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 health.

You'll also learn how acupuncture works to reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression, improve circulation, and support true healing rather than simply masking symptoms.

In this episode:

• The four main types of herniated discs and how they present

• Why aging is not the only cause of disc degeneration

• The role of hydration, protein, vitamins, and minerals in disc repair

• How sugar accelerates collagen breakdown and joint degeneration

• Lifestyle factors that weaken discs (posture, smoking, inactivity, obesity)

• Nutrient deficiencies that impact bone, disc, and connective-tissue integrity

• How acupuncture reduces inflammation, pain, muscle tension, and nerve irritation

• Why holistic care (acupuncture + nutrition + supplementation) supports long-term healing

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.

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 eating never reaches. You'll also learn about umami, kokumi, and how richness, warmth, and mouthfeel influence satisfaction on a neurological level.

Whether you want to improve digestion, stop overeating, enjoy your favorite foods more fully, or build a healthier relationship with food, this episode will change the way you experience every bite.

In this episode:

• The neurological benefits of savoring: dopamine, reward pathways, memory, emotional balance

• How the gustatory cortex processes flavor (and why slowing down enhances it)

• Why aroma, texture, temperature, and even sound shape your eating experience

• What umami really is and how it helps food feel comforting and grounding

• The meaning of kokumi, the Japanese word for richness and deep satisfaction

• How savoring improves digestion through saliva, enzyme signaling, and taste-bud activation

• Why slowing down reduces bingeing and increases fullness cues

• How savoring can make "treat foods" less harmful and more satisfying

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.

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, can transform quality of life.

You'll also hear why her gentle acupuncture style earned her the nickname "Angel Fingers," and why compassion and persistence matter as much as clinical skill in helping patients heal.

In this episode:

• A powerful testimonial from a migraine patient who found lasting relief

• Why migraines often begin early and why that matters

• The most common root causes: liver stress, hormones, toxicity, allergies, and neck issues

• The role of acupuncture and nutrition in restoring balance

• Dr. Carling's personal story of overcoming her own migraines

• What makes her gentle acupuncture technique so unique

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.

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 broth remains the world's #1 recovery food.

In this episode:

• Why organ meats are more nutrient-dense than muscle meat

• Sacred/sick foods across cultures (liver, marrow, fish heads/roe, fermented cod liver oils)

• Addressing the "liver stores toxins" myth and what to choose if grass-fed isn't available

• Bone broth benefits (gut, immunity, joints, skin, sleep) and a simple 4-day simmer method

• Best organs to start with (liver, heart, kidney, spleen, brain) + easy beginner recipes (pâté, liverwurst)

• Cooking tips: quick sear for liver, pairing with sauerkraut; heart as "muscle-like" gateway organ

• "Organ specificity": why eating an organ may support that organ's function

• Liver vs spinach: a quick nutrient comparison (B12, heme iron, choline, minerals)

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.

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, and herbal support that can often resolve the condition without invasive surgery or lifelong medication.

If you or someone you love struggles with facial pain, nerve issues, or mysterious inflammation, this episode offers deep insight and grounded hope.

In this episode:

• What Trigeminal Neuralgia is and why it's also called tic douloureux

• Why the pain is so intense (and often one-sided)

• How the trigeminal nerve works, with its 3 distinct branches

• Medical vs. Chinese medicine perspectives on root causes

• Surprising triggers like airplanes, cold wind, and nutrient depletion

• The role of B vitamins, magnesium, and Omega-3s in nerve health

• Natural therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, and nutrition

• Which conventional treatments may help (and their risks)

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.

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 empowered when it comes to your health, this episode offers simple and effective tips to keep foodborne illness at bay.

In this episode:

• How food poisoning actually happens (and what you can do about it)

• Why digestive health impacts your vulnerability to foodborne illness

• The role of hydrochloric acid and enzymes in prevention

• What to eat—and avoid—while traveling, camping, or eating out

• Natural remedies to support recovery after food poisoning

• When to seek medical care (and why natural options can still help)

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.

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 possible—and that your body is always trying to return to balance.

In this episode:

• Living with fibromyalgia and IBS for over 20 years

• How chronic sleep issues and anxiety added to the health spiral

• The frustration of being told "everything is normal" when it clearly isn't

• What changed when she started addressing the root causes of her symptoms

• The power of being truly seen, heard, and supported

• How natural care helped her regain energy, sleep, and hope

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.

When life gets busy, healthy eating is often the first thing to go. But skipping meals or relying on convenience foods can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and long-term health challenges. So how do you fuel your body when you're short on time?

In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia share real-world tips for making nutritious lunches and snacks an intentional (and doable!) part of your day—whether you're working from home, commuting to the office, or always on the go.

They explore how what you eat impacts your blood sugar, hormones, digestion, and even your immune system—and why protein bars or skipping meals just won't cut it. You'll walk away with simple strategies to support your energy, mood, and long-term wellness through intentional nourishment.

In this episode:

• Why lunch is the most important reset meal of the day

• The difference between nourishing snacks and filler foods

• How healthy snacks help regulate blood sugar and prevent overeating

• Easy on-the-go lunch packing tips

• The role of hydration in hunger, energy, and digestion

• Mindful preparation as a form of self-care

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.