Latest Stories

Latest Stories

Joyce Hollman

How a plant-based diet cured an ‘incurable’ skin disease

There’s tons of evidence that eating mostly fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help prevent and even cure many conditions, from eczema to arthritis to diabetes and heart disease. But some people remain skeptical. Here’s one woman’s true story of what can happen when you switch to a plant-based diet.

Carolyn Gretton

Why espresso could negate coffee’s heart-healthy benefits

Much has been written about coffee’s health benefits, but one area that’s been murky is whether coffee helps or hurts heart health. Now, another study has confirmed that drinking coffee made a particular way, and used as the basis for some of our favorite coffee house beverages, can actually raise the risk of cardiovascular disease…

Joyce Hollman

Warning: Spring flowers spell danger for your pets

Those blooms you bring into your home this spring could spell discomfort and even worse for your furry friends. Here’s the lowdown on some popular flowers, how they can poison your pet and what to do if you think your cat or dog has eaten them.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

How urinary tract infections can lead to bladder cancer

Pain, burning, urgency — each of these symptoms will sound familiar if you’ve ever suffered from a urinary tract infection. And the likelihood is, you have. And while the pain and symptoms of the infection themselves are bad enough, according to a new study, having a urinary tract infection could be a signal of far worse to come…

Dr. Elizabeth Klodas MD, FACC

When a heart attack ‘comes out of the blue’

Do you know someone whose heart attack seemed to “come out of the blue? While it’s hard to understand how someone can seem fine one day and suffer a major heart event the next day, it happens. Cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth Klodas explains how, why and what’s lurking below the surface that even a stress test can miss — and how to help guard against it.

Carolyn Gretton

The juice/supplement combo that eases rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, chances are you’ve experienced side effects from your medication, so you may be aware of alternatives that relieve your symptoms. One such alternative, fish oil, has shown the ability to ease RA symptoms. You can ramp us those effects by taking it with the right juice…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

For women only: Fiber could be the key to happiness

There’s no doubt fiber’s part of a healthy diet. Yet, we mostly think about what it does for the gut, like promoting regularity or stopping the bloat. There’s one more way adding the power of fiber to your life could improve your health (and even your happiness)…

Joyce Hollman

What energy drinks do to your heart muscle

Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and sugar. For that reason alone, they’ve always been questionable at best when it comes to your health. But now, research has pinpointed other chemicals in these drinks that damage your kidneys and set you up for heart failure.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Protective psychedelics may rewire the brain following stroke

In the U.S., someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. For survivors, the road to recovery can be long and hard. But trials are underway to test a hallucinogenic drug that could be the answer to less brain damage and better function following stroke.

Carolyn Gretton

The not-so-sweet way fructose damages the immune system

Fructose has been a common food additive for decades, and its overconsumption is known to cause issues with the liver and insulin resistance, a precursor to obesity and diabetes. What hasn’t been as clear is how fructose impacts the immune system, and that’s a gamble with high stakes right now.

Virginia Tims-Lawson

The truth about HDL: ‘Good cholesterol’ isn’t so good

For years we’ve been told to watch our cholesterol, keeping our so-called “bad” cholesterol down and our “good” cholesterol up. But what if that advice was wrong and we’ve been operating under a false sense of security? There’s much more banking on HDL than we ever realized.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

5+ reasons women over 50 should weight train

Walk into any gym and you’ll notice a great divide, with women hitting the treadmills and ellipticals, while the men lay claim to the weight machines. It’s a divide that seems to only get greater with age. But if you’re a woman over 50, skipping the weights in favor of just cardio could be a big mistake.

Joyce Hollman

High protein for weight loss? Make sure your kidneys can handle it

A high-protein diet can be an extremely effective weight loss plan. It usually goes hand in hand with a low-carb diet. But before you jump into changing your ways, consider the health of your kidneys. If not, you could end up with a bigger problem than a few extra pounds.

Carolyn Gretton

The link between nighttime light and your thyroid

We use more artificial light than ever at night, both indoors and outdoors, and it’s affecting our health. Night light use is connected with a higher risk of obesity, depression, sleep disorders and diabetes. And according to researchers, it may be raising our risk of a particular type of cancer…

Joyce Hollman

Where do you fall on the food addiction scale?

If you were in the clutches of drugs or alcohol, you’d want out. It’s time to think about foods that are bringing your health down the same way, foods that are engineered to addict you. Here’s insight into the worst culprits and how to break free.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Research rekindles the question: Are eggs healthy?

The egg debate has gone on for years. Some studies indicate eggs contribute to heart disease, cancer and a shorter lifespan, while others have demonstrated a protective effect. There’s a lot on the line when it comes to eggs. So, it’s no wonder the debate is ongoing. Here’s what the latest research reveals…

Carolyn Gretton

Curcumin: The spice that wards off liver damage

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, is well-known as a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s shown promise in relieving several diseases, including cancers of the stomach, blood and lungs. As if these benefits weren’t enough, the spice may also help protect the health of another vital organ.

Tracey G. Ingram, AuD

Sleep deprivation nearly doubles dementia risk

Sleep is critical time the brain uses to clear toxins, build memories and reinvigorate parts of the brain that help us continue to learn and function independently. If you’re missing out on valuable shut-eye, these processes are short-circuited, and you could potentially set yourself up for serious problems.

Joyce Hollman

What is lifestyle medicine and what can it do for you?

What if lifestyle interventions were looked on as legitimate, bona fide treatments, just as medications are? The growing discipline of lifestyle medicine is making this “what if” a reality, and instead of medicalizing disease, provides an easier pill to swallow.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Is being a workaholic ruining your health?

Previous studies have shown a combination of stress and work can increase your risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In other words, being a workaholic can ruin your health. Here’s how to gauge your risk and how to turn it around.

Carolyn Gretton

How refined grains stack your odds of heart attack and stroke

It’s no news flash that refined grains like white flour are bad for your health. But while many studies on refined grains have focused on their impact on weight and blood sugar, it turns out they significantly boost our odds for heart attack or stroke. Good news: Whole grains do just the opposite.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Best drink for stroke and heart attack survivors

Even if you’ve survived a heart attack or stroke, your risk of dying prematurely increases. In fact, in the first month after a cardiac incident, risk of death skyrockets, and this risk can remain high for years. The good news: You’re a survivor, and researchers are tirelessly working on ways you can keep it that way.

Carolyn Gretton

How are ‘SuperAgers’ avoiding Alzheimer’s?

While scientists have been able to identify key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, they’re still trying to work out why some people develop the disease and others do not. Some, called ‘SuperAgers,’ even appear to be resistant. And researchers are trying to unravel their secret…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

How to keep computer vision syndrome from ruining your eyesight

It’s almost impossible to avoid a computer or digital screen, including your phone. But these modern conveniences are causing new threats to your eyesight. Here’s what you should know about computer vision syndrome, and how to avoid it when you can’t avoid a screen.

Carolyn Gretton

Overcome stress eating and improve metabolism with ‘psychobiotics’

There is a complex interplay between stress eating, obesity and the kinds of metabolic issues that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Managing all these factors usually takes multiple steps. But a team of researchers may have found an interesting shortcut involving a particular kind of “good” bacteria…

Joyce Hollman

3 ways group singing boosts our health

Choral groups may not be singing together much right now, but hopefully that will change soon. Because the emotional and physical health benefits science shows happens when we blend our voices are just too good to pass up…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The fruit that guards against sunburn, UV damage and skin cancer

We all need a little sunshine in our lives. It’s an important source of vitamin D. Get too much sun, though, and UV damage can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. But there’s a tasty way to give yourself an extra layer of sun protection and guard against sunburn…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

What each serving of fruit and veggies does to heart disease, stroke and cancer

It’s no surprise to any of us that despite the best efforts of moms everywhere, 90 percent of us are still not eating enough fruits and vegetables. But what if we did? For starters, 7.8 million early deaths a year could be prevented. Scientists can even measure the benefits in each serving, and reveal the magic number for saving lives…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Why napping is good medicine for your brain

Do you get a little bit sleepy as the afternoon wears on? Are you feeling that after lunch slump that makes you want to just curl up, close your eyes and drift off, if only for a little while? Here’s your excuse to give in: napping may be good medicine for your brain.

Carolyn Gretton

German scientists’ ‘cancer plan’: Age 50+ take vitamin D

For years, scientists have been studying how vitamin D influences a number of diseases, particularly inflammatory diseases, diabetes and cancer. That’s why a group of scientists formulated a plan…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

3+ ways to gift yourself less holiday stress

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — and no, I’m not talking about friends and family that come in from out of town… I’m talking about stress and anxiety. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, cleaning, baking and entertaining, just to name a few.

Joyce Hollman

MRI: The ‘routine’ procedure that could ruin your life

When a doctor orders an MRI, it’s usually to help detect or rule out something potentially life-threatening, or at the very least, something that could make you seriously ill. But, it’s recently come to light that this rather routine diagnostic test, meant to help you, can have devastating effects…

Jenny Smiechowski

The secret to unleashing a longer life and healthier heart

Studies show that married people live longer, have fewer strokes and heart attacks, and are more likely to survive cancer or major operations. But if you prefer the single life, don’t sign up for a dating website just yet. There is something you can do to boost your odds…

Dr. Michael Cutler

The joint regenerative power of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Stem cell therapy has come to the forefront of health restoration. For people with joint conditions not helped or relieved by standard means, it holds exceptional promise. And a chance to move away from drugs that control illness… and closer to therapies that reverse it.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The weight-loss resistant gut bug foiling your diet

You know some bacteria can be antibiotic resistant. Well, a certain bacterial strain in your gut is weight-loss resistant, and it’s living in the guts of at least 50 percent of us. That explains why diets work for some, but not for others. But there are a few ways to remedy this situation…

Carl Lowe

The reason more women get multiple sclerosis and what to do about it

Recently, the actress Selma Blair came forward announcing she’s doing her best to fight Multiple Sclerosis. MS is an autoimmune disease that targets many more women than men. In a perfect world no one would suffer from it. One doctor, who’s also a patient, is doing her best to make sure that happens.

Margaret Cantwell

The painful truth and questionable use of off-label pain pills

As soon as my friend handed me the list of potential side effects the pharmacist had provided him, printed on a sheet of “caution tape” yellow paper, I could see why he wanted to talk. He asked me if I thought it was worth it, trading the pain for these dangerous risks. I had to say no. And here’s why…

Easy Health Options Staff

3 Ways to activate your cancer-fighting cells [slideshow]

Scientists are harnessing the human body’s own natural cancer-fighting cells in their continuing research to stop cancer. But why wait on them? Here are three natural ways to boost the cancer-killing effectiveness of your own T-cells yourself…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Just 3 cups slam heart disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s risk

Do you drag yourself out of bed in the morning to pour yourself a big cup of coffee? Maybe, you even down multiple cups throughout the day. It’s all good: a review of 200 studies of coffee drinkers will give you a guilt-free pass to pour yourself another cup…

Virginia Tims-Lawson

To lower BMI, BP, lipids and more: Get your breakfast on!

I do my best to eat healthy, not because I’m obsessed with my weight but I have concerns about heart disease. I really thought I was doing everything right until I found out it was actually something I was NOT doing that could be leading me down the path to heart disease.

Joyce Hollman

It’s time to get the lead out of your water—and your body

If you don’t live in Michigan, you may have never given a second thought to the town of Flint before the reports of dangerously high lead levels in drinking water. But what if you live in one of the 3,810 towns with lead levels as much as four times higher than what they found in Flint?

Jenny Smiechowski

Unlocking vitamin D’s autoimmune superpowers

If you want to prevent autoimmune diseases, the science is clear: Get enough vitamin D. But for people living with an autoimmune disease, it’s not as simple as popping a supplement and watching symptoms disappear. That doesn’t mean vitamin D can’t help, but there are a few things to know…

Joyce Hollman

Why you should squat once a day

If you seldom put your hips and knees through their full range of motion, never bending them past 90 degrees, your body gets the wrong message: make less synovial fluid. Consequently, your joints become less lubricated … stiff… arthritic. Here are two ways to fix that…

Jenny Smiechowski

2 surprising ways to heal a wound faster

You can slather on the antibiotic ointment, but if your immune system’s not operating at its best, the healing process is going to be slow and painful. You need to promote wound healing from the inside out. How do you do that? Well, the U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine found this works…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The weight loss secret the biggest losers didn’t know

80% of people who successfully lose at least 10% of their body weight gradually regain it to end up as large or larger than before they went on a diet. Why is regaining the weight you lose so easy? Let me explain, because once you understand, it makes the secret to keeping it off easier!

Dr. Mark Wiley

Avoid the medical error killing as many people as breast cancer

Doctors are professionals operating with a patient’s best interest at heart. But, even armed with a toolbox of knowledge and tests at their beck and call, they are still human. Diagnostic errors are much more common than often reported — many life-threatening. Here’s how to avoid the danger…

Jenny Smiechowski

Why menopausal women are getting asthma

Think you’re safe from asthma because you never had it as a child? Feeling short of breath, coughing or wheezing more? Asthma is influenced by hormones. No wonder menopausal women, going through the biggest hormonal shift of their adult life, are at an increased risk.

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The steroid deficiency behind stubborn weight gain

Before you decide to take drastic measures and get prescription weight loss pills that can cause side effects like headaches, dry mouth, constipation, gas and more, you should know there’s a little-known natural steroid you might be missing that could be behind your weight gain.

Jedha Dening

9 foods that fight skin aging

Various components offered by food can affect the structure and integrity of your skin. So if you want to avoid the visible signs of aging, it’s recommended you avoid junk foods and sugar, and focus on eating the healthiest diet you can, starting with these 9 foods…

Jenny Smiechowski

Biweekly yoga gives you a bigger brain

If you do yoga, you may have noticed that yoga changes your thoughts, mood and emotions for the better. So it’s got to be doing something inside that noggin of yours, right? Well, it absolutely is. It’s actually altering the physical structure of your brain…

Jenny Smiechowski

The surprising bacteria fueling gut disorders

Need a little incentive to keep getting those twice-yearly teeth cleanings? Well how about this… if you get too lax on your oral hygiene, your mouth could become a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria that can quickly ruin your health…

Dr. Mark Wiley

The mind hack that makes things better

The smell of pie in the oven can trigger strong feelings from another time and place… proof of the mind’s ability to associate and affect a reaction from a cue. Now, imagine a cue that stops your arthritis pain, a migraine attack or self-defeating thoughts. Here’s how to do it…

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Top tips for cold weather health

Winter can be rough… it’s cold and damp, people are regularly coming down with viruses, and we often don’t feel like we’re at our best. That’s why a little extra effort to boost your immune system and your mood could go a long way in helping you survive it. Here are a few tips from Dr. Eliaz…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The tea that beats belly bloat

Do you feel bloated and miserable? You could be suffering from good, old-fashioned belly bloat. But, there’s really nothing good about it. Well, luckily for you, there is an answer…

Joyce Hollman

Orange juice: Pure, natural… and poison?

How often do you make a tall glass of orange juice a part of your breakfast? A few times a week — or every day? Well, that’s how often you’ve been drinking a potentially lethal serving of glyphosate, a “probable human carcinogen.”

Jenny Smiechowski

Beware of the B vitamin-cancer connection

B vitamins do amazing things for your body. B12, for example, keeps your neurological health intact and wards off two of the most serious brain diseases — Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. But in certain situations, a real danger arises…

Dr. Michael Cutler

Restoring health: The latest in stem cell therapies

Stem cell treatments are gaining in popularity. These cells and growth factors can differentiate into bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, collagen, nerves, blood vessels, skin, hair or other tissue types. They can be infused by IV or injected directly into your joints, tendons or ligaments.

Jedha Dening

Butter or margarine on your Thanksgiving table?

When you think about butter versus margarine, you may automatically think margarine is better, healthier. But as it turns out, there is quite a bit more to the story you might want to know if you’re trying to decide which may be better for your family. For starters…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

The exercise that could cut your cancer risk by a third

Whether you choose to exercise at the gym, at home or even in your local park, research shows one thing is for certain: All exercise is not created equal if you want to increase your life span and reduce your risk of cancer…

Margaret Cantwell

4 supplements that fight aging and gum disease

There are four specific supplements that you should be taking to help keep a healthy mouth. And they are supplements that can also improve the overall aging of your body. Not only that, they cut your risk of three different cancers tied to periodontal disease…

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