173: Sweeteners: Which Ones Derail Health, and Alternatives That Don't
Release Date: 01/20/2026
174: A Testimonial of Healing from Emotional Exhaustion, Fatigue, and Depression
VitalHealth4You
In this powerful testimonial episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia share the story of a woman who had reached a breaking point. She was exhausted, emotionally numb, unable to sleep, and felt disconnected from joy and meaning in her life. After trying conventional medications without relief, she turned to holistic care and experienced profound changes in a short period of time. Dr. Carling and Alicia explore what this story reveals about the true roots of what is often labeled as “depression.” They discuss how emotional fatigue, nutrient depletion, lack of sleep, and chronic stress can...
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173: Sweeteners: Which Ones Derail Health, and Alternatives That Don't
VitalHealth4You
Sweeteners are everywhere, but not all of them affect the body the same way. In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia break down how refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and even some so-called natural sweeteners quietly disrupt blood sugar, immunity, digestion, mood, and metabolism. Dr. Carling explains why sugar behaves like a physiological toxin in the body, how artificial sweeteners confuse insulin and gut bacteria, and why marketing terms like “low glycemic” do not always tell the full story. You will also learn which sweeteners can be used more safely in moderation, why taste...
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172: Healthspan vs. Lifespan: Shifting Your 2026 Goals
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As we head into 2026, many of us are thinking about goals: what to improve, what to let go of, and how to live better. But what if the real question isn’t how long we live, but how well we live? In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia shift the conversation from lifespan to healthspanL the number of years you live with vitality, independence, mental clarity, and joy. Dr. Carling explains why modern medicine has extended lifespan without protecting quality of life, and how inflammation, nutrition, stress, and mindset quietly determine how we age. You’ll learn how acupuncture, real...
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171: Herniated Discs: Causes, Nutrition, and Natural Healing
VitalHealth4You
Herniated discs are painful, frustrating, and surprisingly common, but what most people don’t realize is how closely disc health is tied to lifestyle, nutrition, posture, and overall inflammation. In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia break down the different types of herniated discs, why they happen, and how disc degeneration develops over time. Dr. Carling explains the major contributors such as dehydration and poor nutrition to smoking, inactivity, excess sugar, and spinal misalignment, and why supporting collagen, hydration, and nutrient density is essential for long-term disc...
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170: The Science & Joy of Savoring Food
VitalHealth4You
We all know we’re supposed to slow down when we eat… but does savoring your food actually change anything? According to Dr. Holly Carling: absolutely. In this episode, Dr. Carling and Alicia take you deep into the science and sensory experience of savoring your meals. You’ll learn how slowing down boosts dopamine, increases satisfaction, improves digestion, prevents overeating, and even strengthens emotional well-being. Dr. Carling breaks down how the brain, taste buds, smell, texture, and even sound work together to create flavor and why savoring activates parts of the brain that fast...
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169: Freedom from Migraines: A Testimonial of Hope and Healing
VitalHealth4You
Migraines can take over your life leaving you unable to work, parent, or even think clearly. In this inspiring testimonial episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia share one woman’s story of lifelong migraines that began before kindergarten and how, after starting acupuncture and nutritional care, she experienced dramatic relief within just two months. Dr. Carling explains why migraines are rarely caused by one single factor and what truly drives lasting healing. From liver and hormonal imbalances to toxicity and nerve compression, she unpacks how addressing the root causes, not just the pain,...
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168: The Power of Organ Meats & Bone Broth: Ancient Superfoods for Modern Health
VitalHealth4You
Most people are turned off by organ meats, but if they weren’t so good for you, Dr. Carling wouldn’t recommend them. In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia share why traditional cultures prized foods like liver, bone marrow, fish heads and roe, and bone broth, and how these time-tested foods can rebuild nutrient reserves, immunity, brain function, and more. You’ll learn practical ways to start (even if texture or taste is a hurdle), what to know about sourcing and safety (including the “liver filters toxins” concern), how to cook liver so it’s actually pleasant, and why bone...
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167: Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: Root Causes, Relief, and Real Hope
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Trigeminal Neuralgia is one of the most painful neurological conditions and it’s becoming increasingly common. In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling joins Alicia to explore what causes this debilitating facial pain, why it might show up out of nowhere (even on a honeymoon!), and how natural medicine can bring powerful, lasting relief. Dr. Carling explains what the trigeminal nerve is, what happens when it’s damaged or irritated, and how trauma, infections, nutrient deficiencies, or even airplane air vents can set it off. She also outlines natural approaches including acupuncture, nutrition,...
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166: Protecting Yourself from Food Poisoning (Naturally!)
VitalHealth4You
Nobody wants to think about food poisoning until it hits — and then it’s all you can think about. In this practical and informative episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia dive into the causes, symptoms, and natural support for food poisoning, along with how to protect yourself in the first place. From choosing the right foods while traveling or dining out to understanding how your digestion plays a major role in your susceptibility, Dr. Carling shares decades of wisdom for keeping your gut strong and supported. Whether you’re navigating a sensitive stomach or just want to feel more...
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165: Hope After the Struggle: A Fibromyalgia Recovery Story
VitalHealth4You
Chronic pain, fatigue, and the emotional toll of invisible illnesses can feel like a life sentence—but there is hope. In this heartfelt testimonial episode, we share a woman’s personal journey of healing after years of struggling with fibromyalgia, IBS, sleep issues, and depression. After feeling dismissed by conventional medicine, she turned to natural care and finally found the support her body and mind needed to begin healing. If you or someone you love has been dealing with chronic conditions that feel overwhelming or unsolvable, this story is a powerful reminder that healing is...
info_outlineSweeteners are everywhere, but not all of them affect the body the same way.
In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia break down how refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and even some so-called natural sweeteners quietly disrupt blood sugar, immunity, digestion, mood, and metabolism. Dr. Carling explains why sugar behaves like a physiological toxin in the body, how artificial sweeteners confuse insulin and gut bacteria, and why marketing terms like “low glycemic” do not always tell the full story.
You will also learn which sweeteners can be used more safely in moderation, why taste buds can be retrained, and how acupuncture helps reduce sugar cravings by stabilizing blood sugar, calming stress, and supporting digestion.
This episode offers clarity, balance, and practical guidance without fear-based food rules.
In this episode:
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Why refined sugar acts as a physiological disruptor
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How sugar spikes insulin, cortisol, inflammation, and cravings
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The impact of sugar on immune function and illness risk
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Why artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose backfire
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How artificial sweeteners alter gut bacteria and metabolic stability
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The truth about agave and highly refined stevia
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Which natural sweeteners are better choices in moderation
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Why nutrients matter when choosing sweeteners
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How taste buds adapt when refined sugar is removed
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How acupuncture helps regulate cravings, stress, digestion, and energy
For full show notes, resources and links head to: https://vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
The Vital Health for You Podcast is for everyone. Get to know us more by connecting with us at our website or on our Facebook page.
*Disclaimer: The statements made in this episode about specific products have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.