You’ve heard about magnesium and probably that you need more of it, but what exactly does magnesium do and how can it support our health journey? In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling explores the myriad roles magnesium plays in our health, from supporting bone density and muscle function to enhancing heart health and regulating blood sugar levels. Understanding magnesium's impact is more crucial now than ever, as it's involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in our bodies. Whether you're...

When you can identify your emotions, you have the power to shape how they affect your emotional well-being. Let’s challenge the conventional understanding of depression as a standalone condition, proposing instead that it is a complex amalgamation of emotions.  This discussion not only sheds light on common misunderstandings about depression but also provides practical advice for managing emotions that can often feel overwhelming. Whether you're dealing with sadness, anxiety, or feelings of...

We’ve been told that breastfeeding is best when it comes to feeding newborns, but do you really know why? And do you know all the benefits breastfeeding has not just for baby but for mom too? In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling shares the extensive benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. Breastfeeding is not just a source of optimal nutrition but also a crucial activity that fosters emotional bonds between the mother and baby. Additionally, the convenience and cost-effectiveness...

Does eating healthy on a budget seem out of reach? Do you go to the grocery store and get overwhelmed by options and prices? In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling shares how to eat healthy when you're on a tight budget. Organic and pasture raised are all your best options for eating healthy. But if that isn't always in your budget, how can you eat healthy on a tight budget? It can be challenging, but it's definitely possible. It just takes some planning and smarter choices. What’s in this...

Belly fat can be frustrating for so many people, but the struggle really comes from not understanding what is and how to combat it. When we educate ourselves on the differences between good and bad fats and how to eat for optimal health, it can make a huge impact. In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling uncovers the topic of belly fat. She shares the different types of belly fat, its implications on health, and methods to effectively address it. From discussing the distinction between...

Autoimmune diseases can seem mysterious and to come without explanation. But what if there was an answer to why and how autoimmune diseases occur and how you can treat them? In this episode, Dr. Carling challenges the traditional understanding, emphasizing that autoimmune diseases aren't necessarily distinct conditions but rather an advanced stage of various health issues. She explores the multifaceted triggers of autoimmune diseases, including genetics, environmental factors, hormonal...

We all miss the sun in the winter, especially when we’re feeling the SAD (seasonal affective disorder). But did you know that sunlight is important for more than just our mood? In today’s episode, Dr. Holly Carling explains all the reasons that exposure to sunlight is important to our health, from mood and sleep regulation to skin and bone health and more. Plus, she shares the risk of not getting enough sunlight. She also offers several helpful tips for getting more sunlight, even in the...

How often do you think about breathing? Probably less often than you should! Deep breathing has so many health benefits that are often overlooked, so today, we’re giving it some extra attention. In today’s episode, Dr. Holly Carling shares why breathing and the way you breathe is so important. She shares the numerous benefits of breathing deeply, including some surprising ones you may never have heard of, the issues that come with poor breathing, and how to learn to breathe better. Let’s...

There are tons of birth control options, and NONE of them are 100% effective. But, some of them are riskier than others when it comes to your health. In today’s episode, Dr. Holly Carling shares a variety of birth control options, from implantable to hormonal to monitoring-based. She also shares the pros and cons of these options as well as the health concerns attached particularly to hormonal birth control (or any synthetic hormone!) Let’s dive in! What’s in this episode: All the...

When it comes to food labels, it can be confusing to know what you’re looking at and what it all means. Manufacturers have to label every ingredient, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have some tricks up their sleeve when it comes to making foods look and sound healthier than they actually are. In today’s episode, Dr. Holly Carling is going to break down how to interpret food labels, including what you need to look for and what you can skip over. We’re covering added sugars (and the way they...

Bunions, plantar fasciitis, and neuropathy, oh my! If you’ve had any of these foot issues, you know that they can be a huge pain and limit your mobility (potentially causing other health problems down the road.)  Nonetheless, these issues are becoming more common, so in today’s episode we’re covering what these problems are, how to heal them, and how to prevent them from ever starting (or recurring!) Let’s dive in! What’s in this episode: An explanation and causation of some common foot...

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, breakfast is the most important meal of the day… so why, in American society, are our standard breakfast options so unhealthy?? You might be asking yourself, where do I even start if I want a healthier breakfast? Well, don’t worry because in today’s episode, Dr. Carling is sharing dozens of nutritious, delicious, and easy to make breakfast recipes on the podcast. Spoiler alert: there will be lots of vegetables and protein! If you’re trying to improve...

There’s a lot of conversation around the topic of nitric oxide right now. But what is nitric oxide exactly? And what kind of role does it play in the body? In today’s episode, we’re sharing what nitric oxide is and how achieving optimal nitric oxide levels can benefit our health. From acupuncture, to breathing properly, to getting the right nutrients, there’s no shortage of ways to facilitate your body’s production of nitric oxide in order to reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive function,...

There are several key pillars that contribute to a person’s overall health, and each one is equally important as the next. But why is that exactly? Just like the pillars of a building, if one is broken, the entire structure becomes unstable! In today’s episode, we’re sharing what I consider to be those critical pillars of health, how they’re interconnected, and why a holistic approach is essential when it comes to promoting a comprehensive and balanced lifestyle. From physical and mental...

Have you ever suffered a urinary tract infection (UTI)? If so, you’re not alone! Millions of Americans experience at least one UTI, and the discomfort that comes along with them, every year. In today’s episode, we’re sharing more context around this common disease and helpful insight to give you more control over your health. You’ll learn about the different causes of UTIs, risks that extend beyond general discomfort, and effective (and less effective) treatment methods. Listen in now for...

We just spent the last three weeks listing out all the foods that can kill your health… But what about the good stuff? Surely there are a ton of foods that can nourish and promote your health as well?  Well, there definitely are! So in today’s episode, we’re sharing all the foods that can bolster and nourish your health. From fruit and veggies to dairy and protein options, we’ve got you covered for what to eat to have a healthy, happy body and mind. Let’s dive right in! What’s in this...

Want to make smarter choices when it comes to your diet? Part III of our Killers of Health series will help you do just that! Listen in as we continue the discussion of those foods that take the most significant toll on your body and what you can do about it. In today’s episode, we’re focusing specifically on processed meats, fried foods, chocolate, and white flour. Did you know processed meats were classified as group one carcinogens? Ever wonder why white flour was stripped of all its...

Last week, you heard the first episode in our Killers of Health series where we focused specifically on processed foods. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Part II dives deeper into the same subject with even more insight into the impact of dietary choices on your overall physical and mental health. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the impacts of coffee (caffeine) and soda pop (sugar) consumption on the body. Have you ever been told that there are benefits to drinking coffee? Think you...

It’s no secret that your diet can have a substantial impact on your overall physical and mental health. But do you know exactly why that is? If you’re like the vast majority of people, the complexity of this subject can be a little overwhelming and leave you feeling at a total loss each time you go shopping. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the details on how certain foods can destroy our health and some suggestions to help you make more informed choices. Topics include everything from...

This time of year, many of us spend time reflecting on the many things we’re grateful for, and it’s no different for us at Vital Health. But did you know that the practice of gratitude can actually have health benefits too? In today’s episode Alicia and Dr. Carling share the many things they are grateful for this year. Dr. Carling also shares the many ways that gratitude impacts our health for the better, plus a few ways that you can incorporate gratitude into your daily practice, instead of...

You might’ve heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but did you know just how much truth there is to that statement? The science might surprise you! Medical evidence, particularly in Chinese medicine, suggests that a person’s entire face can be incredibly telling when it comes to our overall health. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my experience with facial diagnosis and how it has served me over the course of my career. Paying special attention to the tongue, nose, and eyes, you’ll...

How to hog tie a llama? What?! It started as a joke that became the topic of this podcast. So, today we're here to relate your health to llamas. Just like a llama, our bodies are adaptable and work hard to protect itself and not only survive, but thrive. Did you know that, every day, we’re exposed to an onslaught of toxins that weigh down the body’s ability to adapt and resolve issues? The sheer amount of toxins that we come into contact with on a daily basis surpasses what we experienced...

Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching and the holidays are a time when many people tend to throw their diets and healthy eating out the window. Our favorite traditional holiday meals can be chock full of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. But we want to remind you that there are ways to still eat well and also enjoy the meals that you love. In this episode, we talk about whether or not it’s OK to have “cheat” days during the holidays, how to eat well and still have special...

There are anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 diseases out there. It’s a bit mindblowing to think about people becoming sick from these diseases and potentially dying. But there are ways to cope with life after a scary diagnosis. The biggest thing to remember is that a diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence (even if your doctor says it is). As long as you have the will to fight your diagnosis, your chances of surviving are high. In this episode, we talk about how to deal with your emotions...