Episode #69
69 Part 1. Chronic Inflammation: The Signs You May Be Missing
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.
