Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is your weight setting you up for cognitive decline?

It’s easy to look in a mirror and gauge if we need to lose weight. But there’s another kind of fat that isn’t so easy to see. It’s called visceral adipose fat and it’s stored inside your body around your organs. Turns out these fats may team up to set you up for cognitive decline…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How much daily activities add up to heart protection

How much time do you devote to exercise? If you’re like most, not as much as you’d like. By the time you’re done with work, housework, kids or grandkids — who feels like a half hour of heart-protective cardio? If you think you’re not getting as much as you need, you might be relieved to know how much your daily activities are helping…

Carolyn Gretton

How a zinc ‘burst’ activates the immune system

Scientists have long known that people whose zinc levels are too low have few to no infection-fighting T-cells. And their thymus, an immune system organ that generates those T-cells, starts to shrink. When corrected, their thymuses grow and start generating T-cells again. But activation needs a burst…

Carolyn Gretton

10 health consequences of not having sex

It can be deceptively easy to slide into an extended period of not having sex. Life gets busy, you get tired, and sometimes we think we’re just too old. But lack of sex isn’t just a relationship issue: not having sex can negatively impact your health, happiness and well-being…

Joyce Hollman

The fiber that offers the most heart protection

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. But if you’re nearing 65, one food source in particular is the best choice for fending off the inflammation that leads to heart problems. Here’s why it’s better than fruits or vegetables at keeping your heart healthy…

Joyce Hollman

Long-term proof: An avocado a day keeps heart disease away

It’s no secret that avocados have lots of health benefits wrapped up in one little package, including phytochemicals that protect eyesight and fight cancer. But the connection between eating avocados and lowering your risk of heart disease just got even stronger…

Joyce Hollman

Nerve pain: The latest symptom of long COVID

Following the pandemic, the effects of long COVID are slowly coming to light. Almost daily, new symptoms and conditions are revealing their strange connection to SARS-CoV-2. Not too surprising, the latest has also been linked to diabetes and the shingles virus…

Carolyn Gretton

The simple vitamin/mineral pairing that can help with vertigo

If you sometimes experience the kind of dizziness that feels like a sudden spinning sensation, you’re probably experiencing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). And it can range from annoying to downright debilitating. Some people experience a “once and done” episode, but others aren’t so lucky. Fortunately, getting relief could be as simple as the right nutrients…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The pain-relieving power of nostalgia

Opioids are proof that modern medicine has a long way to go in the battle against pain. Thank goodness there are natural ways to decrease pain levels, including the ones you can find down memory lane…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The relationship between loneliness and memory problems

Many people enjoy “alone time.” It helps us reset, be productive and sparks creativity. But loneliness is different. It is a feeling of social isolation fueled by a lack of fulfilling interactions with others. And research has been finding for years that it’s harmful to our health, especially your brain…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The supplement that makes it easier to cut out sugar

There’s good news for all of us who love our sweet and carb-laden treats but would like to tone them down a bit… and it’s all wrapped up in helping your gut help you make better choices, release appetite-suppressing hormones and increase calorie burn…

Easy Health Options Staff

Common erectile dysfunction drugs tied to vision problems

Drugs for ED have become incredibly popular in the last several years, helping many men overcome a problem that impacts their quality of life. But they may come with a serious price: a higher risk of three conditions that could cause vision loss…

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…

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!

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…

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…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Better breast bacteria can lower your breast cancer risk

You may have heard the term “microbiome” used in relation to the composition of bacteria (good vs. bad) found in your gut. But did you know breasts have their own microbiome? And, research shows if breasts have more good than bad bacteria, it inhibits tumor growth.

Jenny Smiechowski

Fight off four devastating diseases with a single nutrient

In this age of hyped-up health claims, you may be skeptical when you hear that one nutrient, supplement, food, etc. can prevent a major disease (let alone several major diseases). A healthy dose of skepticism is good for you. But this one nutrient is better…

Joyce Hollman

Are you suffering from the ‘menopause mimic’ or the real deal?

Menopausal symptoms are hard to deal with. Some can lead to permanent damage. And, as if that weren’t enough, there’s another condition that middle-aged women are prone to that has many of the same symptoms and possible outcomes. So, how do you tell the difference?

Joyce Hollman

Why carcinogens, garbage and bacteria are getting into your FDA-approved medications

8,000 medicines that have been recalled since 2013. Have you heard about them? Everything from cancer-causing chemicals to deadly bacteria and even glass and metal particles have been found in medications that may be in your medicine cabinet right now.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Could this be the secret to meeting all your resolutions?

Approximately 45 percent of us make New Year’s resolutions to limprove our health. Unfortunately, 80 percent of us give up by February. After all, it’s not always easy. But there’s something that can boost your odds and help you stick with it…

Jenny Smiechowski

A fungus could be fueling Alzheimer’s disease

There’s one opportunistic fungus notorious for causing health problems, big and small. You may even have it in your gut right now. Seventy percent of us do. It may even trigger a brain infection that causes Alzheimer’s-like brain damage…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The link between a nightcap and a future stroke

Atrial fibrillaiton is a potentially serious condition that makes you vulnerable to stroke. There are certain factors that can increase your risk including high blood pressure, excess weight and diabetes. But, there’s one more you need to account for…

Joyce Hollman

Are your eye symptoms serious? Here’s how to tell

We all have times when our eyes are red, itchy or irritated. But how can you tell whether a color, swelling or other sensation is commonplace and nothing to worry about, or something you should get attention for immediately?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Multiple minor symptoms could be a warning sign your health is derailing

We all know what a symptom is. After all, when you go to your doctor with a cold and they ask you what your symptoms are you’ll tell them that you’ve been sneezing, coughing, have a runny nose and a fever. But, as you age, the word symptom can take on new meaning…

Jenny Smiechowski

The best reason to get Botox

I’m cautious when it comes to Botox… I think it makes people look permanently surprised and, in some cases, older than they are. That’s why I’ve never gotten it myself. But, there’s one circumstance when even I think you should give Botox serious consideration…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best reason to try intermittent fasting

You may have heard of intermittent fasting since it’s becoming super popular for everything from weight loss to heart disease and diabetes prevention. While drugs can help manage symptoms wouldn’t you want an option that can stop disease in its tracks?

Dr. Michael Cutler

SBI: The weird food that helps your gut — Part II

How well your gastrointestinal tract works is influenced by a variety of interacting factors that don’t always come together like they should. That’s why the same therapies don’t always work for everyone. But SBI is proving to be a big player in gut health…

Jenny Smiechowski

The strange eye symptom that signals a serious vitamin deficiency

Unless you get a blood test, most vitamin deficiencies are tricky to detect. Many of the symptoms are vague and easily overlooked… You may feel tired. You may get sick often. Or feel depressed. Luckily this one will get your attention…

Joyce Hollman

Feeling down? Get your hearing checked

If you or a loved one have experienced any degree of hearing loss, you know that it’s not just about losing your hearing. It’s hard to imagine what it must be like to have your world grow more and more silent. This symptom shouldn’t be surprising then…

Jenny Smiechowski

5 seemingly healthy habits that are bad for your brain

With so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what habits truly make a difference in your brain health. You don’t want to develop a habit that’s bad rather than good for your brain. Luckily, there’s one way to clear the confusion: Ask a neuroscientist.

Jenny Smiechowski

The food additive fueling celiac disease

As much as three percent of us in the US has celiac disease, whereas it was previously thought to be one percent. This increase isn’t just because doctors are getting better at diagnosing it. More people are developing the disease thanks to a bacterial enzyme…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The most effective tool for healthy blood pressure we don’t commit to

It’s never a good idea to simply ditch your blood pressure medications. But there’s an important tool that science says really lowers blood pressure… without side effects. And chances are your doctor would be thrilled if you committed to using it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Do this for one month and reap 10+ life-changing benefits

Whether or not you’ve already made your resolutions, there’s one you might want to add. You only need to do it for one month to get big results. In fact, it can help you sleep better, feel more energetic, lose weight — and then some…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

3 breast cancer risks you can control and 1 your doctor may not know about

What puts some women at risk, while others live a long healthy life free of breast cancer? Several things. But here’s the rub — some you can control and some you can’t… and one your doctor probably doesn’t even know about yet.

Jenny Smiechowski

How sugar blocks the bacteria that keeps you lean and healthy

Sugar. It’s delicious, but it’s dangerous… Say you eat a glazed donut from a local bakery. It’s packed with sugar. And that sugar stealthily glides through your body and into your gut. Once it’s inside, it attacks one of your body’s biggest assets…

Joyce Hollman

How tiny toxic plastic particles are ending up in your food

Microplastic is defined as pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm in size. Think confetti, or sprinkles on your ice cream. They’re that small, and they travel fast. They’re also poison and they’ve made it to your dinner plate. Here’s how to avoid eating them…

Joyce Hollman

Is it a chest cold or bronchitis and is pneumonia far behind?

What many people write off as just a “chest cold” is actually an inflammation of the lungs called bronchitis. Here’s how to know if you’ve got it, and how to treat it, keep yourself comfortable, and make sure it doesn’t become a more serious illness…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why your baby blues make you less susceptible to the winter blues

The winter months are tough for a lot of us… If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, it can be especially difficult. Some of us are less likely to be affected than others, but wherever you fall in the spectrum, you can slash your depression risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

The bigger this body part, the smaller your stroke risk

When if comes to body image, there are lots of body parts where size might matter. There’s one body part, though, where what really matters about its size isn’t so much for appearance’s sake, but what it might indicate about your risk for a potentially deadly event…

Jenny Smiechowski

The most critical habit for maintaining your brain power

Fortunately, most of us won’t get Alzheimer’s. But that doesn’t mean you get off scot-free. Many of us will develop some cognitive impairments as we age. So, what can you do to keep your cognitive abilities from slipping away? It’s simple, really…

Jenny Smiechowski

8 foods that could fuel MS flare-ups

As the years go on, we learn more and more about multiple sclerosis (MS). For a long time, scientists suspected that MS was caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. But did you know food allergies may be a major piece of the puzzle?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The controversial breakfast food that beats away diabetes risk

Can what you eat for breakfast really change your metabolic profile for the better, preventing the risk factors that lead to damaging blood sugar problems… and ultimately to type 2 diabetes? This food can, and that’s only the beginning…

Joyce Hollman

Is the secret to beating superbugs right under our feet?

Long before antibiotics, cultures around the world have used medicinal plants to treat bacterial infections. That’s a good thing, considering the rise of antibiotic resistance. But all along, a powerful bacteria killer has been hiding under our feet…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5 full-body benefits of dancing

Hitting the dance floor (even in your own home) and boogying the night away (or the hour, or even just a few minutes) has been proven time and again to be one of the best things you can do for your health. Let’s take a look at just a few of the benefits dancing delivers…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Weird medical ‘food’ could be best treatment for gut conditions

As a former ulcerative colitis patient, I am very interested in ways to restore intestinal health. In 1997, I underwent drastic surgery for this condition. I’d like to be able to help others get relief without such extreme measures. That’s where SBI comes in…

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