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.
