For years we have been told that our genes determine our health. If something "runs in the family," many people assume it is only a matter of time before they face the same diagnosis. But what if that belief is only part of the story?

In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia explore the science of epigenetics and explain how your daily choices influence how your genes express themselves. From nutrition and stress to sleep, mindset, and environment, the body is constantly receiving signals that either support health or contribute to disease.

Dr. Carling shares personal stories about changing her own health trajectory despite strong family patterns of obesity, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease. She explains why a genetic predisposition does not mean a guaranteed outcome and how consistent lifestyle changes can shift your future in powerful ways.

This episode offers a hopeful reminder that you are not a victim of your genetics. With intentional choices, you can influence how your body functions and support long-term health and vitality.

In this episode:

• Why genes are not a fixed blueprint for your future

• The role of epigenetics in shaping health outcomes

• How nutrition, stress, sleep, and lifestyle influence gene expression

• Why family patterns often reflect shared habits rather than destiny

• How positive thinking and emotional health affect inflammation and healing

• The importance of real food, movement, rest, and stress management

• How acupuncture and holistic care support healthy gene expression

• Shifting from a mindset of inevitability to empowerment

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.

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 drain the body's ability to produce healthy brain chemistry. Dr. Carling explains how nutrition, acupuncture, rest, and compassionate care help the body and mind heal together.

This episode is a reminder that healing is possible when we treat the whole person and address the underlying mechanisms, not just the symptoms.

In this episode:

• A moving testimonial of recovery from emotional numbness and exhaustion

• Why depression is often rooted in fatigue, sleep deprivation, and nutrient deficiencies

• How medications can flatten emotions instead of restoring joy

• The role of fats, protein, minerals, and whole foods in brain health

• Why acupuncture helps rewire the brain and support emotional balance

• How small lifestyle changes can restore energy and resilience

• The importance of being seen, heard, and cared for in the healing process

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.

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 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:

• Why refined sugar acts as a physiological disruptor

• How sugar spikes insulin, cortisol, inflammation, and cravings

• The impact of sugar on immune function and illness risk

• Why artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose backfire

• How artificial sweeteners alter gut bacteria and metabolic stability

• The truth about agave and highly refined stevia

• Which natural sweeteners are better choices in moderation

• Why nutrients matter when choosing sweeteners

• How taste buds adapt when refined sugar is removed

• 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.