The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

What if your body is far more capable of healing than you’ve been taught to believe?

Today I’m joined by Dr. Daniel Goodman, a second-generation chiropractor and holistic health practitioner, for a conversation that goes far beyond the idea of chiropractic as simply “cracking” your back.

Daniel takes us back to what chiropractic was originally built around: the central nervous system, communication between the brain and body, and removing interference so the body can do what it already knows how to do. We talk about his approach to upper cervical chiropractic, why such a small and gentle adjustment can have effects throughout the body, and how this work connects with something we talk about often on this podcast: nervous system regulation.

But our conversation also opens into a much bigger discussion about healing.

Daniel and I explore the idea of inborn intelligence and the body’s natural drive toward health. We talk about symptoms as information rather than something we should automatically silence, and why asking “What is my body trying to tell me?” can completely change the way we relate to our health.

If you’ve been trying to understand your symptoms, support your nervous system, or reconnect with trust in your body’s ability to heal, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:18 Meet Dr. Daniel Goodman

● 03:02 What chiropractic is really about

● 03:30 How chiropractic got its start

● 05:36 Why the nervous system is at the center of it all

● 19:58 The biggest misconceptions about chiropractic

● 23:01 What upper cervical chiropractic actually looks like

● 26:33 Who can benefit from this approach

● 28:56 Chiropractic, the nervous system, and the vagus nerve

● 32:43 The body’s inborn intelligence and ability to heal

● 36:19 Building trust in the body’s resilience

37:28 What your symptoms might be telling you

● 40:52 Creating health instead of only treating symptoms

● 45:51 Why the foundations come before the supplements

● 47:46 A simple introduction to nonviolent communication

● 53:17 Bringing nonviolent communication into patient care

● 56:03 Communicating through disagreement and polarization

● 59:56 Dr. Daniel’s everyday habits for health and well-being

● 01:03:38 The mindset shift Dr. Daniel wants you to take with you

● Episode 47 Part 1. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Your Body Shapes Mood, Stress, and Inflammation:

Links and resources:

● Flow State Chiropractic Website: www.flowstatenyc.com

● Flow State Chiropractic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowstatechiropractic/

● Flow State Chiropractic Email: [email protected]

● 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

● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895

● 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 63 Part 1: Fascia: Why Stress, Trauma, and Pain Live in the Body: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-part-1-fascia-why-stress-trauma-and-pain-live-in-the-body/id1790365046?i=1000774971717

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

Food as medicine isn’t supposed to become food as fear.

In Part 1, we talked about what we can add to our diets to better nourish the body. Now, in Part 2, I want to talk about the other side of that conversation: what might be worth recognizing, auditing, or removing, and how to do that without becoming afraid of everything you eat.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m walking you through how I think about added sugar, ultra-processed foods, gluten, and dairy when I’m working with patients. These foods tend to get reduced to very black-and-white conversations, but the reality is much more nuanced.

We’ll talk about why I ask patients to start reading food labels, what added sugar can reveal about the bigger pattern of your diet, and why gluten or dairy may affect one person very differently than another.

If you know you want to use food to support your health but feel overwhelmed by everything you’re supposed to eat, avoid, or remove, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:46 Where I start when looking at added sugar

● 05:02 Why I care about sugar beyond the “sugar causes inflammation” conversation

● 07:22 What ultra-processed foods can do to the bigger picture

● 09:23 Why gluten isn’t a simple yes-or-no conversation

● 12:50 How I decide whether dairy may be affecting someone

● 15:24 Why elimination diets aren’t meant to last forever

● 18:23 If you take something out, what goes in its place?

● 19:50 Fermented foods, healthy fats, and hydration

● 24:24 Food sourcing, perfection, and my “rule of 80”

● 28:37 Why how you eat matters just as much as what you eat

● 31:05 Simple ways to start practicing food as medicine today

Links and resources:

● Listen to Episode 72 Part 1. Food as Medicine: What I Teach Every New Patient: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/72-part-1-food-as-medicine-what-i-teach-every-new-patient/id1790365046?i=1000789990226

● Calm Gut, Clear Mind: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset

● Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-sibo-isnt-the-problem-healing-the-terrain-not/id1790365046?i=1000737383709

● Episode 69 Part 1. Chronic Inflammation: The Signs You May Be Missing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/69-part-1-chronic-inflammation-the-signs-you-may-be-missing/id1790365046?i=1000784256971

● Episode 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

● Episode 21. Reclaiming the Herbal Roots of Medicine with Dr. Eugene Zampieron: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/21-reclaiming-the-herbal-roots-of-medicine-with/id1790365046?i=1000716633782

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

If you’ve ever wondered what I actually mean when I say “food as medicine,” this episode is for you.

Food is one of the first places I start with patients because what we eat is one of the most consistent signals we send our physiology every single day. But food as medicine is not about handing everyone the same restrictive diet or labeling foods as universally “good” or “bad.” Your symptoms, labs, hormones, gut health, blood sugar, lifestyle, and even your relationship with food all matter.

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m walking you through the beginning of the Food as Medicine section I create for new patients in my practice.

We’ll talk about why I look at the whole pattern of how you’re eating, not just individual foods, and why some of the most basic changes can have such a meaningful effect on inflammation, blood sugar, energy, mood, gut health, and overall resilience. I’m also sharing one of the simplest meal frameworks I use again and again: protein, healthy fat, fiber, and color. We’ll talk about why protein matters so much in midlife, why I don’t want you to be afraid of carbohydrates or healthy fats, how walking after meals can support blood sugar, and what fiber and plant diversity are actually doing for your microbiome.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by nutrition advice and aren’t sure where to begin, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:08 Food as medicine and where I start with patients

● 01:45 Why the same food plan doesn’t work for everyone

● 03:42 What I really mean by “food as medicine”

● 04:50 What years of working with patients have taught me

● 05:40 How food can contribute to inflammation

● 07:13 The signals your food sends your body every day

● 08:25 What changed after one woman’s 21-day reset

● 10:43 What I look for when I audit someone’s day

● 11:39 Why I pay so much attention to protein at breakfast

● 14:24 My simple framework for building a balanced meal

● 15:01 Why you don’t need to be afraid of carbs

● 17:30 One of my favorite simple habits: walking after meals

● 18:50 Why fiber does so much more than keep you regular

● 20:28 What “30 plants a week” actually means

● 22:13 Why eating the rainbow really matters

● 23:43 What the Mediterranean diet teaches us about dietary patterns

● 24:50 A preview of gluten, dairy, and sugar in Part 2

Links and resources:

● Calm Gut, Clear Mind: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset

● Episode 69 Part 1. Chronic Inflammation: The Signs You May Be Missing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/69-part-1-chronic-inflammation-the-signs-you-may-be-missing/id1790365046?i=1000784256971

● Episode 69 Part 2. Chronic Inflammation: What’s Driving It and Where to Start: https://youtu.be/ttdlf_c6Co4?si=We-GTX5g332MO56m

● Episode 35. Sleep Masterclass: The Forgotten Medicine of Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-sleep-masterclass-the-forgotten-medicine-of-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000732944682

● Episode 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=1000745111800

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

There are some teachers who shape the way you practice medicine long after you leave the classroom, and Dr. Florence “Flo” McPherson is one of those people for me.

Dr. Flo was one of my professors and clinical mentors during my naturopathic medical training, and so many of the ideas that are foundational to the way I practice today were first introduced to me through her. In this conversation, we get to return to one of the biggest questions she taught me to ask: What does it actually mean to heal?

We talk about the vital force, or the vis, and why vitalistic medicine looks beyond simply diagnosing a disease or getting rid of a symptom. Dr. Flo shares how she found homeopathy in her early twenties, why it became a lifelong study, and what more than two decades of practicing classical homeopathy have taught her about the body’s ability to heal.

We also get into what homeopathic prescribing actually looks like, from observing the subtle ways a person expresses their symptoms to understanding the order in which healing can unfold. Dr. Flo explains the difference between classical homeopathy and cell salts, the role of the repertory and materia medica, and why patience and restraint can be just as important as the remedy itself.

If you’ve been curious about homeopathy, vitalistic medicine, or what it really means to work with your body rather than only treating its symptoms, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:13 Meet Dr. Flo

● 04:32 How Dr. Flo found homeopathy

● 06:35 Why homeopathy became a lifelong study

● 08:28 What is the vital force?

● 14:36 The role of observation and restraint in homeopathy

● 18:15 The naturopathic principles behind healing

● 20:26 What long-term healing can look like

● 23:14 Triage, medication, and working as part of a healthcare team

● 27:06 What Dr. Flo means by a “green pharmacy”

● 29:03 How classical homeopathy actually works

● 31:03 Understanding the order of healing

● 34:47 What it means to live vitalistically

● 36:52 Why clinical training matters in naturopathic medicine

● 38:26 Preserving the wisdom of nature cure

● 40:22 When modern microbiome science meets naturopathic medicine

● 42:18 Bowel nosodes, biofilms, and the microbiome

● 44:25 Homeopathy vs. cell salts

● 48:12 How a remedy can affect the vital force

● 51:55 Understanding the repertory and materia medica

● 54:40 A vitalistic approach to menopause

● 59:07 Aging with vitality

Links and resources:

● Dr. Flo McPherson Website: drflomcpherson.com

● 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

● 59 Part 1. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-1-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000768705747

● 59 Part 2. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-2-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000769789282

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

What if healing doesn’t require adding another supplement, protocol, or health hack, but actually letting some things go?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Michelle Peris, ND, naturopathic doctor, breathwork facilitator, and founder of The Poppy Clinic. Michelle and I have so much overlap in how we think about healing, especially when it comes to the body’s innate ability to heal, the importance of nervous system regulation, and creating the right conditions for our vital force to do what it already knows how to do.

Michelle shares how her own experiences with belonging shaped the way she practices medicine and eventually led her to create The Wild Collective. We talk about what “rewilding” means to her and why so much of healing can be an unlearning process: letting go of old identities, expectations, patterns, and even the pressure to constantly be doing more for our health.

If you’ve been overwhelmed by everything you think you “should” be doing for your health, or you’re craving a simpler and more connected way of healing, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 02:11 Meet Dr. Michelle Peris

● 04:16 How belonging shaped Michelle’s work

● 07:07 The beginnings of The Wild Collective

● 13:15 How Michelle found naturopathic medicine

● 17:50 What “rewilding” really means

● 26:33 Why healing can be about doing less

● 27:25 What burnout taught Michelle about letting go

● 34:53 Why we need community to heal

● 36:50 You’re not broken: separating yourself from the diagnosis

● 37:53 A simpler approach to health

● 39:04 Why the “boring basics” work

● 41:24 Unlearning what we’ve been taught about healing

● 43:21 Cutting through wellness trends and noise

● 46:20 Why the foundations matter more than the tools

● 48:47 The connection between safety and metabolic health

● 51:46 When weight becomes a form of protection

● 56:16 Michelle’s breathwork aha moment

● 01:00:07 Finding safety in stillness and community

● 01:01:33 Why joy and play belong in healing

● 01:05:36 How simple practices bring life back into Technicolor

● 01:08:32 The Breathing Hour and Michelle’s work

Links and resources:

● Dr. Michelle Peris Website: www.michelleperis.com

● Dr. Michelle Peris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichelleperis/

● Everlove: https://www.michelleperis.com/everlove-optin

● Wild Medicine: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/wild-medicine/id1438194737

● Poppy Clinic: https://poppyclinic.com/

● Collective Creator Academy: https://join.the-wild-collective.com/rebel-tribe-facilitator1709663546309

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

What if chronic inflammation isn’t something you need to fight, but a clue pointing you toward what your body needs?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m continuing our conversation about inflammation and moving from understanding what inflammation is to a much more practical question: What is keeping your immune system activated in the first place?

If you’ve been wondering what’s actually driving your inflammation, how to recognize it, or where to begin making changes without chasing another complicated protocol, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:55 Why food is more than fuel and how every meal communicates with your physiology

● 04:10 How unstable blood sugar can contribute to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance

● 05:59 Why an anti-inflammatory diet can’t compensate for poor sleep, chronic stress, lack of movement, or isolation

● 07:00 How infections like EBV, HPV, SIBO, and others can become part of the chronic inflammation picture

● 08:35 The “inflammation bucket” and how multiple small stressors can eventually overwhelm the body’s ability to adapt

● 09:23 The fascinating connection between the nervous system, immune system, hormones, and inflammation

● 13:15 How the vagus nerve communicates with immune cells and helps regulate inflammatory signaling

● 15:52 Why the body doesn’t just create inflammation, it also has an active process for resolving it

● 18:30 The lab markers I use to look for inflammation and what hs-CRP, ESR, ferritin, homocysteine, and stool testing can tell us

● 22:12 Where I begin when inflammation shows up and why finding the source matters more than simply suppressing it

● 24:08 A 21-day reset success story involving joint pain, CRP, blood sugar, cholesterol, and overall well-being

● 26:20 How Calm Gut, Clear Mind creates a practical starting point for recognizing and removing common sources of inflammation

Links and resources mentioned:

● Calm Gut, Clear Mind: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset

● Listen to Part 1. Chronic Inflammation: The Signs You May Be Missing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/69-part-1-chronic-inflammation-the-signs-you-may-be-missing/id1790365046?i=1000784256971

● 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=1000728187600

● Episode 65. The Truth About HPV: Why Some Women Clear It and Others Don't with Dr. Doni Wilson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/65-the-truth-about-hpv-why-some-women-clear-it-and/id1790365046?i=1000777846731

● Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-sibo-isnt-the-problem-healing-the-terrain-not/id1790365046?i=1000737383709

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

What if inflammation isn’t the enemy but your body’s way of trying to protect you?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in health: inflammation. We hear constantly about anti-inflammatory diets, supplements, and ways to “get rid of inflammation,” but before we try to shut it down, we need to understand why our bodies create it in the first place.

I explain the important difference between acute and chronic inflammation and why acute inflammation is actually essential for healing. We’ll also look at why chronic inflammation can be difficult to recognize. Brain fog, digestive issues, food sensitivities, joint stiffness, skin changes, recurrent infections, and even feeling like you just don’t feel like yourself can all be different expressions of the same underlying process. I’ll share how I use lab markers to look for these patterns and why the bigger question is always: What is your immune system responding to?

And because we can’t talk about inflammation without talking about the gut, we’ll explore intestinal permeability, immune tolerance, and the microbiome—and why what’s happening in your digestive system can influence inflammation throughout your entire body.

If you’ve been trying to “fight inflammation” without understanding why it’s happening—or you’re dealing with symptoms like brain fog, digestive issues, joint stiffness, skin changes, or simply not feeling like yourself—this episode will help you start looking at inflammation differently.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:06 Why inflammation is so misunderstood—and why getting rid of it shouldn’t always be the goal

● 02:17 How acute inflammation protects us, repairs tissue, fights infection, and helps us heal

● 04:18 What actually happens inside your body during the inflammatory cascade

● 06:49 When a healthy inflammatory response becomes chronic and starts affecting the whole body

● 08:50 Why the better question is “What is my body responding to?” rather than “How do I lower inflammation?”

● 11:43 How I use symptoms and lab markers to uncover patterns of chronic inflammation

● 17:13 The connection between the gut barrier, intestinal permeability, immune activation, and inflammation

● 21:50 Why a diverse, resilient microbiome matters for your gut and immune system

Links and resources:

● Episode 15. Inflammatory Depression: What’s Really Behind Low Mood in Perimenopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/15-inflammatory-depression-whats-really-behind-low/id1790365046?i=1000710245832

● Episode 37. Guide to Navigating Food Allergies, Sensitivities & Intolerances: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/37-guide-to-navigating-food-allergies-sensitivities/id1790365046?i=1000735368717

● Link 3

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

What if midlife isn't something to survive but an invitation to come home to yourself?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kathy Casey, DACM, L.Ac., C.Ht., doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, to explore a completely different way of looking at midlife. Instead of seeing symptoms as something to suppress or simply "get through," we talk about how this season of life can become an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your body, and the wisdom that's been there all along.

Dr. Kathy shares her own journey into Chinese medicine, the experiences that shaped her philosophy of healing, and why she believes the body is never working against us. We talk about the importance of curiosity over judgment, why symptoms often carry important messages, and how simple daily practices can help shift us from constant survival mode into a place of greater resilience and self-awareness.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply craving a more grounded approach to health, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what healing can really look like.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:03 Meet Dr. Kathy Casey and the path that led her to Chinese medicine

● 03:20 The meaning behind "the body-mind is the oracle"

● 10:01 The gallbladder health scare that changed the direction of her life

● 14:33 How energy healing became part of her practice

● 20:59 Looking at symptoms as your body's solutions instead of problems

● 33:53 What it means to be a "midwife for midlife"

● 36:55 Why patterns matter more than simply treating symptoms

● 39:27 Creating a safe space where women feel truly heard

● 40:33 Why you're reporting symptoms—not complaining

● 41:59 The "magic wand" question she asks every patient

● 42:59 The everyday stressors that quietly shape our health

● 45:34 Simple "parasympathetic snacks" to help regulate your nervous system

● 57:38 Rediscovering who you are beyond your roles and responsibilities

● 01:00:27 A different way to think about anxiety and emotional health

● 01:04:39 The importance of noticing and naming what's happening in your body

● 01:09:38 Why awareness alone isn't enough without practice

● 01:19:47 The missing rituals of midlife and why they matter

Links and resources:

● Dr. Kathy Casey Website: https://touchstoneacupuncture.com/

● Dr. Kathy Casey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkathycasey/

● Dr. Kathy Casey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-casey-dacm-lac-cht-44680618/

● Dr. Kathy Casey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047536339240

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked lab markers I run in clinical practice: ferritin. While many people associate iron with anemia, ferritin tells us a much bigger story about your body's iron reserves and can offer important clues when you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, anxiety, poor exercise recovery, or simply feeling like something isn't right.

I explain why ferritin is rarely the diagnosis itself—it's a clue that helps us ask better questions. We explore how iron supports everything from energy production and thyroid function to brain health and the immune system, why two people with the same ferritin level may need completely different treatment plans, and how digestion, inflammation, hormones, and nutrient absorption all influence your iron status.

Most importantly, I want to show you how I think through lab work in practice. Because the goal isn't just to correct a number—it's to understand the physiology behind it so we can create lasting healing.

In this episode, we cover:

● 00:49 The patient story that revealed ferritin as the missing clue

● 02:42 Why ferritin matters and what it can tell us about your health

● 07:07 What ferritin actually is and how it differs from iron

● 10:39 The many roles iron plays in energy, brain function, thyroid health, anxiety, and more

● 14:33 Why low ferritin can look different from one person to another

● 18:59 How I interpret iron studies and why lab numbers should never be viewed in isolation

● 25:32 The most common reasons ferritin becomes depleted, from heavy periods to gut health and inflammation

● 33:27 Food, supplements, and supporting iron absorption the right way

● 37:10 When iron infusions may be appropriate and the biggest takeaway from today's episode

Links and resources:

● Episode 2. 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 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=1000706641159

● 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=1000739475942

● 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 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-sibo-isnt-the-problem-healing-the-terrain-not/id1790365046?i=1000737383709

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs

What if doing everything “right” is exactly what’s keeping you exhausted?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with naturopathic doctor Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel to talk about something so many women experience but rarely understand: burnout. We explore why high-achieving women often hit a point where the routines that once worked stop working, why perfectionism can quietly keep us stuck, and how chronic stress changes the way our bodies function over time.

Dr. Kirsten shares her own journey into naturopathic medicine, what she's seeing in practice with women navigating burnout and perimenopause, and why healing isn't about adding more to your already full plate.

If you've ever wondered why you don't feel like yourself anymore—or why your lab work says you're "fine" even though you know something isn't right—this conversation will leave you feeling seen and give you practical tools to start moving forward.

In this episode, we cover:

● 01:07 How Dr. Kirsten found naturopathic medicine and why she works with high-achieving women

● 02:14 Why healing doesn't have to become another thing to perfect

● 09:33 The hidden habits that lead so many women to burnout

● 16:00 Common lab patterns she sees in women with chronic stress

● 18:53 Why blood sugar and insulin resistance deserve more attention

● 23:14 How strength training supports hormones, metabolism, and long-term health

● 29:01 What nervous system regulation really means and why it isn't just meditation

● 33:40 Simple ways to regulate your nervous system throughout the day

● 37:38 Why safety comes before deeper emotional healing

● 38:31 How beginners can start using breathwork without feeling overwhelmed

● 39:26 The personal experience that made Dr. Kirsten a believer in breathwork

● 43:23 Easy breathing practices you can start using today

● 46:06 How polyvagal theory helps explain your stress response

● 48:41 Why so many women struggle during perimenopause even when nothing else has changed

●51:13 Why symptoms matter just as much as lab numbers

● 57:14 The healing force within us and how to create the conditions for recovery

● 01:00:59 The most underrated daily habit for reducing stress and preventing burnout

Links and resources:

● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Website: https://www.drkirstennd.com/

● Dr. Kirsten Vandenheuvel, ND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallydrkirsten/

● Episode 06. What Happens in Vagus: The Missing Link to Resilience, Digestion & Hormone Balance: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/06-what-happens-in-vagus-the-missing-link-to/id1790365046?i=1000700362895

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/

Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston

Thank 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Beyond Your Numbers: Understanding Your Body Through Labs