The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

What do you do when your symptoms actually get worse?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I walk you through what to do when an acute illness is fully underway—when the fever rises, your energy drops, and your body clearly commits to fighting something.This is the phase where most people panic.But what if nothing has gone wrong?What if your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do?I explain how to move from fear-based reactions into understanding what your body is actually trying to accomplish and how to support it in a way that helps you recover more efficiently.In this episode, we cover:● 01:03 What’s actually happening when symptoms intensify and why this phase matters● 02:00 Why worsening symptoms often mean your body is doing exactly what it should● 03:59 How fever supports immune function—and when to support vs. intervene● 06:35 Supportive care basics● 08:22 Chills to sweat stages● 09:37 Hydrotherapy at home● 11:02 The “magic socks” method● 15:02 How to use warmth and moisture to support respiratory symptoms● 16:54 What to have at home so you’re not scrambling when you get sick● 19:44 Simple at-home tools for congestion, cough, and chest support● 22:18 How different herbs support different symptoms and stages of illness● 24:59 How to soothe irritated tissues during illness.● 26:46 Why not all “immune support” is the same—and how timing matters● 29:34 When stronger interventions are helpful—and when they’re not.● 31:52 Homeopathy basics● 32:48 A breakdown of common remedies and when to use them● 37:08 How to support vomiting, diarrhea, and gut symptoms without panic● 40:46 When to stop managing at home and seek additional care● 42:12 Why how you recover matters just as much as how you respond● 47:21 How to move from fear-based reactions to confident, at-home careLinks and resources:● Episode 57 Part 1. The Art of Self-Care as Medicine: Learning to Think Like a Naturopath: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/57-part-1-the-art-of-self-care-as-medicine-learning/id1790365046?i=1000764259452● Episode 51. Sunlight as Medicine: Restoring Rhythm, Mood, and Vitality Through Light: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-sunlight-as-medicine-restoring-rhythm-mood-and/id1790365046?i=1000753018736● Episode 52. Vitamin D Is Not a Vitamin: Light, Immunity, Mood, and Why Supplements Often Fail: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/52-vitamin-d-is-not-a-vitamin-light-immunity-mood/id1790365046?i=1000754637973Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What would you do if you got sick tomorrow and you didn’t have access to medication?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I want to shift the way you think about getting sick—and more importantly, how you respond to it. Because for most people, the instinct is to stop symptoms as quickly as possible. But what if your symptoms aren’t the problem? What if they’re part of the solution?This is where we start to move out of panic and into understanding. I walk you through how acute illness actually unfolds in the body, what your early symptoms are trying to tell you, and how small, simple shifts can change the entire trajectory of getting sick.This episode is about learning how to work with your body in real time, instead of overriding it—and why that matters more than any supplement or protocol.In this episode, we cover:● 01:03 The question I always ask patients—and why most people don’t know how to answer it● 02:27 Why symptoms aren’t random● 03:32 What your body is doing before you’re fully sick and how to catch it early● 06:02 Why overriding fatigue and early symptoms can make illness worse● 08:06 Why “drink more water” is actually a powerful physiological intervention● 09:09 How simple things like ginger, chamomile, and warm fluids support your immune response● 10:38 How water and temperature can shift circulation, immunity, and nervous system state● 12:48 Why your body’s ability to respond depends on sleep, stress, and overall regulation● 13:51 What’s actually happening when fever, fatigue, and congestion show up—and why that’s not a bad thing● 16:19 A preview of Part 2Links and resources:● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568● Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-1-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746015163● Episode 47 Part 2. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-2-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746987885Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Healing doesn’t just happen in a doctor’s office—it happens in your daily life.In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I start bringing this work into real life and show you what it actually looks like to care for your body at home.If you’ve been following along, you might already be seeing your health differently. You understand your symptoms aren’t random. But now the question becomes: how do you actually respond to your body day-to-day?This is where healing becomes practical.I walk you through simple, foundational tools—from hydrotherapy to nervous system regulation—that help you work with your body instead of against it. The goal isn’t to do more. It’s to become more aware, more responsive, and more intentional in how you support your system every day.In this episode, we cover:● 01:03 Why your daily habits matter more than any protocol● 01:59 How simple things like water can shift your nervous system and immune response● 03:27 The “magic socks” method● 05:37 What might be quietly overwhelming your system every day● 07:05 Allergies and threshold● 10:20 PMS in midlife● 12:39 Healing through touch● 17:58 Why your body needs consistency more than intensity.● 20:34 Seeds of health in daily life● 21:06 Becoming your own healerLinks and resources:● Episode 56 Part 1. Healing at Home: How to Work With Your Body Every Day: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-part-1-healing-at-home-how-to-work-with-your-body-every-day/id1790365046?i=1000761770531● Episode 07. Why Your Health Philosophy Matters + The Seeds of Health for True Healing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/07-why-your-health-philosophy-matters-the-seeds/id1790365046?i=1000700883058● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568● Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-1-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746015163● Episode 47 Part 2. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-2-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746987885● FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal● FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Your body already knows how to heal. The problem is how often we interrupt it.In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I walk you through what it actually means to start healing at home—not just understanding your body, but knowing how to respond to it in real time.I break down how healing doesn’t happen in theory—it happens in your daily life. From how you eat, sleep, and move, to how you respond to your symptoms, your home becomes the place where healing either happens…or gets interrupted.In this episode, we cover:● 01:03 Why healing doesn’t just happen in a doctor’s office● 05:08 How working on the gut-brain axis helps you recognize patterns in your body ● 10:14 Herbs as signals● 10:49 The homeopathy mindset● 12:17 Cell salts basics● 15:08 Building your home medicine cabinet● 15:37 Herbal categories guide● 19:29 Homeopathy examples● 23:37 Walking you through how to use this approach day-to-day so your symptoms feel less confusing● 24:22 What’s coming next on Part 2Links and resources:● Episode 07. Why Your Health Philosophy Matters + The Seeds of Health for True Healing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/07-why-your-health-philosophy-matters-the-seeds/id1790365046?i=1000700883058● Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-1-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746015163● Episode 47 Part 2. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-2-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746987885● 30. Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: The Power of Hydrotherapy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-why-hydration-alone-isnt-enough-the-power/id1790365046?i=1000725855973● FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal● FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Your body already knows how to heal. The problem is how often we interrupt it.In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I bring together everything we’ve been exploring in the awakening series and take it one step further into what actually drives healing.This is where we move beyond awareness and into relationship. Specifically, your relationship with your body’s healing intelligence.I introduce the concept of vis medicatrix naturae—the healing power of nature—and explain why your body is constantly working to restore balance, even when it doesn’t feel like it. We talk about why healing has an order, why symptoms are not the enemy, and why so many people feel stuck even after “trying everything.” Because more often than not, it’s not that your body isn’t healing. It’s that the sequence is being interrupted.If you’ve been jumping from protocol to protocol, trying to fix symptoms without real progress, this episode will help you understand what might be missing, and how to start working with your body in a completely different way.In this episode, we cover:● 01:08 Why awakening alone doesn’t actually create healing● 03:25 What is Vis Medicatrix Naturae?● 04:06 Feeling the energy field● 05:56 Why healing has an order● 08:09 Wound healing analogy● 09:57 How constantly interrupting the healing process can turn acute issues into chronic ones● 11:38 Nature cure lineage● 13:50 The therapeutic order as science● 16:54 Assessing vitality signals18:10 Belief and the meaning response● 19:12 State-based healing systems● 21:29 Seeds of health foundations● 23:18 Energy medicine and why kids respond quickly● 24:41 Biohacking vs nature cure● 28:24 Hands-on relational care● 30:29 I walk through a real case to show how removing obstacles and restoring safety allows the body to reorganize● 36:51 A simple breath practice● 38:14 Resources and next stepsLinks and resources:● Episode 02. The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344● Episode 53 Part 1. Health Awakening: The Health Crisis That Wakes You Up and Why Midlife Is the Portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/53-part-1-health-awakening-the-health-crisis-that/id1790365046?i=1000755916907● Episode 53 Part 2. Health Awakening: The Health Crisis That Wakes You Up and Why Midlife Is the Portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/53-part-2-health-awakening-the-health-crisis-that/id1790365046?i=1000757225580● FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signup● The Vital Spirit Method Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if the reason you keep dealing with the same symptoms… is because the same patterns are still running in the background?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I shift the conversation from awakening to integration—what actually happens after you realize your symptoms aren’t random. This is where healing becomes more than protocols, labs, or supplements. It becomes about self-knowledge.If you’ve been trying to “fix” your health but keep ending up in the same cycle, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do differently.In this episode, we cover:● 01:18 Why healing doesn’t stop at awareness● 02:14 The “know thyself” framework● 03:24 Safety and self-awareness● 05:24 Perimenopause and stress physiology● 07:42 Living in your mind vs your body● 09:28 Nervous system check-in● 12:15 Five energy-draining patterns● 16:15 How your relationship with emotions shapes your nervous system● 19:37 The empath stress pattern● 20:10 When symptoms speak for you● 20:50 Simple tool to help you recognize your patterns in real time● 22:24 Regulation tools menu● 23:00 Neuroplasticity through repetition● 24:33 How regulating your nervous system directly impacts sleep, mood, digestion, and hormone balance● 25:38 Self-acceptance over fixing● 27:44 External mirrors for patterns● 31:52 Internal mirrors and practices● 34:25 Guided support and therapy● 35:49 A simple starter framework● 39:05 Closing grounding exerciseLinks and resources:● Episode 53 Part 1. Health Awakening: The Health Crisis That Wakes You Up and Why Midlife Is the Portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/53-part-1-health-awakening-the-health-crisis-that/id1790365046?i=1000755916907● Episode 53 Part 2. Health Awakening: The Health Crisis That Wakes You Up and Why Midlife Is the Portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/53-part-2-health-awakening-the-health-crisis-that/id1790365046?i=1000757225580● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884● Episode 11 Part 2. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-2-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000705254063● FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signup● Join Burnout to Balance Waitlist: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnewConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if the biggest obstacle to your healing isn’t your symptoms but the way you’ve been taught to think about them?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I go deeper into the concept of a health awakening—this time focusing on the part that often gets missed: deprogramming. This is where healing shifts from just protocols and supplements into something much deeper. It’s about unlearning the belief that your body is broken, that symptoms are the enemy, and that someone else has to fix you.If Part 1 helped you recognize the awakening, this episode helps you understand how to move through it.In this episode, we cover:01:23 Why so much of healing isn’t about adding more04:08 What awakening really means05:15 What it actually looks like when you stop trying to “fix” symptoms08:02 Why symptoms are not the problem09:42 Anxiety, thoughts, and emotions12:19 Why nervous system regulation and physical healing create the foundation for emotional resilience and awareness14:42 The therapeutic order as a map17:09 Universal awakening stages19:44 Psychedelics vs embodiment22:23 Practical entry points26:07 How the brain becomes wired to seek problems and urgency28:30 Different approaches to healing the nervous system and subconscious patterns31:31 Inner guidance and discernment34:43 Guided self-worth practiceLinks and resources:Episode 53 Part 1. Health Awakening: The Health Crisis That Wakes You Up and Why Midlife Is the Portal: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/53-part-1-health-awakening-the-health-crisis-that/id1790365046?i=1000755916907Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-the-dark-night-of-the-soul-descent/id1790365046?i=1000734013547Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767Episode 01. Midlife As A Gateway to Your Health Awakening: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/01-midlife-as-a-gateway-to-your-health-awakening/id1790365046?i=1000684965783Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your symptoms aren’t a problem to fix…but a message trying to wake you up?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m opening up a deeper conversation about what I call a health awakening—the moment you start realizing that everything you’ve been taught about your body, your symptoms, and your healing might be incomplete.This isn’t about “love and light” or bypassing what you’re feeling. It’s about understanding why midlife—especially perimenopause and menopause—can feel like everything is falling apart… when in reality, something deeper is coming online.If you’ve been feeling off, questioning everything, or like you’re not the same person anymore, this episode will help you make sense of it.In this episode, we cover:01:41 What a health awakening actually is and why it often starts with a health crisis04:32 How we’ve been conditioned to see health (and why that programming keeps you stuck)07:51 The therapeutic order as a roadmap09:46 Why menopause is more than a hormonal shift12:30 Subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs you’re going through a health awakening14:06 How awakening happens through the body17:08 A real-life case study: Sarah’s journey from burnout to awareness23:56 The “cocoon phase”—why you start pulling back and setting boundaries29:21 The truth about disillusionment, healing crises, and why things can feel worse before they feel better32:25 Why you cannot wake other people up (and what to do instead)33:27 Where psychology meets awakening—Maslow, Jung, and the deeper layers of healing36:53 The responsibility that comes with awareness—and what integration really looks like37:45 A grounding closing blessing to anchor your journeyLinks and resources:Episode 01. Midlife As A Gateway to Your Health Awakening: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/01-midlife-as-a-gateway-to-your-health-awakening/id1790365046?i=1000684965783Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-the-dark-night-of-the-soul-descent/id1790365046?i=1000734013547Episode 44. Why Healing Requires Learning to Feel with Dr. Jenn Rapkin, ND: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/44-why-healing-requires-learning-to-feel-with-dr-jenn/id1790365046?i=1000743291781Join Burnout to Balance Waitlist: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnewConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.

Did you know that vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin at all; and the real issue isn’t how much you supplement, but how much light your body receives?In this episode of the Vital Spirit Podcast, I explore the deeper physiology of vitamin D and why thinking of it as just another nutrient misses the bigger picture. Vitamin D functions as a hormone that communicates information about light, safety, season, and rhythm to the body. That means when levels stay low despite supplementation, the real question often isn’t “How much should I take?” but rather “What upstream signal is missing?”If your vitamin D levels have ever stayed stubbornly low or you’ve wondered whether supplements are really enough, this episode will help you understand the bigger biological story.In this episode, we cover:03:32 Why vitamin D is technically not a vitamin04:54 Vitamin D’s role in gene regulation and nutrigenomics06:17 I explore the connection between vitamin D and immune regulation09:08 How the skin functions as an immune and endocrine organ10:03 The relationship between vitamin D, mood, circadian rhythm, and serotonin production, including how low levels can contribute to depression12:58 Why vitamin D becomes even more important in midlife13:49 The common reasons vitamin D levels remain low even with supplementation15:37 Which labs actually matter when evaluating vitamin D status17:12 Practical strategies for raising vitamin D25:28 I share my frustration about insurance companies increasingly refusing to cover vitamin D testing and why this matters for preventive medicineLinks and resources:FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupFREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalRupa Health Lab Shop: https://labs.rupahealth.com/store/storefront_6G8RzpnEpisode 51. Sunlight as Medicine: Restoring Rhythm, Mood, and Vitality Through Light: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-sunlight-as-medicine-restoring-rhythm-mood-and/id1790365046?i=1000753018736Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Morning sunlight is not optional.In this episode, I break down why sunlight is one of the most powerful upstream regulators of human physiology we have. This isn’t biohacking nor a trend. It’s remembering something ancient and foundational to how we’re built.We talk circadian rhythm, cortisol, serotonin, appetite, metabolism, mitochondria, mood, and nervous system safety—and why so many modern health struggles are actually rhythm problems.If you’re struggling with sleep, burnout, hormonal chaos, low mood, anxiety, food noise, or stubborn weight changes…light is not a small thing. It’s the foundation.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why I talk about light before supplements, labs, and almost anything else.02:12 Awareness check-in03:26 How sunlight was prescribed intentionally in nature cure sanitariums04:21 Circadian clock basics06:07 Eyes as timekeepers07:16 Morning light benefits08:59 Chronotypes and social jet lag11:08 Light, appetite, and metabolism14:49 Movement and timing16:24 Light and mood pathways20:10 Mitochondria and energy22:50 Why we feel better on vacation25:47 Dark nights matter27:51 Light boxes and devices28:46 Morning grounding practice31:16 Final takeawaysLinks and resources:Fullscript Link for Light Therapy: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/klivingston-light-therapyEpisode 30. Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: The Power of Hydrotherapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uO8wB8AOvYEpisode 46. Movement as Medicine: Restoring Flow, Safety, and Vitality in Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/46-movement-as-medicine-restoring-flow-safety-and/id1790365046?i=1000745111800Episode 33. The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 1): Why It Comes Before Hormones: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/33-the-hpa-axis-deep-dive-part-1-why-it-comes-before-hormones/id1790365046?i=1000729491418Episode 33. The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 2): Why It Comes Before Hormones: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/33-the-hpa-axis-deep-dive-part-2-why-it-comes-before-hormones/id1790365046?i=1000730776671Episode 35. Sleep Masterclass: The Forgotten Medicine of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-sleep-masterclass-the-forgotten-medicine-of-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000732944682Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-2-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000740607767Join Burnout to Balance Waitlist: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnewDownload the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

IBD is not just a diagnosis. It’s a pattern. And if we don’t understand the order in which healing needs to happen, we can unintentionally make things worse.In this second part of the IBD Master Series, I step into the clinical side of care. We talk about labs, but we don’t reduce healing to numbers. I walk you through how I actually approach inflammatory bowel disease in practice—the sequence, the nuance, and why both extremes (food doesn’t matter vs. food is everything) miss the mark.IBD healing requires regulation, precision, and a respect for the terrain. This episode is about how to move forward without fear, force, or rigid dogma.In this episode, we cover:01:03 IBD series recap03:01 IBD types explained04:26 How to use labs05:44 Core bloodwork basics06:20 Why low ferritin is common in IBD 07:24 Fats, micronutrients, and why you cannot rebuild an inflamed gut in a depleted body.08:37 Thyroid and celiac testing10:37 Stool markers to track13:23 Why rigid, one-size-fits-all diets fail 15:08 Histamine and mast cells16:20 Infections and immune memory17:24 How I use glutamine, butyrate, and mucosal support to heal and seal the gut lining19:18 Healing order of operations21:36 Herbs and plant medicine23:12 RID and drainage sequencing24:54 Micronutrient rebuilding, tissue repair, and why remission stabilizes when we reinhabit the body and restore safetyLinks and resources:Episode 50. IBD Master Series Part 1: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Beyond the Diagnosis — A Terrain-Based Approach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/50-ibd-master-series-part-1-inflammatory-bowel-disease/id1790365046?i=1000750306143Episode 12. What Your Thyroid Is Trying to Tell You in Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-what-your-thyroid-is-trying-to-tell-you-in-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000706641159Episode 32. What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not rare. It’s not mysterious. And it’s not just “autoimmune.”In this first part of the IBD Master Series, I expand the lens beyond conventional conversations and walk you through how I understand IBD as a whole-terrain condition—one that involves the gut, immune system, nervous system, hormones, microbiome, and life context.This episode lays the groundwork. In Part 2, we’ll move into labs, sequencing, herbs, and clinical treatment. But first, we have to understand what we’re actually looking at.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why this IBD series matters02:05 The bigger picture: IBD and the terrain06:54 What IBD actually is (and isn’t)08:50 Ulcerative colitis explained10:36 Crohn’s disease explained12:27 IBS vs. IBD (and the gray zone)15:21 Root drivers of inflammation19:12 The microbiome and butyrate22:19 Midlife amplification + The Vital Spirit Method26:13 What’s coming in Part 2Links and resources:Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-1-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746015163Episode 47 Part 2. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-2-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746987885Episode 48. Why IBS Gets Worse in Midlife: A Gut–Brain Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-why-ibs-gets-worse-in-midlife-a-gut-brain-perspective/id1790365046?i=1000748001710Episode 49. IBS vs. IBD: Understanding Gut Inflammation Through Clinical Cases: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/49-ibs-vs-ibd-understanding-gut-inflammation-through/id1790365046?i=1000749212470Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your gut symptoms aren’t random, confusing, or “all in your head” but a story your body has been trying to tell for years?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I take you inside my clinical thinking as a naturopathic physician and walk you through how I differentiate IBS and IBD in real life, not just on paper. This is a case-based, detective-style episode where we look at gut inflammation through the lens of the gut–brain axis, nervous system regulation, immune signaling, and lived experience.This conversation is for patients who feel misheard or misunderstood—and for practitioners who want to think more clearly, compassionately, and effectively about gut healing.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why I’m walking you through my actual clinical reasoning03:19 IBS vs. IBD: what really separates them05:26 How I approach gut cases in practice16:33 Real patient cases and what they reveal23:37 The healing order that actually worksLinks and resources:Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-1-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746015163Episode 47 Part 2. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/47-part-2-the-gut-brain-axis-how-your-body-shapes/id1790365046?i=1000746987885Episode 48. Why IBS Gets Worse in Midlife: A Gut–Brain Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-why-ibs-gets-worse-in-midlife-a-gut-brain-perspective/id1790365046?i=1000748001710FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupCalm Gut, Clear Mind: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutresetConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

When people hear IBS, they’re often told it’s “just stress,” “just food,” or worse—all in their head. In this episode, I slow things down and walk you through IBS as what it truly is: a gut–brain axis pattern, rooted in nervous system regulation, physiology, lived experience, and meaning.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Understanding IBS through the gut–brain axis02:28 Why a holistic approach actually matters for IBS05:22 How IBS symptoms reflect the nervous system09:24 Top-down and bottom-up healing explained simply14:55 The Vital Spirit Method for IBS18:34 The mechanical and energetic layers most people miss24:10 Labs, testing, and real patient stories33:34 What IBS is really asking for—and what to do nextLinks and resources mentioned:Calm Gut, Clear Mind: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutresetConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your mood, digestion, stress response, and inflammation aren’t separate problems but expressions of the same conversation happening inside your body?In Part 2 of the Gut–Brain Axis series on The Vital Spirit Podcast, I move out of theory and into real clinical life. We talk about what the gut–brain axis actually looks like in practice—especially for women navigating IBS, IBD, and the amplification that happens in midlife.This episode is about understanding why symptoms get louder, why so many people feel stuck despite “doing all the right things,” and how to work with the body in the right order so healing becomes sustainable instead of exhausting.In this episode, we cover:Join Calm Gut, Clear Mind: A 21-Day Journey to Restore Your Gut, Balance Your Hormones & Soothe Your Nervous System: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-startedListen to Episode 47 Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/961dcff4-9948-4a9e-a0e7-d385e12c410d/Links and resources:01:03 The gut–brain axis in real life01:56 Why IBS isn’t “just stress” or “just food”04:40 How inflammatory bowel disease reflects immune dysregulation, depletion, and loss of tolerance08:09 How perimenopause changes motility, permeability, inflammation, and stress resilience09:59 The healing order that actually works17:03 Why safety, meaning, co-regulation, and rest aren’t “extras”Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.#depression #midlifehealth #midlifewomen

The gut–brain axis explains something most mental health models miss.In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I begin a two-part essential series on the gut–brain axis — the communication network between the gut, brain, immune system, hormones, and metabolism that shapes mood, stress resilience, and inflammation.In Part 1, we explore why mood symptoms — including depression — often emerge during periods of chronic stress, immune activation, hormonal shifts, or gut dysfunction, even when life looks “fine” on the outside. This episode lays the biological foundation for understanding how the body enters survival states, and why healing requires working with physiology, not against it.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why mood symptoms need a new biological framework01:34 What the gut–brain axis is and why it’s foundational to healing02:22 How the gut and brain communicate through neural, immune, endocrine, and microbial pathways08:10 The vagus nerve and why your gut sends emotional signals upstream10:54 Immune signaling, inflammation, and “sickness behavior”13:15 Hormones, blood sugar, cortisol, and metabolic pathways15:08 Microbial metabolites, short-chain fatty acids, and neurotransmitter terrain19:52 Clinical examples that show why mood and gut symptoms are inseparable21:30 Why this matters — and what’s coming in Part 2Links and resources:Join Calm Gut, Clear Mind: A 21-Day Journey to Restore Your Gut, Balance Your Hormones & Soothe Your Nervous System: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-startedListen to Episode 4. Why Healing Your Gut Is the First Step to Hormone Balance: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/47733e90-298c-4bfb-bd76-46b443dd26a4/Listen to Episode 6. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b278c36f-eb4e-4004-9cea-44bd78a8db8e/Listen to Episode 15. Inflammatory Depression: What’s Really Behind Low Mood in Perimenopause: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5abc8dca-592f-45c9-8c79-9d31e3327c62/Listen to Episode 43. What Depression Really Is and What It Isn’t: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/448f31be-d209-41f3-a5f5-9a33be355b34/Listen to Episode 45. How Depression Heals: The Therapeutic Order for Mind, Body, and Spirit: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b16d549c-c78e-47b1-b6dd-17ae3f631d3f/Listen to Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eef0556d-c3cf-41e5-b944-ef8a3b8a3c8a/Listen to Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/21b28c90-b987-4658-8429-87e06d3cc1ba/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our health—especially in midlife—but only when we stop forcing it and start using it intentionally.In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I unpack what I truly mean by movement as medicine. This isn’t about workouts, punishment, or doing more. It’s about understanding how movement supports your nervous system, mood, hormones, lymphatic flow, and overall vitality when it’s done in a way that’s attuned to your body.This episode is especially for you if exercise has ever felt overwhelming, confusing, or disconnected from how your body actually feels.In this episode, we cover:01:08 How I understand movement through the Seeds of Health03:14 Why movement is foundational for physical and nervous system health05:24 Why “movement as medicine” is different from “movement is medicine”09:13 How movement influences mood, stress, and depression11:38 The power of micro-movements throughout the day19:25 Why weight-bearing movement becomes essential in midlife23:54 The psoas as a key nervous system muscle28:08 Using yoga and stretching to support regulation and flexibility31:43 How movement supports lymphatic flow and detoxification34:22 Why rest and recovery are part of the medicine37:49 Walking and time in nature as underestimated healing tools42:59 Daily movement essentials that are realistic and sustainableLinks and resources:Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if depression isn’t something to silence but something asking to be understood?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I continue our two-part conversation on depression in midlife by shifting from definition to healing. Instead of focusing on quick fixes or symptom suppression, I walk you through how depression actually heals when we work with the body, the nervous system, and the deeper transitions that often surface in midlife.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why depression often looks different in midlife02:28 Moving from symptom suppression to real pathways of healing04:28 How I use the therapeutic order to guide healing in layers07:05 Why safety and stabilization come first for the nervous system10:51 The foundational practices that quietly shape mood every day15:36 How the gut–brain axis and inflammation influence depression18:39 Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause that affect mood22:47 Mitochondrial health, nutrients, and why emotional fatigue is often physical24:33 What depletion really looks like and how repletion restores capacity25:07 Food as medicine and nourishing mood without shame or perfection28:10 Psychotherapy, mindfulness, and working with the inner landscape31:04 Botanical medicine and homeopathy as gentle nervous system supports35:02 Medication and psychedelic therapies: when they help and how I think about them39:17 Why community, connection, and ritual matter for healingLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 43: What Depression Really Is and What It Isn’t: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/448f31be-d209-41f3-a5f5-9a33be355b34/The Psychobiotic Revolution: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35210457-the-psychobiotic-revolutionConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.#depression #mentalheath #midlifewomen

Today, we explore what it really means to feel emotions—not analyze them, suppress them, or power through them—but experience them safely in the body with Jenn Rapkin, a naturopathic physician, body worker, and author of The Feeling Muscle.This is a deep, grounded conversation about felt emotion, nervous system regulation, and why so many of us were never taught how to sit with hard feelings. We talk about emotional waves, co-regulation, body-based healing, and why midlife can be such a powerful (and overwhelming) invitation to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.If you’ve ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or that your feelings are something to manage or minimize, this episode offers a completely different way forward.In this episode, we cover:01:09 What felt emotion actually means (and why it’s different from thinking about feelings)02:11 Dr. Jenn Rapkin’s path into naturopathic medicine and body-centered healing05:33 What it means to be a “frequent feeler”08:32 Why naming emotions in the body is so empowering14:10 Cultural messages that teach us to suppress hard feelings19:05 The many ways we avoid emotion without realizing it22:00 How body work helps unlock emotional healing27:16 Learning to ride emotional waves instead of fearing them29:41 Why co-regulation matters when feelings feel overwhelming31:12 A personal story of grief, lockdown, and emotional overflow33:43 Breathwork as a gentle bridge between mind and body38:53 Navigating anxiety and panic through felt experience46:45 What it really means to strengthen your “feeling muscle”49:51 Midlife overwhelm, resilience, and emotional capacity59:01 Why mindfulness is foundational in naturopathic medicineLinks and resources:The Feeling Muscle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZDW1R2MConnect with Dr. Jenn Rapkin, ND:Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.#emotionalhealing #mentalhealthawareness #menopausejourney

What if depression isn’t a personal failure—or even a single diagnosis—but a message from the body, the nervous system, and the life you’re living?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I share one of the most personal and important conversations of my career. Drawing from my clinical work, my background in psychology and naturopathic medicine, and my own lived experience with depression—especially through perimenopause—this episode is about redefining what depression actually is…and what it isn’t.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why this episode matters to me, both personally and professionally01:58 Redefining depression: what it truly is (and what it’s not)02:49 An important safety note and how to think about suicidal thoughts with clarity and care06:33 What depression can actually feel like in the body, especially in midlife16:17 The clinical lens: diagnoses, labels, and where they fall short22:45 Why depression is almost always multifactorial (body, mind, and environment)32:21 Real patient examples that show how different root causes can look the same on the surfaceLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-the-dark-night-of-the-soul-descent/id1790365046?i=1000734013547Listen to Episode 03. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/03-midlife-and-the-nervous-system-building/id1790365046?i=1000684966973 Listen to Episode 32. What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/32-what-your-doctor-might-be-missing-about-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000728187600Listen to Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942Listen to Episode 41 Part 2. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-the-cortisol-cure-healing-hormones-by-working/id1790365046?i=1000741654413Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if stress isn’t the problem—but the way we’ve been taught to override our bodies instead of listening to them?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Erin Kinney, a licensed naturopathic doctor, stress-reset expert, and author of the upcoming book The Cortisol Cure. Together, we unpack one of the most misunderstood hormones in women’s health: cortisol.In this episode, we cover:01:50 Meeting Dr. Erin Kinney and how her own burnout shaped her work03:17 Her path into naturopathic medicine and stress-based healing07:58 Why cortisol isn’t “bad” and what it actually does for your body10:15 What inspired The Cortisol Cure and why the timing matters now14:24 Understanding the stress response in real-life terms20:06 The difference between spending energy and earning it back25:28 Why true rest is essential (and why scrolling doesn’t count)26:32 Small daily habits that rebuild healthy cortisol rhythms30:28 How blood sugar, meals, and nutrition affect stress hormones32:46 Supplements and adaptogens that can support adrenal health35:00 Personal stories of burnout, recovery, and nervous system healing37:07 Reconnecting with joy, creativity, and what truly restores you42:29 Final reflections and where to learn more from Dr. KinneyConnect with Dr. Erin Kinney:Website: www.thekinneyclinic.comInstagram: @drkinney The Cortisol Cure VIP list link: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/bookPodcast: https://www.thekinneyclinic.com/podcastConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if depression isn’t a flaw or a chemical imbalance but a doorway into understanding your physiology, your history, and your deepest unmet needs?In Part 2 of this powerful two-episode series, I turn inward and share my personal journey with depression, including the moments that brought me to my knees and the practices that helped me rise again. If you’ve ever felt numb, disconnected, misunderstood by the medical system, or overwhelmed by your own healing process, this episode will help you understand your experience with more compassion, context, and hope.In this episode, we cover:01:03 A personal story of depression and what it taught me05:09 The daily habits that began to bring me back to myself09:07 How gratitude and coherence shift the nervous system toward healing11:42 What emotional blunting from SSRIs really feels like15:10 What the research reveals about alternative treatments for depression18:15 How to approach mental health through gut, hormones, trauma & spirit25:23 Closing reflections, next steps, and where to find supportLinks and resources:Listen to Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/eef0556d-c3cf-41e5-b944-ef8a3b8a3c8a/Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5eab1c4-7d69-4b30-ae72-a8aa8eefb242/Listen to Episode 15. Inflammatory Depression: What’s Really Behind Low Mood in Perimenopause: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5abc8dca-592f-45c9-8c79-9d31e3327c62/Listen to Episode 16. The Gut-Brain Anxiety Loop: Healing Anxiety from the Inside Out: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/67758b78-8cb3-4870-abfa-1aff7e7fd91b/Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupSeeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalThe Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if everything you’ve been told about serotonin and depression was incomplete or entirely wrong?In this two-part episode, I open a deep, necessary conversation about SSRIs, the serotonin theory, and what depression actually is on a physiological level. So many women are handed antidepressants without any exploration of hormones, inflammation, trauma physiology, gut health, nutrient status, or nervous system state—leaving them confused when the medication doesn’t work, stops working, or creates new symptoms they weren’t warned about.This episode is not anti-medication—it is pro–informed consent, pro-truth, and pro-root-cause healing. If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel better on an SSRI, why you feel numb instead of stable, why withdrawal feels impossible, or whether you were given the full truth—this episode will be deeply validating.In this episode, we cover:01:03 What if everything we’ve been told about serotonin is wrong?03:01 Depression: the full-body condition no one explained to you08:40 SSRIs: what they actually do—and what they don’t17:55 Withdrawal or relapse? The part women are never warned about28:02 Why this matters: A personal story I’ve never shared beforeLinks and resources:Listen to Episode 36. The Dark Night of the Soul: Descent, Healing, and the Alchemy of Midlife: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f5eab1c4-7d69-4b30-ae72-a8aa8eefb242/Listen to Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ce8800d2-f90a-41b8-9fc5-b0e531dd9117/Listen to Episode 3. Midlife and the Nervous System: Building Resilience Step by Step: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b9bd11d6-c86a-45ee-aa19-b7d7ab6685f1/Listen to Episode 28. Burnout Isn’t Just in Your Head (It’s in Your Hormones, Nervous System, and Soul): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2547475f-7323-4fca-955f-b370a0b62b37/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if healing chronic illness isn’t about chasing symptoms but understanding the deeper terrain of your body, your nervous system, and even your story?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with my long-time mentor and colleague, Dr. Ginger Nash, whose work has shaped so much of how I practice today. We explore the complexity of chronic illness, the layered wisdom of homeopathy, and why so many women in perimenopause and menopause experience a powerful awakening—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.If you’ve been craving a deeper, more nuanced understanding of healing, this conversation will feel like coming home to something you’ve always known but haven’t yet put into words.In this episode, we cover:04:23 Dr. Nash’s personal journey into naturopathic medicine09:30 Why chronic illness is never one-dimensional15:40 Homeopathy explained in a grounded, practical way25:02 Low Dose Immunotherapy and when it actually helps30:03 Perimenopause, sensitivity, and the “overflowing bucket”30:57 Trauma, nervous system patterns, and subconscious beliefs32:22 How perimenopause becomes a catalyst for powerful change33:14 Breath work, bilateral stimulation, and deeper healing tools34:39 Why your body needs stability before doing deeper work35:19 How naturopathic practice evolves as practitioners evolve38:08 The real differences between functional medicine and naturopathy42:56 Professional training, complex homeopathy, and advanced tools47:38 The wisdom that emerges during life’s biggest transitionsConnect with Dr. Ginger Nash:Website: https://www.gingernash.com/ Improved Outcomes in Complex Chronic Illness: Training for Professionals: https://www.gingernash.com/trainingSubstack: https://substack.com/@gingernashYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc9BAXcWddAc8IlYL5Df5lAConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Have you ever wondered why your bloating, gut issues, or “SIBO flare-ups” keep coming back no matter how many protocols you try? This episode will change the way you think about SIBO—and your gut—forever.In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m breaking down why SIBO isn’t actually the root problem and why real, lasting healing starts with restoring your body’s terrain, rhythms, and nervous system—not just killing bacteria. After 13 years of treating complex gut-brain cases, I’ve seen the same patterns over and over, and I’m sharing the full inside look at why SIBO keeps returning for so many women in midlife.If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of bloating, constipation or diarrhea, food fear, or failed protocols, this conversation will help you finally understand what your gut has been trying to tell you.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Understanding SIBO from a totally different perspective02:33 Why nervous system regulation is the missing link in stubborn gut cases04:30 What SIBO actually is and how it shows up in the body07:49 The most common symptoms (and why they don’t always match your test results)13:34 The real root causes behind SIBO and why bacteria aren’t the enemy18:57 The 5R Framework I use to treat SIBO and rebuild the gut29:04 A powerful patient story that shows how healing actually unfoldsLinks and resources:21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutresetListen to Episode 19. Beyond the Germ: Why Your Terrain Holds the Real Healing Power: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7bb01cb-6ee6-4c7c-93a4-9286d22f0eb7/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What does it really mean to trust yourself especially in midlife? In this rich and moving conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Valerie Simonsen, a deeply intuitive and experienced naturopathic physician who blends science, spirit, and storytelling in her healing work. We talk about how your body’s symptoms can be messengers, the power of belief in your healing journey, and how tuning into your intuition can shift the trajectory of your health. We also explore Dr. Valerie’s remarkable life—from rescuing sea turtles to healing through art, honoring ceremony, and sitting with the questions that medicine alone can’t answer.Whether you're navigating a diagnosis, wondering if there's more to your symptoms than lab work shows, or simply learning to trust yourself again, this episode is an invitation to come home to your knowing.In this episode, we cover:01:08 How to begin trusting your inner knowing in midlife03:30 A story about rescuing sea turtles and what it taught Dr. Valerie Simonsen about purpose08:14 Dr. Simonsen’s winding path into naturopathic medicine15:11 Why healing means listening to both science and spirit23:00 How belief and intention can affect your health29:09 The moment Dr. Simonsen knew she wanted to help women reclaim their wisdom42:36 How creativity and art can be part of the healing journey44:29 A surprising connection between parasites and brain tumors45:42 What fear can teach us and how to make empowered medical decisions46:51 Why trauma work is a critical piece of real healing48:38 Dr. Simonsen’s approach to investigating the root cause59:31 How community, ritual, and ceremony play a role in healing01:07:01 Finding restoration in nature01:14:24 What it takes to build a supportive “healing tribe”Connect with Dr Valerie Simonsen ND:Website: https://www.drvaleriesimonsen.com Website: https://www.youknowmore.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yesyouknowmore  FB: Valerie SimonsenIG: yesyouknowmore  LinkedIN: Dr Valerie Simonsen NDConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’ve ever thought, “I eat clean but I still feel inflamed,” this episode is for you.We’re breaking down the real differences between food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances—and why understanding them could be the game-changer in your gut and hormone healing journey. From testing myths to elimination diet tips to patient stories that show what’s possible, this is your go-to food reactivity masterclass.In this episode, we cover:01:03 What’s the difference between allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances?02:07 My take on food sensitivity testing and when it’s actually useful06:32 Real patient stories that show how powerful food shifts can be08:02 How food reactions start in the gut (and what your immune system has to do with it)25:13 How to do elimination and reintroductions the right way30:49 My gut-healing approach to help you tolerate more foods againLinks and resources:Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalVagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your hardest season isn’t a setback but an invitation?In this episode, I’m sharing a deeper conversation about what so many of us go through in midlife—a chapter that’s often messy, uncomfortable, and hard to name. It might look like gut symptoms, burnout, anxiety, or the sense that your old routines and wellness tools just aren’t working anymore. But underneath all of that? There’s a sacred awakening happening.I talk about what mystics have called the dark night of the soul—why it shows up, what it might be trying to teach us, and how I personally see it unfold in the lives of my patients (and my own). This isn’t just about hormones. It’s about identity, trust, and what it means to heal from the inside out. If you’ve been wondering, “Is this just me?”, I hope this episode brings you clarity and comfort.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why I believe the “dark night of the soul” often shows up in midlife02:29 How I see the Sacred Descent as a rite of passage into your most authentic self03:57 Biological and psychological signs I often see in this phase06:38 How I help women navigate this health awakening with reverence, not panic09:16 The daily rituals I recommend to help your body feel safe during big transitions22:26 The Three Ps of Perimenopause: Patterns, Power, and Presence27:27 Why I bring in quantum healing and mindset as part of the work39:09 A reminder that you’re not broken—you’re becomingLinks and resources:Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalVagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’ve been waking up at 3 a.m. with your heart racing, or struggling to fall asleep even when you’re exhausted, this episode is for you.In this Sleep Masterclass, I unpack why sleep is one of the most overlooked but essential forms of medicine, especially in midlife. You’ll learn how your circadian rhythm, hormones, blood sugar, and nervous system all impact sleep (and what to do about it). We’ll also explore practical rituals, herbs, nutrients, and even the role of joy and play in helping your body feel safe enough to truly rest.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why sleep issues in midlife are so common06:25 How your circadian rhythm works and what disrupts it11:15 The hormone-sleep connection: what happens during perimenopause.14:22 Why you're waking up at 3am16:42 How your morning and evening habits shape your sleep (and simple shifts to make)22:23 My favorite tool for deep rest24:32 Herbal, nutritional, and homeopathic support for better sleep28:51 Why play, pleasure, and joy are often the missing pieces in sleep strugglesLinks and resources:Listen to The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 1): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8069f6e5-2e2e-457f-94c0-5ef4d1cda999/Listen to The HPA Axis Deep Dive (Part 2): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/913cf84a-0e39-4754-b642-7e9ef017ac19/Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupDownload the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue but a clue your body is asking for deeper support?In this episode, I open up about my own journey with hair loss—what triggered it, how I healed it, and the protocols I use with patients going through the same thing. From low ferritin to blood sugar swings, thyroid patterns to stress responses, we walk through why midlife hair loss happens and what you can do to support regrowth (from the inside out).Whether you’re seeing more hair in the shower drain or feeling like your strands just don’t feel like “you” anymore, this episode will help you decode the deeper connections and start your healing path with clarity and compassion.In this episode, we cover:01:03 My personal story with hair loss and how it shaped my healing approach04:31 Why midlife hair loss is often a deeper health signal, not just cosmetic10:51 The role of low iron (especially ferritin) and thyroid patterns in hair thinning16:58 How gut health and nutrient absorption impact hair growth19:21 The connection between stress, blood sugar, and hair loss22:10 Autoimmune causes and what to consider with alopecia28:45 My favorite daily tools and rituals to support regrowth from withinConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need hormone therapy—or if there’s more you should address first—this episode is for you. In Part 2 of our HPA Axis series, I take you inside my real-life clinical process, breaking down exactly what labs I run, how I interpret them, and why hormone symptoms aren’t always about hormones. We also explore the deeper spiritual and psychological aspects of healing your stress response through midlife transitions.In this episode, we cover:01:10 Understanding the role of the HPA Axis in hormone symptoms and fatigue02:09 A real patient case study: what labs revealed and why it wasn’t “just hormones”05:17 My full HPA Axis lab panel: what I test, why it matters, and what symptoms it's linked to14:10 Nervous system regulation practices that support circadian rhythm and cortisol balance16:16 Diet and lifestyle foundations19:20 When hormone therapy makes sense and when it might do more harm than good24:45 Depth psychology, shadow work, and the spiritual significance of midlife transitions29:35 How your HPA Axis connects your environment, emotions, and endocrine systemLinks and resources:Listen to Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8069f6e5-2e2e-457f-94c0-5ef4d1cda999/FREE Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupDownload the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalLab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/LandingConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Ever feel like you're doing all the right things—but you're still exhausted, foggy, or emotionally on edge? In this episode, I unpack what might really be going on: your HPA axis.This system—your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—regulates your stress response, hormones, energy, and even how well you sleep. And when it’s off? Everything else can feel off, too.This conversation is about bridging science and self-awareness. I walk you through how your neuroendocrine system actually works, how chronic stress shows up in the body, and real-life tools to begin shifting your physiology.In this episode, we cover:01:03 Why the HPA Axis is central to hormonal balance, energy, and how you respond to stress.03:25 Breaking down the connection between your nervous system and hormones.06:42 I share a real patient story to highlight how HPA dysregulation can manifest as fatigue, burnout, and hormone imbalances.18:14 How your digestive health and detox pathways are linked to thyroid and hormonal function24:20 Daily tools that go beyond bubble baths28:40 Simple practices to help you regulate your nervous system and begin to heal your stress response from the inside outLinks and resources:Lab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/LandingVagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupListen to Episode 32: What Your Doctor Might Be Missing About Midlife Fatigue (Epstein-Barr Virus EBV): https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f9285d4b-4cfb-4dc6-8589-e75e7582d7f4/Listen to Episode 4: Why Healing Your Gut Is the First Step to Hormone Balance: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/47733e90-298c-4bfb-bd76-46b443dd26a4/Molecules of Emotion by Dr. Candace Pert: https://www.amazon.com/Molecules-Emotion-Science-Mind-Body-Medicine/dp/0684846349Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’ve ever felt deeply exhausted—like no amount of sleep, supplements, or self-care can touch it—this episode is for you.I’m walking you through a real-life case of persistent fatigue and how Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) showed up in a way that looked a lot like burnout. You’ll hear how this virus works, why it often reactivates in midlife, and how to approach healing from a place of nervous system and terrain support without fear or overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:01:03 A real-life case of fatigue that kept coming back02:37 What Epstein-Barr Virus actually is and why most of us have been exposed05:19 The signs of EBV reactivation (hint: they often look like burnout or hormone issues)09:54 What labs to ask for and how to understand the antibodies (like VCA IgG, EBNA, and more)14:58 How I approach EBV holistically25:04 Why supporting your terrain is more important than fighting the virus28:19 Final thoughts if you suspect EBV is part of your storyLinks and resources:The Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory, and Naturopathic Terrain: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dea1d59c-22a2-499f-9a7b-fdc5803c8c36/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Detox isn’t a trend—it’s a built-in process your body is doing every single day. In this episode, I walk you through what detox really means, why it’s essential for midlife health (especially hormone balance), and how you can support it daily—without fear, fads, or overwhelm.In this episode, we cover:The real reason your detox bucket might be overflowing (and how to lighten the load)Why hydration, fiber, and protein are non-negotiable for hormone healthEveryday practices that support your lymphatic system and liver—without fancy cleansesHow fear shuts down your body’s ability to detox (and what to do instead)Why nervous system regulation comes before detoxThe spiritual side of detox: clearing emotional and energetic stagnationLinks and resources:Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalListen to Episode 2: The Blueprint for Healing: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6fae6042-8790-4cd9-add5-813f84132a22/Listen to Episode 20. Why Drainage Comes Before Detox: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4a121c9b-37d6-4f36-abc6-267db75cdc7b/Listen to Episode 29. Why Mindfulness Is Foundational to Healing: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c9bd3f36-e2f1-4429-b8f4-f23a7b5f4213/Listen to 30. Why Hydration Alone Isn’t Enough: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e3644023-03e4-445a-aa4d-3e4311011bfd/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’re feeling fatigued, foggy, inflamed—or even emotionally stagnant—this episode is a must-listen.In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m diving into the second seed of health in the Seeds of Health series: hydration and hydrotherapy. And no, it’s not just about drinking more water. We explore hydration as a deeply holistic foundation—impacting everything from your detox pathways and lymph flow to nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.In this episode, we cover:Why 75% of adults are chronically dehydrated (and how to tell if you’re one of them)The connection between hydration and your detox pathways, immune system, and mental clarityThe energetic and emotional properties of waterHow hydrotherapy (internal and external) can support the nervous system and healingSimple daily rituals that make staying hydrated easier and more aligned with your body’s needsHow dehydration might be showing up as overwhelm, anxiety, or fatigueLinks and resources:Download the FREE Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if the missing piece in your healing journey isn’t another supplement or lab test but simply learning how to pause?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m kicking off the Seeds of Health series by exploring why mindfulness is the very first foundation we build in the Vital Spirit Method. If you're someone who’s rolled your eyes at meditation or struggled to stick with a mindfulness practice, this episode is especially for you. In this episode, we cover:Why we begin with mindfulness inside the Vital Spirit MethodHow stress and dysregulation sabotage healing and how mindfulness shifts thisThe connection between your nervous system and your inner storySimple ways to start mindfulness (even if meditation isn’t your thing)How mindfulness literally rewires your brain and builds emotional resilience“Mindful magic moments” and how to find them in your daily lifeLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalListen to Episode 13: The Safe and Sound Protocol: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/dea1d59c-22a2-499f-9a7b-fdc5803c8c36/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Burnout isn’t laziness—it’s your body’s cry for support. Today, I’m diving deep into what’s really going on beneath the surface of exhaustion, depletion, and dysregulation. I’ll walk you through the physiology of burnout (hello, HPA axis and pregnenolone), the nervous system patterns that keep us stuck, and the tools I use with my patients to support true healing and recovery.If you're tired of being told to "just rest," this episode offers a grounded, whole-person path forward.In this episode, we cover:Why burnout is actually your body’s wisest responseThe three physiological stages of burnoutWhat’s really going on with your hormones, adrenals, and thyroidKey lab markers I look at with patients and how I interpret themHow the nervous system and vagus nerve are involved in burnoutBotanical and homeopathic remedies I use for each stage of burnoutA 2-week burnout reset plan with physical anchors and regulation ritualsLinks and resources:Join Burnout to Balance Waitlist: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnewLab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/lab-guide/LandingVagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupYou Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/129603.You_Can_Heal_Your_LifeConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own healing story—from the high-functioning burnout I didn’t see coming, to the post-birth control chaos that forced me to stop overriding my body and finally tune in. It was this experience that reshaped everything I thought I knew about healing.I’m sharing the philosophy that guides the way I practice as a naturopathic doctor, and why I believe true healing comes not from fighting our symptoms but by honoring the messages they carry—physical, emotional, and spiritual.In this episode, we cover:My personal health awakening after coming off birth control in my 20sHow burnout disguised as “high performance” led me to naturopathic medicineWhat it really means to work with the body’s innate healing intelligence (the vis)Why suppressing symptoms can lead to deeper issues down the roadHow terrain-based healing differs from quick-fix, symptom-focused careThe importance of emotional, spiritual, and archetypal integration in true healingWhat I teach inside the Vital Spirit Method and how it empowers women to healConcrete examples of how I approach complex symptoms like acne, fatigue, or migrainesThe deeper symbolic meaning behind symptoms like rage, exhaustion, or skin flaresLinks and resources mentioned:You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/129603.You_Can_Heal_Your_LifeConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Have you ever wondered what actually makes naturopathic medicine different from functional medicine, nutritionists, or homeopaths?In this episode, I break down the core distinctions that shape how I—and other licensed naturopathic doctors—approach healing. If you’ve ever felt confused by the alphabet soup of holistic care or frustrated by protocol-based medicine that left you feeling unheard, this episode will reframe how you think about symptoms, healing, and the practitioner-patient relationshipIn this episode, we cover:What sets naturopathic medicine apart from functional medicine, nutritionists, and homeopathsThe seven steps of the Therapeutic Order (and why order matters!)The risks of “green allopathy” and protocol-based careWhy not every root cause approach actually honors the body’s wisdomWhat it means to walk with the vis medicatrix naturae—the healing power of natureTwo patient stories that show how slowing down and listening to the body can create real transformationLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalThe Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics by Dr. Henry Lindlahr: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Natural-Therapeutics-Classic-Healing/dp/0091906598The Therapeutic Order by Drs. Jared Zeff & Pamela Snider: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7217399/The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP): www.naturopathic.orgConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your body’s burnout was never a personal failure—just a sign that it’s time for a new kind of medicine?In this solo episode, I dive into the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight that midlife women often carry and why the conventional model of healthcare keeps missing the mark. I talk about what true healing really requires in this season of life, and why I believe women need a medicine that honors their wholeness, not just their symptoms.If you’ve felt like you’re holding it all together for everyone but secretly falling apart, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:The patterns I see in women who are holding way too muchWhy “hyperfunctioning” can disconnect us from the body’s wisdomThe root causes of midlife burnout (it’s not just your hormones)What it means to move from force to flow in your healingWhy we need a deeper definition of vitality—beyond lab testsThe new medicine I believe women deserve in midlifeLinks and resources:Balance Your Body Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signupMel Robbins podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overloaded-exhausted-and-ready-for-a-reset-3/id1646101002?i=1000716876862Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Have you ever noticed that your digestion slows, your breath shortens, or your skin flares during times of stress or emotional overwhelm?In this episode, we dive into the world of emunctories—the body’s organs of elimination—and explore how physical stagnation often mirrors emotional and energetic stagnation.Whether you’re feeling stuck, inflamed, or intuitively drawn to cleanse, this episode offers a gentle but powerful reframe: detox isn’t just about supplements—it’s about restoring flow.You’ll learn:How your gut, liver, skin, and lungs function as emunctoriesThe emotional signatures of stagnation (constipation, tension, shallow breath, etc.)Why supporting elimination is foundational in perimenopause and burnout recoveryMy personal gut check ritual and how to create one of your ownDaily tools to support both physical and emotional “drainage”This is a must-listen if you’re craving clarity, lightness, and deeper connection with your body.Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Blood sugar isn’t just about diabetes or dessert—it’s one of the most overlooked keys to hormone health, mental clarity, and energy stability. In this episode, I’m walking you through the vital role blood sugar regulation plays in your day-to-day well-being, especially if you're navigating perimenopause or menopause. You’ll hear what symptoms might be related to blood sugar swings, why a morning muffin (even gluten-free!) might be wrecking your energy, and what I recommend instead.In this episode, we cover:The foundational connection between blood sugar and hormone balanceHow unstable blood sugar can fuel mood swings, anxiety, and burnoutWhat a "blood sugar rollercoaster" looks and feels like in real lifeHow I coach patients to rebuild safety and resilience through stabilizing glucoseSimple, sustainable practices to support your nervous system and metabolismWhy managing blood sugar isn’t about dietingLinks and resources:Balance Your Body Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, inflamed, or disconnected from your body, you might want to tune in to today’s episode. I’m breaking down the philosophy, structure, and science behind my 21-Day Gut Reset. This isn’t another restrictive cleanse. It’s a sustainable, nervous-system-supportive approach to gut healing that helps you reclaim your clarity, energy, and self-trust. Whether you’re in perimenopause, recovering from burnout, or just ready to feel better in your body, this is a powerful place to begin.In this episode, we cover:Why gut health is essential for hormone balance, mental clarity, and moodThe difference between short-term detoxes and sustainable terrain healingWhat inflammation, brain fog, and bloating are trying to tell youWhy I don’t believe in aggressive elimination diets or food fearThe three phases of the 21-Day Gut Reset (Remove, Restore, Rejuvenate)Simple shifts that regulate the gut-brain connection and reduce overwhelmWhy clarity and self-trust are just as important as symptom reliefLinks and resources:21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutresetSeeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalEpisode 19: Beyond the Germ: Why Your Terrain Holds the Real Healing Power: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a7bb01cb-6ee6-4c7c-93a4-9286d22f0eb7/Episode 6: What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b278c36f-eb4e-4004-9cea-44bd78a8db8e/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

In this expansive and thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Dr. Eugene Zampieron to explore what it really means to heal from the inside out. We talk about the nervous system, emotional terrain, ancestral patterns, and the critical difference between fixing symptoms and tending to the whole person. If you’ve ever felt like traditional or even functional medicine missed something deeper, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:Why your nervous system state determines whether healing can even beginThe difference between top-down and bottom-up approaches to trauma and illnessHow digestive health affects neurotransmitter balance and emotional well-beingWhat it means to “treat the terrain” instead of just chasing a diagnosisWhy some healing must include ancestral wounds and generational patternsThe importance of slowing down, chewing your food, and restoring rhythm to the bodyWhat happens when we stop overriding symptoms and start listening to themLinks and resources mentioned:Ecotours For Cures Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6MjsoabWsConnect with Dr. Z:Website: https://www.drznaturally.com/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your fatigue, bloating, or burnout isn’t a sign to push harder but a sign to pause and drain?In this episode, I’m peeling back the layers of what detox really means and why most people get it wrong. I share why I always start with drainage before detox, how Gemmotherapy and Biotherapeutic Drainage gently restore flow, and why true healing only happens when your terrain is ready. Whether you’ve hit a plateau in your healing or you’re simply exhausted by all the “doing,” this episode will change the way you think about energy, vitality, and clearing the path to healing.In this episode, we cover:01:30 What drainage actually is (and why it’s not the same as detox)05:00 Why doing more can backfire if your pathways aren’t open07:30 What the extracellular matrix (ECM) is and how it impacts detox09:00 Why Gemmotherapy supports both the physical and spiritual body11:00 How I sequence terrain-based healing in the Vital Spirit Method13:00 The difference between tinctures and gemmo remedies16:30 Specific remedies I use for burnout, stagnation, and hormone support22:00 A case study that shows why less (with precision) is more25:00 Easy ways to support drainage at home27:00 How to listen to your symptoms with compassionLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalVagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if the real healing begins not by chasing the next protocol but by tending your terrain? In this episode, I explore the profound power of terrain-based healing, where symptoms are not enemies but sacred messages from your body. I break down the limitations of reductionistic medicine, introduce key philosophies of naturopathic care, and walk you through a powerful case study that shows how true healing is less about protocols and more about presence, nourishment, and self-trust.In this episode, we cover:03:00 The difference between germ theory and terrain theory06:00 Why symptoms are sacred messengers, not malfunctions08:00 Emily’s story: From lab overload to deep healing11:00 Simple tools we used to rebuild her terrain16:30 What “terrain” actually means beyond just gut health22:30 The six stages of healing and how to map your progress26:00 Why symptom flares can be signs of healing28:00 How your terrain includes repressed emotions, stress patterns, and spiritual disconnect29:00 How to begin again with gentle, sacred careLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalEpisode 1 Midlife As A Gateway to Your Health Awakening: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148aacf-0b68-41d0-8707-45f6d314c314/Episode 2 The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6fae6042-8790-4cd9-add5-813f84132a22/You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/129603.You_Can_Heal_Your_LifeDr. Henry Lindlahr’s Philosophy of Natural Therapeutics: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68138987-the-philosophy-of-natural-therapeuticsConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel exhausted, ragey, foggy, and disconnected from yourself?In this special storytelling episode, I take you through the fictionalized case study of a patient named Sarah—a midlife woman whose labs were normal, but whose life felt like it was unraveling. Together, we explore the clues that ultimately helped her reclaim her energy, peace, and power.In this episode, we cover:01:00 How to “investigate” symptoms like fatigue, rage, bloating, and disconnection04:00 The 5 suspects draining Sarah’s vitality and how we tracked them down06:00 What labs don’t always reveal (and what to look for instead)07:30 Tools like candida protocols, vagus nerve toning, pregnenolone, and flower essences13:30 The moment her symptoms lifted and the powerful insight it revealed17:30 How your symptoms might be your soul’s whisper—not just a health hiccupLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journalConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your most persistent symptoms aren't problems to fix, but soul invitations you’ve been too overwhelmed to hear?In this deeply personal episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I explore what happens when we stop viewing midlife symptoms as biochemical failures and start seeing them as calls from the psyche and soul. If you’ve been doing the “right” things—lab testing, protocols, even nervous system work—but still feel like something deeper is stirring, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we cover:03:30 How physical symptoms reflect stored trauma, unmet needs, and identity shifts06:15 The importance of safety and nervous system regulation before engaging in soul-level healing10:20 Archetypal lenses: how anxiety, rage, depletion, or people-pleasing often mirror collective feminine archetypes13:00 When clients say “I’ve done everything”—what might really be happening15:30 Flower essences, journaling, and sacred ritual as tools for reconnection18:45 Healing as re-embodiment, not bypass: why we need to be witnessed in the mess21:00 The spiritual process of unraveling, re-membering, and redefining health in midlifeLinks and resources:Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/book-reportConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your anxiety isn’t all in your head but in your gut?In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic anxiety: the gut-brain loop. If you’ve been stuck in an endless cycle of fear, bloating, panic, poor sleep, and nervous system dysregulation, this conversation is for you.I’m walking you through how gut dysfunction, hormone shifts, trauma history, and poor vagal tone keep the loop going—and how I help patients safely interrupt the cycle so they can feel calm, grounded, and clear again.In this episode, we cover:Why the gut-brain axis is central to anxiety, especially for women 35+The signs your gut is inflamed and how they show up as mood symptomsHow trauma, chronic stress, and hormone shifts alter your gut-brain loopWhy anxiety and constipation often show up together in midlifeHow poor vagal tone and nervous system dysregulation keep you in fearTerrain-based tools to reset the gut-brain axisLinks and resources:Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signup21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-startedPanic Proof by Dr. Nicole Cain: https://www.panicproof.com/Connect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

What if your low mood isn’t just hormonal—or “just stress”—but a sign of inflammation in your brain and body?In this episode, I’m breaking down the concept of inflammatory depression and why so many women in perimenopause feel anxious, flat, foggy, or fatigued and are handed a prescription before anyone investigates what’s actually going on.I’ll walk you through how inflammation, hormone shifts, nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation all contribute to low mood and what to do about it. You’ll also hear a powerful case study of a woman who healed her mood by targeting the real root causes.In this episode, we cover:03:00 The hormonal imbalances that mimic or trigger depression04:00 What inflammatory depression is—and why it’s not just about serotonin06:00 How inflammation affects neurotransmitters, brain signaling, and mood07:30 The top causes of brain inflammation in midlife13:00 What labs and markers I run to assess mood-related imbalances16:00 My go-to nutrients, herbs, and functional tools for supporting mood19:00 Homeopathic remedies I use based on emotional patterns22:30 A case study: how inflammation, nutrient depletion, and dysregulation were behind one patient’s “treatment-resistant” depressionLinks and resources:Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signupSeeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-startedLab Interpretation Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/book-report-2/LandingConnect with Dr. Kelly:Website: drkellylivingston.comWebsite Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.comInstagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingstonFacebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicineYouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingstonThank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.Disclaimer:The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.