16. The Gut-Brain Anxiety Loop: Healing Anxiety from the Inside Out

The Vital Spirit Podcast with Dr. Kelly Livingston

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 symptoms
• How trauma, chronic stress, and hormone shifts alter your gut-brain loop
• Why anxiety and constipation often show up together in midlife
• How poor vagal tone and nervous system dysregulation keep you in fear
• Terrain-based tools to reset the gut-brain axis

Links and resources:

• Vagal Tone Guide: https://drkellylivingston.com/leads-2-3/signup
• 21-Day Gut Healing Reset: https://drkellylivingston.com/gutreset/getting-started
• Panic Proof by Dr. Nicole Cain: https://www.panicproof.com/

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.