a little rocky thanks to the combination of COVID-19 and a potentially nasty flu season. There was concern the viruses could muddy diagnoses and delay effective treatment. But things have gotten more confusing…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 scary facts about flu and your heart

You might have heard the news that a bad flu season might be just around the corner. But while getting the flu might leave you worried that you’ll suffer from a complication like pneumonia, bronchitis or a bacterial infection of the lungs, most of us don’t think about what it’s doing to our heart.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Two hot drinks that could lower your risk of stroke and dementia

Do you prefer coffee or tea? Either way, if you’re drinking the optimum amount you’re doing yourself some big favors, especially when it comes to risk of stroke and dementia. You may love either drink, but they love your brain more…

Carolyn Gretton

To lower blood pressure, use your whole spice rack

If you have high blood pressure, you’ve probably been told to cut back on salt. But just because you’re using less salt doesn’t mean you have to skimp on flavor. There are plenty of herbs and spices that will not only add flavor to your meals, but will also lower you blood pressure, so says science…

Carolyn Gretton

The strong connection between bad sleep, bad attitude and bad aging

Getting older has its advantages, but losing sleep isn’t one of them. Not only does age-related sleep loss hurt your physical and cognitive health, researchers are finding it can make you distressed about aging. And that negative outlook could have further consequences for your physical and mental well-being…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Heart disease in a paper bag: The worst and least chemical-laden fast foods

There’s probably not one of us who believes eating fast food is healthy. But what’s the harm in the occasional indulgence? Well, you might be surprised to learn there’s far more lurking inside that greasy bag you get in the drive-thru than just anti-nutrients that pack on the pounds…

Easy Health Options Staff

COVID-19 Update: What we know about the Omicron Variant

Just in time for the holidays, we’ve gotten the news that yet another SARS-CoV-2 variant has made its presence known. Good news right now though is there’s no evidence yet that Omicron causes more severe disease. Here’s more you should know…

Carolyn Gretton

Can estrogen help stave off Alzheimer’s in women?

While there are a lot of myths surrounding menopause, one thing remains true — this midlife change brings estrogen production to a crashing halt. And that loss of estrogen can lead to health issues well beyond hot flashes and night sweats. The connection between estrogen and Alzheimer’s is one that may surprise you…

Joyce Hollman

Eat more fish to lower risk of vascular brain disease, stroke and dementia

Vascular brain disease involves damage to blood vessels in the brain and is a risk factor for vascular dementia and stroke. Sounds quite scary and it is. But if you’re eating the right stuff — specifically the best brain food — you can greatly lower your risk for the disease and the dangers that come with it.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The chemical-fat combo driving prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is only surpassed by melanoma as the most common cancer among men in the United States. In fact, almost 250,000 men will receive the diagnosis this year alone — a rate that’s predicted to skyrocket! What’s driving the numbers up? “Forever chemicals” and a dietary component that seems to accelerate tumor growth.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Your body on carbs: Metabolic distress and accelerated aging

A good deal of research has shown long-term overconsumption of carbs has a negative impact on metabolism, weight and overall health. But very little was known about how the body processes large amounts of carbohydrates eaten in a single meal. Hold onto your hats: it’s not just your metabolism that’s at risk…

Joyce Hollman

Why older adults are at high risk from this ‘open door’ to disease

When you hear the term “leaky gut,” some awful pictures may spring to mind. But the truth is that a leaky gut is like an “open door” through which harmful microbes (even COVID-19) and toxins enter your bloodstream, causing all manner of illness. If you’re an older adult, your risk is higher. That’s why researchers looked into ways to help you close that door for good…

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising hormone that helps burn belly fat

Most people consider ghrelin, the hormone that produces those hunger pangs, an enemy of their weight-loss efforts. But that’s not really the case. It turns out ghrelin may be an ally in losing a particularly stubborn form of fat…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

7 ways to reduce your risk of cataracts

Currently, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial one. This makes focusing on cataract prevention vital to maintaining healthy eyesight. Watch for these signs and follow these tips on how you can prevent cataract development — naturally…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

COVID-19, hearing loss and the nutrient that may help

We’ve learned that a COVID-19 infection can lead to some strange symptoms like loss of smell, taste and even COVID toes. And the surprises keep coming. If you’ve had COVID-19 and have begun experiencing hearing loss, vertigo or tinnitus, you should know of this strange connection…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

A salty diet can starve your brain of oxygen

Remember those old commercials that warned us of what drugs could do to our brains by frying an egg in a skillet? Turns out that same demonstration is fitting when it comes to salt’s effects on the brain… including tissue damage from hypoxia.

Carolyn Gretton

How spinach can help prevent colon cancer

Popeye was right — spinach really is a superfood. It’s loaded with fiber and nutrients like vitamins A, C, K and B2, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron — not to mention powerful carotenoids that support eye health. But science has pinpointed several ways this leafy green goes after colon cancer…

Joyce Hollman

Food vs. anti-aging wonder drugs: Which works best

Food is powerful medicine. Yet, there hasn’t been much detailed research comparing the efficacy of diet vs. “wonder drugs” for slowing aging processes, until now. Recently, three with the most credibilty were put to the test against food. See where metformin, rapamycin and resveratrol landed…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Want a good night’s sleep? Get naked

Sleeping well impacts your overall health. Yet, for many of us, getting those elusive eight hours isn’t just a struggle, it can seem impossible. But there’s good news. Sleep researchers have not only discovered why so many of us have sleep issues, they’ve also narrowed in on ways you can rest better — including stripping down before you hit the sheets.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The common chemical that’s shrinking penises

One of the top factors men have to worry about is the chemicals they’re exposed to, even in their aftershave. Now, a leading scientist has a new warning that’s more worrisome than what phthalates are doing to your testosterone levels and your bedroom performance. They’re also causing penises to shrink.

Joyce Hollman

Natural compound in basil kills Alzheimer’s ‘zombie cells’

As much as we’ve learned about the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, a cure has still proven elusive. But there’s been a pattern of research results pointing to the food we eat as a probable source of what we need to beat this disease. Out of 144,000 compounds, this one holds the most promise…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Science says loneliness kicks off a dangerous disease trigger

As you get older, it becomes easier to feel isolated. Children move away and friends or loved ones may pass away, Your once strong network of social support can shrink dramatically. Sadly, this isolation can lead to depression, but it can also kick off a dangerous disease trigger. Now we know why and how to break the link…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Could you lose just 15 percent to reverse diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is serious enough on its own, but long-term can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, even Alzheimer’s. Doctors will suggest weight loss to their patients, but researchers have evidence weight loss should become THE central focus — that is if you want to not only reduce complications — but reverse it.

Carolyn Gretton

The urgent reason black women should check their vitamin D levels

Vitamin D is important for bone, muscle, brain and immune system health. But the vitamin’s cancer connections are also coming to light. Studies are looking at specific cancers on the rise, how the body produces vitamin D and how skin color comes into play in. The findings are something we can’t ignore…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How COVID-19 tricks arteries into producing blood clots

Covid-19’s affinity for blood clots has perplexed doctors almost since day one. Because blood clots can contribute to worse outcomes for those infected, researchers have focused on finding their cause. Some have speculated that the virus infects the blood vessels themselves. But it’s much tricker than that.

Joyce Hollman

Half a dozen ways to avoid weight gain over the holidays

The holiday season isn’t kind to people who are trying to lose weight or even just trying to maintain a holding pattern. But don’t give up hope. I’ve got some strategies to avoiding tipping the scales before New Year’s Eve, and I’d like to share them with you. Especially if you’ve been a victim of the “COVID 15.”

Joyce Hollman

7 reasons to try a persimmon now

Persimmons are a small, sweet fruit that’s around from October to January. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out! They’re chock full of nutrients that lower your blood pressure, protect your eyesight and keep your brain young…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The superfood that battles depression, anxiety and more

There’s one food that has racked up an incredibly impressive array of health benefits backed by science. From improving blood sugar and fighting obesity to boosting immunity and reducing joint pain, mushrooms are truly magical. And now researchers say you can chalk one more big benefit up to fungi — better mental health.

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…

Joyce Hollman

Why your cell phone could give you diabetes, cancer and make you fat

Did you know that there are special cells in your eyes that have nothing to do with sight? They’re in charge of your internal sleep-wake clock. When the work of those special eye cells are disrupted, it can wreak havoc with your health in the form of cancer, diabetes and obesity…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

‘Facetiming’ can keep you from having a blue Christmas

Depression can strike at any time but during the holidays, depression rates can soar. And if you have to celebrate long distance, or are unable to share the same space with family and friends for whatever reason, the holidays can certainly seem less merry and bright. Luckily, technology can bring you together…

Joyce Hollman

6 great greens and what they do for your body

Green, leafy vegetables are probably the best things you can include in your daily diet. But there are probably more green, leafy choices than you’re aware of, each with its own merits, distinctive flavor and texture. Here’s a primer on the nutrient value and benefits of my favorite six…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Pedal while you sit for better blood sugar

By now we all know that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the largest risk factors for a plethora of dangerous health conditions — especially diabetes. But how can you fit enough activity into each day to reduce your threat? It’s not easy… but if you get creative, a little movement will go a long way…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The antioxidant that resists age-related decline

Aging is inevitable but age-related decline is not. The latter is set off by the the decline of detoxification pathways linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other leading causes of death and disability. Because in response to toxins, your cells lose a significant amount of your body’s master antioxidant…

Joyce Hollman

The ‘coffee treatment’ for rosacea

Research is pointing more and more to the health benefits of our favorite indulgence: Coffee. In fact, we’ve recently found there’s something special about your morning cup that works as a treatment for a distressing skin condition that has no cure…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why you should still exercise during cancer treatment

Going through cancer treatment, the last thing on anyone’s mind is exercise. It’s hard enough to find the energy to make dinner, go to work, let alone hop on a treadmill. But here’s why abandoning exercise during cancer treatment is a big mistake…

Dr. Michael Cutler

The culprit behind gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer?

It is probably the most widely studied and treated bacterium residing in half the population. It’s associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. But doctors commonly rule it out when a patient has stomach pain. So is H. pylori really an infection?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The truth about lavender and stress

I know a lot of people who use lavender to destress, yet I know just as many more who claim that essential oils don’t work and are all just a hoax. Well, the debate has finally been settled by science. So get ready to take a big whiff and feel the calm…

Jenny Smiechowski

Can high-carb diets curb Alzheimer’s?

Everyone has their food weaknesses. Mine fall into the high-carb category. But I’m not worried anymore. Turns out we can all breathe a sigh of relief that we can potentially improve our aging brains by eating more carbs rather than less calories.

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