The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

What if your hair loss or skin changes weren’t cosmetic problems but sacred invitations to go deeper?

In this final phase of The Vital Spirit Method, we enter Pillar Four: Rebalanced & Resilient, where we shift from managing symptoms to embodying radiance—from the outside in and the inside out.

Yes, we talk about hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, histamine flares, and hormone imbalances, but we also explore how these visible signs are often rooted in nutrient depletion, stress responses, and even spiritual disconnect. In this episode, I guide you through the physical and emotional patterns that emerge during midlife and how to integrate body, mind, and soul medicine to feel real, radiant, and rooted again.

In this episode, we cover:

• 05:00 Hormonal changes, histamine flares & thyroid imbalances in perimenopause
• 08:00 Nutrient depletions and gut-skin connection
• 11:00 What to do when all your labs are “normal” but you still feel off
• 13:00 Midlife as a spiritual initiation: from perfectionism to presence
• 20:00 Ego vs. soul work: getting quiet, real, and deeply healed
• 24:00 Archetypal healing, sacred contracts & the journey to your true self
• 26:00 The embodied radiance that emerges when healing is integrated

Links and resources:

• [FREE] Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal
• Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/190115.Sacred_Contracts
• Mirror Work by Louise Hay: https://www.louisehay.com/what-is-mirror-work/
• The Pregnant Virgin by Marion Woodman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/715577.The_Pregnant_Virgin
• The Velveteen Rabbit

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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.

What if your “mood swings” aren’t a flaw—but a message from your body, asking you to listen more closely?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, we’re diving into Pillar Three of The Vital Spirit Method: Replenish & Rejuvenate—where we rebuild your mood, motivation, and energy from the inside out. This is where science meets soul.

I unpack what it really means to support mental and emotional vitality in midlife by nourishing your neurotransmitters, hormones, mitochondria, and deeper energetic reserves. Whether you’ve been told your symptoms are “just aging” or you’re wondering if there’s more you can do before turning to medication, this conversation will help you see your mood as a sacred signal—not a malfunction.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:00 Why moodiness isn’t a weakness—it’s inner wisdom asking for attention
• 06:00 The truth about the “mood myth” and how midlife symptoms are often misunderstood
• 10:00 How emotions are sacred data—not dysfunction
• 13:00 Neurotransmitters 101: serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine & oxytocin
• 18:00 Hormonal shifts, histamine, and the mood impact of progesterone and estrogen
• 20:00 Mitochondria, the cell danger response & root causes of fatigue and low mood
• 23:00 Naturopathic tools for mood support: herbs, nutrients, and homeopathy
• 30:00 Emotional and spiritual exhaustion: how to know when soul work is needed

Links and resources:

• [FREE] Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal
• Burnout to Balance: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnew
• 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.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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—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 daily habits were actually the foundation for lasting healing—not just temporary relief?

In this episode, I share why your health philosophy matters and introduce my Seeds of Health framework, which lays the foundation for lasting wellness. I also walk you through a powerful case study and show how simple, consistent shifts—like hydration, sleep, and breathwork—can restore your energy, gut health, and emotional balance.

In this episode, we cover:

• 01:00 Why having a health philosophy shapes your choices and outcomes
• 06:00 What it means to truly create the conditions for healing
• 12:00 The Tree of Disease concept from Nature Cure
• 20:00 How I use the Seeds of Health to lay the foundation for hormone balance and vitality
• 31:00 A patient case study on healing gut issues and burnout—without jumping into aggressive protocols
• 38:00 Why simple, consistent changes (like hydration, breathwork, and sleep) are more powerful than you think

Links and resources:

• [FREE] Seeds of Health Journal: drkellylivingston.com/daily-journal
• [FREE] Beyond the Line of Fine Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signup
• Burnout to Balance: https://www.rootsdeepmedicine.com/b2bnew

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—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.

Did you know that one nerve could be the key to better digestion, hormone balance, and stress resilience?

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m diving deep into the vagus nerve, the body’s built-in stress regulator. If you’ve tried everything—diet changes, supplements, functional medicine—yet still struggle with low progesterone, mood swings, anxiety, bloating, or chronic stress, your nervous system may be the missing piece.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why the vagus nerve is the body’s stress "brake" system
• How poor vagal tone affects hormones, digestion, and mental health
• The link between chronic stress, perimenopause, and gut health
• Polyvagal Theory and how your nervous system states impact healing
• A case study on how vagal tone impacted a patient's SIBO, anxiety, and digestion
• Simple daily practices to activate and tone your vagus nerve
• The Safe and Sound Protocol—a breakthrough nervous system healing tool

Links and resources:

• Free Vagal Tone Guide : https://drkellylivingston.com/vagal-guide/signup
• 4-7-8 Breathwork & Box Breathing – Techniques for instant vagus nerve activation
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Vagal Tone – How to measure your nervous system health

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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—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.

Do you ever feel like stress is running your life? If you’re constantly overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling with brain fog and hormone imbalances, your stress response system may be out of balance. 

In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I’m diving into the Regulate and Restore pillar of The Vital Spirit Method and sharing how balancing your stress response is key to achieving lasting health and well-being. I’ll break down how stress hormones—especially cortisol—affect everything from digestion and mood to hormone balance and mental clarity. When stress becomes chronic, our bodies shift into survival mode, disrupting gut health, hormones, and even our ability to connect with our authentic selves. I’ll also walk you through practical steps to restore balance so you can start feeling like yourself again.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:00 - Why stress is a major roadblock to healing
• 05:00 - How the HPA axis impacts hormones and overall health
• 08:30 - The connection between chronic stress, thyroid health, and adrenal function
• 12:00 - Why I test pregnenolone and how it influences mood and hormone balance
• 16:00 - How nervous system dysregulation affects your mental and physical well-being
• 21:00 - Understanding your nervous system state: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn
• 26:00 - My favorite tools for nervous system regulation

Links and resources:

• 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/
• The Vital Spirit Method Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signup
• Pregnenolone Testing

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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—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 of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I reveal the profound connection between your gut health and hormone balance that affects everything from energy and mood to digestion and mental clarity. Learn why the gut is always the first pillar I address in my Vital Spirit Method and how healing this foundation can transform your midlife experience.

Your gut and hormones function like dance partners, constantly communicating and influencing each other. When your gut health is compromised, it creates a cascade of effects throughout your body, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause. I share why approximately 90% of serotonin is made in your gut and how the estrobolome (a subset of your microbiome) regulates estrogen levels, impacting everything from your mood to your menstrual cycle.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:00 What is the Vital Spirit Method and its Four Pillars
• 05:00 The Gut as Foundation for All Health
• 07:00 Understanding the Enteric Nervous System and Vagus Nerve
• 10:30 The Estrobolome and Hormone Processing
• 16:00 Common Gut-Hormone Disruptors
• 21:00 Inflammatory Foods to Avoid
• 27:00 Healing and Sealing the Gut Lining
• 33:00 Patient Case Study: Resolving IBS, Brain Fog and Hormone Issues
• 36:00 Practical Steps: The Three F's for Gut Health

Links and resources:

• The Vital Spirit Method Webinar: https://drkellylivingston.com/webinar/signup
• 21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-started
• Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen List: https://www.ewg.org/
• Box breathing episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148aacf-0b68-41d0-8707-45f6d314c314/
• Bristol Stool Chart: For tracking bowel movement health
• Food Testing Options: IgE food allergy panels (often covered by insurance)

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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—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 your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, healing becomes nearly impossible. In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, you’ll learn how the nervous system affects everything from digestion to hormone balance, and discover why creating a healing state must be our first priority. I share my approach to untangling complex health concerns by focusing on nervous system regulation, and offer simple yet powerful tools you can start using today.

I explain how stress accumulates in the body over time, eventually manifesting as physical symptoms that serve as wake-up calls. Understanding this connection helps us create lasting resilience, not just temporary relief.

In this episode, we cover:

- 02:00 Why the nervous system comes first

- 04:00 Understanding Fight or Flight vs. Healing State

- 07:00 Case Study: Complex Health at Midlife

- 12:00 Practical tools for nervous system support

- 17:00 At-home practices for building resilience

- 21:00 Creating foundations for lasting health

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: www.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—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 of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I dive deep into the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine and the therapeutic order—a powerful blueprint for creating lasting wellness. I share how these guiding philosophies transformed not only my practice but also my personal approach to healing, and why they hold the key to sustainable health for everyone navigating their midlife journey and beyond.

We explore the six principles of naturopathic medicine and how they guide every aspect of the healing process. I explain the therapeutic order, our step-by-step roadmap from basic healing foundations to more intensive interventions. Most importantly, you'll learn why working with your body's natural intelligence, rather than against it, creates true and lasting wellness.

Listen now to learn:

- 04:00 The Foundation: Creating Conditions for Health

- 06:00 The Six Principles Of Naturopathic Medicine

- 13:00 Understanding the therapeutic order

- 15:00 The Healing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

- 21:00 Practical applications and action steps

Links and resources:

Listen to Episode 1: Midlife As A Gateway to Your Health Awakening: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a148aacf-0b68-41d0-8707-45f6d314c314/

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: https://www.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—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.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast! In this foundational episode, I dive deep into what I call the “health awakening journey” and why midlife isn't an ending—it's a powerful invitation to reclaim your vitality.

Drawing from my 20 years of experience as a naturopathic physician, I share why your body's signals—whether it's exhaustion, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed—aren't just symptoms to manage, but rather a wake-up call to deeper healing. Through patient stories and practical examples, I explain how understanding your nervous system becomes the gateway to lasting wellness.

In this episode, I introduce the concept of getting into a "healing state" through nervous system regulation, share real patient experiences that might mirror your own journey, and offer practical tools you can start using today—from breathwork practices to the healing power of nature connection. You'll discover how small, intentional steps can create profound changes in your health journey.

Listen now to learn:

- 01:12 Why midlife is your wake-up call

- 01:27 When "normal" labs don't tell the full story

- 05:39 Understanding your nervous system's role in healing

- 10:23 Practical tools you can use today to start healing

- 13:24 Guided practice: Box breath exercise

- 14:18 The power of grounding

- 17:02 Your next steps in health awakening

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—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.

Welcome to The Vital Spirit Podcast, where holistic health meets true human potential. Hosted by Dr. Kelly Livingston, Naturopathic Physician and expert in mind-body-spirit medicine, this podcast is your guide to reconnecting with your health, your purpose, and ultimately yourself.

Midlife transitions don’t have to mean surrendering your vitality. Whether you’ve been told your labs are “fine” when you don’t feel fine or handed a pill without being truly listened to, this podcast is here to offer a different path - to help you navigate the complexities of life with clarity and resilience.

From gut-brain health to hormones, we’ll explore how most physical and emotional challenges are rooted in a maladaptive stress response. Each episode combines practical tools, ancient wisdom, and cutting-edge science to help you awaken your body’s natural healing potential and fully integrate, body, mind, and spirit.

This isn’t just another health podcast - it’s your guide to creating lasting wellness and reclaiming your energy, balance, and vitality. Are you ready to live life fully human and deeply healed? Let’s begin this journey together. 

Listen now to learn:

- How your nervous system is the key to healing and renewal

- Practical strategies to shift from “fight or flight” into balance

- Ways to reconnect with yourself and thrive through midlife transitions

Join Dr. Kelly for empowering conversations that will leave you feeling inspired to reclaim your health and embrace your authentic self.

Connect with Dr. Kelly:

Website: drkellylivingston.com

Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com

Instagram: instagram.com/drkellylivingston

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—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.

Until next time, keep nourishing your body, nurturing your mind, and embracing your spirit.

I am so glad that you’re here. 

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.