Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diabetics with a high risk for heart problems are getting left behind

Blood sugar problems and heart problems go hand in hand. But many people are being left in the dark when it comes to treatment to help them avoid the danger. If you’re one of them, this is for you…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

4 ways to decrease binge-watching’s blood clot danger

One thing most of us can agree about when it comes to the pandemic is that we’re all binge-watching a lot more television. And that’s a big problem. In fact, it’s a big 35 percent risk increase for fatal blood clot. Here are four easy steps to bring it down…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The tea that helps you drop pounds, cholesterol points and blood sugar levels

Pu-erh is in a category of its own because of its special post-fermentation process. It makes pu-erh at once unique in flavor but different in its chemical composition, thus lending itself to delivering potent healing properties documented in numerous published clinical studies. I think it’s tea time…

Carolyn Gretton

Want cancer protection? Magnesium levels matter

Magnesium is a critical mineral for hundreds of bodily processes. Now, researchers are exploring exactly how magnesium may help defend the body from cancer — and they’ve discovered it has to do with the immune system…

Joyce Hollman

Why the link between cataract surgery and decreased dementia?

What if lowering your dementia risk was as simple as improving your vision? Research shows that people who’ve undergone cataract surgery can lower their dementia risk by thirty percent. But what’s the connection and what can you do to help your eyes and your brain?

Carolyn Gretton

Hygge: The excuse you needed to cozy up for your well-being

There’s no question we’re living in chaotic times. And it’s sent our stress levels into the stratosphere. One remedy can be found in a concept practiced in Demark to bring comfort, peace and relaxation to our physical and mental environments — and our well-being…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

A nasal spray for dementia is heading to human clinical trials

Dementia is a health crisis that’s been laid at the feet of America’s rapidly growing aging population. But we may be on the cusp of something major: A strange combo for better brain health delivered via a nose spray…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

The Nordic diet: Fad or lifestyle?

The Nordic diet is based on the way people in Scandinavia have eaten for years. While the Nordic diet highlights more lingonberries and fewer olives, the premise is similar to the Mediterranean diet. Eating the Nordic way should add up to way less sugar than you’d get on a typical American diet, and that’s just one benefit…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The best exercise for a fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in the liver. Yet, despite its serious dangers, there’s very little your doctor can do for you if you develop NAFLD. That’s why prevention focuses on lifestyle interventions, including the best exercise…

Carolyn Gretton

A surprising impact of meditation: Immune system activation

Meditation is almost magical when it comes to improving your well-being. And researchers have taken notice. In fact, one team recently measured the impact of meditation on the body’s genes and found it could be a powerful ally in boosting your immune defenses…

Joyce Hollman

Sleep better with the bedtime routine of a toddler

Many things conspire against us when it comes to sleeping well: a snoring partner, medications we’re taking or various medical conditions. But there are four pillars of a good bedtime routine that work whether you’re three or 43…

Joyce Hollman

7 benefits of positive self-talk (and how to shush the negative)

The reality is that we talk to ourselves all the time, and the messages we give ourselves have a profound impact on our health and well-being. Here’s how you can improve your “inner dialogue” and make it work for you.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Eating this way leads to fewer brain blood clots

Evidence continues to stack up that adding more plant-based foods to your diet is powerfully beneficial to your health. Skeptical? Check out these 7 steps to more plants and fewer blood clots…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The raisin-like snack that wards off vision loss

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 60. No known therapy has yet been shown to impact early stages of AMD. That’s why when it comes to keeping your vision, prevention is key — and this fruit is a must…

Carolyn Gretton

The supplement that could solve morning sickness

Few pregnancy symptoms are as challenging as morning sickness. No one really knows what causes it, which makes it tough to find an effective treatment. But researchers have zeroed in on some clues that could make the first trimester much more pleasant…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Study says more time in the sun could prevent breast cancer

While your dermatologist will tell you to avoid spending too much time in the sun in order to decrease your risk of skin cancer, research is stacking up that sunlight offers big benefits to your health — especially for women. In fact, the more, the better…

Carolyn Gretton

How to combat the pollutants harming your heart

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide. And one risk factor we feel we can do little about is pollution. So-called “safe” levels have been linked to everything from Afib to heart failure, but waiting on experts to fix this problem could be too late. Here’s what you need to know to lower your risks…

Joyce Hollman

The music that can keep your brain young

Listening to music you’ve loved all your life can do more than make you feel good. People experiencing mild cognitive impairment or even early-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms can listen to music and re-shape their brains to prevent a progression. But not just any music will do…

Joyce Hollman

Superbugs: The not-so-sweet side effect of a food additive

Trehalose is used to sweeten and extend the shelf life of products, It’s in in everything from gum to nutrition bars. But when you eat foods with trehalose, it’s like scattering birdseed to attract birds to your yard. Except in this case, you’re feeding deadly bacteria and inviting it to thrive in your gut.

Joyce Hollman

Mental or physical stress: Which is worse for the heart

High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Diabetes. These are all major risk factors for heart disease. But more and more research is pointing to another candidate that may be a bigger trigger for heart attack than any of these well-known factors.

Carolyn Gretton

The link between oral health and viral defense

The mouth can be a gateway for all kinds of viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19. And now, researchers have discovered how keeping your mouth healthy can help defend against these viruses — and how letting your oral health lapse can reduce that protection…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The surprising mask danger no one’s talking about

Wearing face masks hasn’t gotten easier. Some of us experience skin rashes. They make our noses itch. And it feels like it’s harder to breathe. But if you wear glasses you have to deal with another problem: foggy glasses. And people are reaching for a solution that can lead to impaired thyroid and immune function down the road…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Olive oil tied to reduced mortality from 4 major health threats

It’s no secret that olive oil is a heart-healthy alternative. But the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says it can do even more. How do they know? They followed 92,000 people for 28 years and the results are too good to pass up…

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…

Joyce Hollman

Are you taking a drug from this “forbidden” list?

There’s a lot you can do to help yourself get to sleep before turning to medications, even over-the-counter ones. Because whether your sleep problem is insomnia or just a bad cold keeping your up at night, you should have some real reservations about what else these medications do to you…

Jenny Smiechowski

This big ‘oops’ about low-carb dieting may defeat all your reasons for it

Cutting carbs can quickly help you drop pounds and decrease your risk for heart disease and diabetes. But what’s the long-term effect of going low-carb? Is it all sunshine, roses and health benefits? Or is there a downside worse than not being able to eat pizza, pasta and bread? That depends…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

Worried about stroke? See where you stand with this test

If you worry about your risk for a future heart attack or stroke, stop worrying and do something about it, especially if you have a family history that puts you in harm’s way. A simple test can tell you where you stand. But either way there are a few ways to stack the odds in your favor…

Joyce Hollman

How to lose 5.5 pounds just by standing up

It will come as no surprise that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for you. But it might very well surprise you to hear that the simple act of standing can cause you to burn calories and shed unwanted pounds, lowering your risk for these diseases. Here’s how it works…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Need to make an important decision? Take a nap

Facing a difficult decision? You might weigh up the pros and cons, ask friends for their opinions or stay up nights thinking about it. But the best way, according to how the brain works, is none of these. Here’s why napping could help, plus five more nap benefits that will make you want to break out the nap pad.

Jenny Smiechowski

The two most dangerous gluten-free foods to eat in restaurants

If you’re avoiding gluten because of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating out is like playing Russian roulette… As you probably suspected, plenty of supposedly “gluten-free” restaurant meals contain a hefty dose of gluten. And two restaurant foods are much more likely to be tainted than others…

Joyce Hollman

The metal toxin turning fashion statements to cancer risk

Cadmium is a heavy metal that causes neurological damage and is a known carcinogen. This statement says it all: Cadmium exposure is toxic for all humans. But your fashion statement could very well be setting you up for huge risks associated with this lethal endocrine disruptor right now…

Joyce Hollman

Scientists predict ‘solar-phobes’ may die sooner: Are you one?

Some people are so worried about skin cancer that they end up getting no exposure to the sun at all. If you’re one of those people, the World Health Organization wants you to know that you’ve gone to an extreme that isn’t necessarily good for you…

Jenny Smiechowski

The perfect dose of exercise for bigger happiness and a stronger mental state

When you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones which make it easier to maintain a sunny outlook even when things go wrong. Plus, it fuels your brain cells and increases the odds you’ll feel optimistic no matter what life throws at you. How much will do the trick?

Jenny Smiechowski

How TV can make you as sick as the patients on those hospital dramas

If you love settling into the couch and binge-watching your favorite show every evening, it’s time to rethink how you relax. Watching too much TV is terrible for your health. How terrible? Depending on how many hours a day you watch, you could increase your risk by more than 54 percent…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

4 cancers you can get from the junk food aisle

Researchers performed an epic study to determine the impact diet plays in whether or not you end up with cancer down the road. They analyzed the food habits of 471,495 adults and followed up with them for over 15 years. The cancer connection was unbelievable with one group of foods.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

11 great ways to use coconut oil

One of my favorite products of all time is coconut oil. I use it daily and think it’s hands-down one of the best ways to improve your health and get clearer, softer, younger-looking skin. Here are several ways, and just as many more benefits, of using coconut oil…

Joyce Hollman

Sleep apnea’s impact on your stroke risk

Living with a partner who snores can put a strain on a relationship. But consider for a moment the plight of the snorer. Sure, it’s hard to see how they are suffering while you lie staring at the ceiling. But habitual snorers are at an extreme health risk…

Jenny Smiechowski

When over-supplementing can harm your bones

You’ve heard all about the supplements you should take to protect your bones: calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K. But what about the supplements you should avoid to protect them? Even though supplements do amazing things for your health, some might put you in harm’s way…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Diet, exercise or both: How much can you expect to lose?

If you’ve struggled with your weight, you likely have also struggled with how to lose it. After all, diet advice is so plentiful, embarking on a good plan isn’t as easy as it seems. Do you have to diet? Is exercise alone enough? And, how much can you reasonably expect to lose?

Dr. Michael Cutler

3 ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite

What’s good about the seasons changing from summer to fall? Most of us think it’s the cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. But sadly, there are a lot of people, mostly women, who are glad to see swimsuit and shorts season go. Why? Cellulite…

Joyce Hollman

More than a dozen reasons to get to know your pharmacist better

When it comes to illness, medication, and medical advice, your doctor is naturally the first place you turn. But if you stop there, you are missing out on a lot of information that could be helpful and save you time and money — without an appointment.

Jenny Smiechowski

How plaque on your teeth leads to plaque on your brain

Heart disease and diabetes — three serious diseases that could kill you thanks to bacteria in your mouth. That should be enough motivation to keep up with your bi-annual dental checkups. But in case it’s not, here’s a bit more incentive…

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…

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