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Podcast Episode 173: Sweeteners: Which Ones Derail Health, and Alternatives That Don’t

Sweeteners are everywhere, but not all of them affect the body the same way.

In this podcast 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
Picture of Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Dr. Carling considers herself a “professional student” – she has attended more than 600 post-secondary education courses related to health and healing. Dr. Carling gives lectures here in the U.S. and internationally and has been noted as the “Doctor’s Doctor”. When other healthcare practitioners hit a roadblock when treating their patients nutritionally, Dr. Carling is who they call. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic.

Medical/Health Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article or podcast should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this article or podcast. Readers/listeners should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author, but readers/listeners who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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