Latest Stories

Latest Stories

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…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

12-year study finds 8 foods to beat cognitive decline

More evidence is stacking up that, when it comes to keeping your brain at its best, what you eat counts. According to research that spanned 12 years, there are eight foods you’ll want to make a part of your regular diet if you want to ward off cognitive impairment and dementia as you age — and one to avoid like the plague…

Joyce Hollman

Got 10 hours? Use it to turn metabolic syndrome around

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms affecting one-third of American adults that increases risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. If you have excess belly fat, high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, you may be one of them. If you’ve got 10 hours, you can turn it around before it’s too late.

Jenny Smiechowski

Reversing age-related brain shrinkage is easier than you think

As you get older, the size of a certain vital organ becomes more and more important — your brain. That’s because, typically, the older you get, the smaller your brain volume gets. And if this shrinkage gets too out of hand, you end up with a serious cognitive impairment like dementia.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why cool temps could slow down autoimmune diseases like MS

By definition an autoimmune disorder is one in which your own immune system goes haywire, attacking the healthy tissue in your body, causing the disease. MS is one such disease. New research shows its symptoms may be improved and progress prossibly slowed with a change of temperature. Here’s why…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

New way walnuts improve cholesterol discovered

From controlling type 2 diabetes to stopping cancer in its tracks, if you want to stay in tip-top shape, nuts could be your ticket to a longer, healthier life. And it looks like the benefits of walnuts just keep stacking up, especially where heart health is concerned…

Joyce Hollman

How to tell if it’s age-related memory problems or Alzheimer’s

Memory problems can be unnerving, especially when we get older. It’s easy to begin second-guessing everything and wondering whether you’re simply forgetful or if something worse is happening — like Alzheimer’s. How can you tell the difference? Here are a few things to take note of…

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising connection between MS and the sun

Sun exposure may be rough on the skin, but it has a lot of upsides for our sleep, mood and vitamin D levels. And now researchers are discovering that the benefits of sunlight may go even further by protecting us from certain autoimmune diseases…

Carolyn Gretton

Catching AMD before you start losing vision

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of sight loss in the Western world. And most people don’t know they have it until they’re already losing their sight. Researchers have been looking for ways to catch AMD before that point, and they may have identified some new early warning signs that can help them do it…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

10 steps to simplify living heart healthy

To lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, we’re told to eat a heart-healthy diet. What exactly is heart-healthy? Is it only eating certain types of foods and eliminating others? Or is there a way to get to that elusive heart-healthy status without feeling deprived? Yes, according to these new rules…

Joyce Hollman

11 exotic superfruits with supersized nutrition

Instead of dreaming of tropical islands this winter, why not try some exotic fruits that hail from warmer climates? Here are 11 exotic “superfruits” that are fun to try, and packed with enough nutritional power to dispel the winter doldrums and most anything else that ails you…

Carolyn Gretton

Why more men are getting thyroid cancer

It’s been known for some time that people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting certain cancers, including thyroid cancer. But it’s been unclear exactly how many cases of thyroid cancer are connected with weight — until now — and the findings should be a wake up call, especially for men…

Joyce Hollman

Study finds inflammatory foods feed Alzheimer’s and dementia

Research shows inflammation is a driving force behind obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Now research is stacking up that connects it with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The good news? Foods feed that inflammation in a dose-dependent manner and a change of diet could make a big difference.

Joyce Hollman

Weird causes and signs of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, comes with its own set of troublesome symptoms. And, just like high blood pressure, it may also be a signal of other things going wrong in the body — surprisingly enough, even with your thyroid…

Carolyn Gretton

How grains can dash diabetes by more than 30 percent

The average American eats less than one daily serving of whole grains, and some studies show that over 40 percent of Americans never eat whole grains at all. When you know what whole grains can do for blood sugar, it’s no wonder so many Americans are in trouble…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The unexpected truth behind AFib triggers

AFib skyrockets your stroke risk. By throwing your heart out of rhythm, the condition can result in blood clots being released, blocking blood flow to your brain. If that wasn’t bad enough, strokes caused by AFib tend to be more severe than strokes from other causes. That’s why getting to the truth about AFib triggers is vitally important…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Best reason to exercise: rebuilding your body to live healthy longer

Aging means slowing down, doing less and retiring, right? Wrong! According to research from Harvard, if you’re taking it easier as the years pass, you’re missing out on processes in the body that can actually build your body back stronger and fight disease to help you live healthier and longer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

An unexpected perk of housework: Healthy aging

Need a reason to stop procrastinating when it comes to household chores and get that sweeping, vacuuming and dusting done? A study looked at housework specifically for its ability to increase the amount of physical activity people get, and found quite a few unexpected perks that promote healthy aging…

Carolyn Gretton

The surprising habit that weakens your pelvic floor (and we all do it!)

Sucking in our stomachs can seem normal, especially for women. But it turns out it’s not exactly healthy for us to be holding in our stomachs all the time. Read on to discover the dark side of “stomach gripping” and why it might have you running to the nearest restroom faster…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The FODMAP diet: Reducing symptoms and disease-causing bacteria

The FODMAP diet has been found to reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But it wasn’t clearly understood how. Well, now we know. We also know that many people with IBS have a very unique microbial signature that’s downright dangerous…

Carolyn Gretton

15 chemicals linked to early menopause

It’s long been known that following menopause, women face an elevated risk of numerous health problems. But for women who experience early menopause (before the age of 50), the risks carry an extra wallop. And unfortunately, outside factors are contributing to this phenomenon…

Carolyn Gretton

‘Altered metabolites’ could be causing your migraines

Researchers have identified a connection between a genetic link and altered metabolites that appears to increase susceptibility to migraine. Good news is, to correct these metabolites and hopefully cut down on the painful condition, they’re looking at diet and a particular supplement that’s already shown major promise…

Joyce Hollman

The confusing way iron levels factor into Alzheimer’s

Iron is an essential nutrient. Iron deficiency anemia is all too common, especially in women and people over 65. But iron overload can also lead to serious health concerns. This conundrum is plaguing research over the past five years that has discovered a complicated relationship between iron levels and Alzheimer’s…

Joyce Hollman

The chemicals causing high cholesterol

We’ve known about the harmful effects of phthalates for some time now. They disrupt our hormones. They also cause thousands of deaths from heart disease each year. A new study has shown exactly how a specific chemical works in our bodies to raise cholesterol and cause heart disease.

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…

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…

Margaret Cantwell

7 ways to keep your job from killing you (because it is)

There’s a lifestyle habit practiced by the majority of American adults that’s so unhealthy, it can increase your risk of coronary heart disease by 42 to 63 percent. Any guesses what it might be? Overeating? Eating processed foods? Drinking soda? Not even close…

Joyce Hollman

7 jobs only your liver can do (and how to help it)

Your multi-talented liver is kind of like the overseer of your body’s functions. And it’s time you knew exactly what this powerhouse does for you, and how you can keep it functioning for years to come…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

When are you most likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest?

You may have heard you’re more likely to die from sudden cardiac arrest on a Monday morning than at any other time. At least that was once the case. I say that because a new study has given us a whole new window into when you’re most at risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

Your breast bacteria could set you up for cancer

You already know how important it is to maintain the healthy bacteria in your gut. But your microbiome (the collection of bacteria, fungi and viruses in your body) extends far beyond your belly. In fact, an imbalance of bacteria in your breast tissue could lead to cancer…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Marijuana may hold the key to curing depression for good

There may be real help on the horizon for people living with depression (at least where medical marijuana is legal). And it’s been shown to not only alleviate depression in just 24 hours but also alter development of depression in the brain…

Jenny Smiechowski

The simple solution that slashes frequent bladder infections almost by half

Bladder infections travel in packs. Once you get one, there’s a good chance another one’s not far behind. In fact, over a quarter of women get a second bladder infection within six months. But there is something you can do to slash that risk almost in half…

Easy Health Options Staff

Resistance training helps the brain resist symptoms of MS

Resistance training has remarkable benefits for people with MS. Not only does this type of exercise improve MS symptoms, but it offers a form of brain protection that can slow the progression of the disease. Even better, anyone wanting to stop brain shrinkage can benefit…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How to accurately calculate your heart disease and diabetes risk

One reason you get a checkup is to stay ahead of conditions like heart disease. But you may have values that are right below the cutoff point in each of the risk factors your doctor’s checking, and fall through the cracks. The reality is you could possibly calculate your own risk more accurately…

Joyce Hollman

Why Japanese men don’t get prostate cancer

Over the years, there has been seemingly convincing research on both sides of the soy question as it relates to health. However, several recent reviews of observational studies point to a connection between soy and the prevention of prostate cancer…

Jenny Smiechowski

The strange sign you have sleep apnea

If you have a spouse or partner, they can tell you if you’re snoring or breathing weird — two telltale signs of sleep apnea. But if you’re single, finding out you have sleep apnea isn’t so easy. But there’s one warning sign you can see clearly every time you look in the mirror…

Jenny Smiechowski

The diet that helps delay menopause

If you’re a woman approaching middle age (or you have a daughter who is), you may be wondering if there’s a way to delay menopause for a bit. The good news is, there does seem to be a natural, healthy way to do that. It also improves your health and reduces your disease risk!

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

No matter your age, this is the key to reboot your health and slow aging

When you’re younger, your body is able to clear out damaged cells. As we get older, not so much. This creates an altered cell state associated with aging and diseases, like cancer. But research has zeroed in on one consistent compound whose function can increase both lifespan and healthspan by slowing aging…

Joyce Hollman

Medical scholars aren’t falling for the ‘statin trap’ and you shouldn’t either

Sixteen medical scholars and doctors from England, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden and the United States conducted a massive review of past studies on the safety and effectiveness of statins. Their only goal: to get to the bottom of the “statin myth.”

Jenny Smiechowski

How to amplify your weight loss by watching it fall off

Do you ever close your eyes and imagine something you really want to achieve? If weight loss is your dream, there’s one technique that can really supersize your results. In fact, a recent study shows it can help you lose five times as much weight…

Joyce Hollman

5 reasons your hands could be hurting

Your hands are built from an intricate structure of bones, ligaments and muscles that are extremely vulnerable to injuries and other conditions that can cause pain and rob them of function. Here are some things to watch for and tips to keep them ‘hands-on’ healthy…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The heart-protective compound in grains that works like a drug

You may have heard some whole grains, like oats, are a good source of fiber. And the health benefits of fiber are a no-brainer. But the real health protection comes from previously undiscovered compounds in grains that work similar to a drug used to treat heart disease…

Joyce Hollman

6 ways burdock root can help you stick to good health

Here’s a piece of trivia for you… What plant is a blood purifier and is considered helpful against cancer, diabetes, skin diseases and arthritis — and was the inspiration for Velcro? If you guessed burdock root, you win. Now, do you know how to use it?

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Raising a glass to cancer, heart disease or great health?

Lots of conflicting info about drinking lately. And it’s not so cut and dry. It looks like some doctors may recommend that people with certain disease risks should have a drink from time to time, but in families with other risks, abstinence will be key…

Jenny Smiechowski

The strange insomnia cure that stops the cycle of sleeplessness

If you find yourself playing mind games to sleep, like counting sheep, you’re on the right track. But your mind is a trickster. Sometimes, when you want something too badly, it gives you the opposite. So, you have to beat your mind at its own game, this way…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Mesotherapy: The technique that melts stubborn fat

You can diet and exercise, but there are just some places the fat clings to. But instead of choosing surgery or liposuction, there’s a less invasive technique that involves injecting a naturally occurring plant chemical into fat pockets to dissolve them.

Margaret Cantwell

The one thing that undoes your healthiest habits

You might be shocked to find what’s just as bad for your health as gorging on junk food daily. If you’re letting it get the best of you, forget spending money on healthy foods like salmon, quinoa, kale and kefir. Because all your best health habits could go out the window…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

6 health risks you can take down with vitamin D

If you haven’t had your own levels checked, it’s time to make an appointment because there are six serious health dangers optimizing your vitamin D levels could save you from.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Your brain pH can make you prone to Alzheimer’s

After examining the brain tissue samples of healthy people in comparison to the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, researchers found that the pH of your brain plays a pivotal role in how amyloid plaques form and take over your brain…

Easy Health Options Staff

The mineral that cures colds three times faster

Winter is coming. So is the common cold. That means you should be checking your pantry to take stock of anti-virals and immune-boosters that can ward off these nasty buggers. But there’s one you should especially have on-hand to kill that cold fast…

Joyce Hollman

Does your happiness quota add up to disease or longevity?

It’s hard to feel positive when you’re feeling ill. And negative emotional states can certainly bring about physical symptoms. What may surprise you is how connected your happiness is to length of life, disease and death…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is baking soda the key to managing autoimmune conditions?

Inflammation causes severe health problems and destroys your quality of life when you’re living with an autoimmune disease. And, finding a way to stop the inflammation could give you back your life. Could it really be this simple?

Joyce Hollman

7 indicators that can reduce Alzheimer’s by 70%

Science is telling us that keeping our hearts healthy will also protect our minds. There is evidence that many of the factors that contribute to physical illness also contribute to mental decline, especially these seven indicators…

Jenny Smiechowski

In serious pain? Aromatherapy and reflexology could help

So many conditions cause serious, long-term pain. Fibromyalgia. Arthritis. Back injuries. Nerve damage. Migraines. Multiple sclerosis. Shingles. Cancer. Forget the opioids and try these alternatives that are heavier hitters than you might think…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Don’t get duped into this unnecessary surgery

Do you still have your appendix? Well, hold on to it… Long-term scientific research is questioning whether surgery is even necessary for an appendix attack. It turns out you do have another option, and for more than half of patients, it worked better.

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising way multiple medications can turn deadly

It’s easy for the number of medications you’re taking to spiral out of control. But in addition to the minor (or sometimes not so minor) side effects each medication has on its own, there’s also a major side effect of taking multiple medications you may not suspect…

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