Hair changes rarely happen out of nowhere. Whether you’re noticing more shedding, a scalp that won’t cooperate, or strands that feel thinner than they used to, there’s usually something worth paying attention to underneath.

On Friday, April 17th at noon, Dr. Sarah Kiss, ND and Dr. Yasmin Snippe, ND are hosting a free, 1 hour virtual Lunch & Learn dedicated entirely to scalp health and hair loss.

Grab your lunch and join us!

Why Scalp Health Is More Complicated Than Your Shampoo Aisle Suggests

Hair and scalp concerns sit at the intersection of hormones, nutrition, stress, genetics, inflammation, the scalp microbiome, and even medication side effects. That complexity is exactly why two people with similar symptoms can need very different approaches, and why trendy product swaps so often fall flat.

This session is designed to cut through the noise. We’ll explain what’s actually happening at the follicle level, what’s driving common symptoms, and how to start thinking about sensible next steps.

Bring What You’ve Been Wondering About

This is an interactive session. No pre-packaged scripts, no sales pitch. Bring your actual questions. Here’s a sample of what we’ll work through:

• How much daily hair loss is considered normal?
• How frequently should you actually be washing your hair?
• Can heat styling cause permanent damage?
• Do supplements or topical treatments hold up to scrutiny?
• When does hair loss warrant bloodwork or a specialist referral?

What We’ll Cover

• The basics of hair loss: common causes, what’s typical, and how hormones, stress, and nutrition influence hair growth cycles
• Daily habits and products that support or quietly undermine scalp health
• Myths worth retiring — and a few that have more truth to them than expected
• Red flags that point to an underlying medical issue, and which investigations to consider

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of what’s driving your symptoms and a realistic plan to improve scalp health and hair resilience.

Join Our Scalp Care & Hair Loss Lunch & Learn

Come learn, ask your questions, and get expert insight—without the overwhelm.

Virtual. Lunch-hour. Practical. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now.

[Register here]

The post Lose the stress, not your hair: Join our Lunch & Learn on Scalp Health & Thinning Hair appeared first on Rooted.

Most people think of the brain as the body’s control centre — and it is. But what many don’t know is that your gut has its own extensive network of nerve cells, often called the “second brain.” In fact, your gut contains more nerve cells than your spinal cord, and it produces over 90% of your body’s serotonin — the same chemical we associate with happiness and calm.

Your gut and brain are constantly talking to each other through a two-way communication highway called the gut-brain axis. This system connects your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to your enteric nervous system (your gut), using nerves, hormones, and immune signals to keep each other informed.

The result? What happens in your mind directly affects your gut, and what happens in your gut directly affects your mind.

What Stress Actually Does to Your Body

When you experience stress or anxiety — whether from a work deadline, a difficult relationship, or just the pace of modern life — your body activates its “fight-or-flight” response. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood your system, preparing you to face a perceived threat.

This is useful in a genuine emergency. But when stress becomes chronic, the effects ripple across your entire body.

Your Digestion Takes a Hit

Blood flow gets redirected away from your digestive tract and toward your muscles and heart. Digestion slows — or sometimes speeds up dramatically — leading to familiar symptoms like bloating, nausea, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.

Over time, chronic stress can also make your gut lining more permeable (sometimes called “leaky gut”), allowing substances into your bloodstream that would normally stay out. This triggers low-grade inflammation throughout the body.

Your Mood Suffers

Here’s where it gets especially interesting. Stress disrupts your gut microbiome — the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. These microbes aren’t just bystanders; they actively help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA that regulate your mood.

When the microbiome is out of balance, your brain gets fewer of these calming, mood-lifting signals — and more inflammatory ones. This can contribute to or worsen anxiety, depression, brain fog, and irritability.

The real challenge? This creates a cycle: stress disrupts the gut, a disrupted gut sends distress signals back to the brain, which intensifies the stress response.

Your Pain Levels Change

Stress makes your gut and your entire nervous system more sensitive to pain. Sensations that would normally go unnoticed — like food moving through your intestines — can become uncomfortable or even painful. Chronic stress also lowers your overall pain threshold, meaning discomfort elsewhere in the body may feel amplified.

Your Immune System Feels It Too

Did you know that approximately 70% of your immune system lives in your gut? When gut health is compromised by ongoing stress, your immune defences can weaken, leaving you more susceptible to illness and slower to recover.

The Good News: You Have More Influence Than You Think

Because the gut-brain axis works in both directions, supporting your gut can improve your mood — and calming your nervous system can improve your digestion.

Some of the most well-supported strategies include:

• Stress management practices like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature help shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight and into “rest-and-digest” mode
• Nourishing your microbiome with fibre-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi) feeds the beneficial bacteria your brain depends on
• Targeted probiotic support using specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium has shown promise in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms by positively influencing the gut-brain axis
• Quality sleep and regular movement both support gut diversity and a resilient nervous system

A Whole-Body Approach to Wellness

The gut-brain axis is a powerful reminder that your body doesn’t function in isolated parts. Your digestion, your emotions, your pain levels, your immunity — they’re all deeply interconnected.

If you’ve been struggling with digestive symptoms, mood changes, chronic pain, or a general sense of not feeling well, it may be worth exploring whether stress and gut health are playing a role. A naturopathic approach looks at these connections holistically, addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

Curious to learn more or explore what this could mean for your health? Book a consultation to discuss a personalized plan.

Dr. Nicole Jolliffe ND

“You are the only one who gets to decide what your life will look like, and my role is to be your trusted guide and advocate. I’m here to educate, support, and empower you to create a life that brings you optimal health—one where you’re not just surviving, but thriving.”

The post The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Your Stomach Feels Everything You Feel appeared first on Rooted.

As of March 2025, Ontario has officially moved from traditional Pap tests to HPV testing as the primary way we screen for cervical cancer. This isn’t a step backward. It’s actually a meaningful upgrade in how we prevent cancer and catch risk earlier.

A Pap test looks for abnormal cervical cells under a microscope. In other words, it detects changes after they’ve already started.

The new HPV test looks for high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. By identifying the virus first, we can detect risk earlier, often years before significant cell changes develop.

It’s a more sensitive and more accurate test.

The collection process is still the same as a Pap test. During a pelvic exam, we collect a small sample from the cervix with a gentle brush or swab.

The difference is in what the lab analyzes: HPV DNA instead of just cell changes.

Who should be screened and how often has slightly changed as well.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended if you:

• Have a cervix
• Are 25 years of age or older
• Have ever been sexually active
• Do not currently have symptoms like abnormal bleeding
• Are due for cervical screening

Screening begins at age 25 — not earlier — even if someone has been sexually active.

How often do I need screening now?

This is one of the biggest changes.

If your HPV test is negative, you only need screening every five years.

That may sound like a long time if you’re used to every three years. But because HPV testing is more accurate, research shows this longer interval is safe and effective.

What happens if the HPV test is positive?

First — take a breath. HPV is extremely common. Most people who are sexually active will have it at some point, and most infections clear on their own.

If high-risk HPV is detected, the lab automatically performs additional testing on the same sample to check for cell changes. Depending on those results, you may:

• Repeat testing sooner
• Or be referred for a colposcopy with a gynaecologist (this is a test that takes a closer look at the cervix to check what is actually going on in the tissue)

A positive HPV test does not mean you have cancer. It simply means we watch more closely.

What if I’ve had the HPV vaccine?

You still need screening.

The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk strains, but not all of them. Screening remains an important part of prevention.

When can screening stop?

Most people can stop routine screening between ages 65 and 69 if their previous tests have been consistently negative.

If you have specific risk factors, your care plan may look a little different.

Why this change is actually good news!

This shift reflects decades of research and global evidence. HPV testing allows us to:

• Detect risk earlier
• Prevent more cancers
• Reduce unnecessary procedures
• Screen less often when risk is low

It’s a more proactive, more precise approach.

At Rooted, we believe screening should feel informed, not confusing or anxiety-provoking. If you’re unsure when you’re due, or if you’d like to talk through what this means for you personally, we’re here.

Preventive care is powerful. And this update is a step forward in protecting long-term cervical health.

Want more details?

For the official Ontario Cervical Screening Guidelines and HPV test information, visit the Ontario Cancer Screening Program FAQ sheet.

We still offer the standard pap test!

We cannot offer the HPV test as this is out of scope for Naturopathic Doctors. While this test is no longer considered adequate screening according to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (you will still need to have an HPV test performed to fulfill the needs of this program), it can still be a useful tool for someone who would prefer to be screened more often, has questions about their gynaecological health or recent test results, or who may be struggling to get their HPV test done.

Check out this blog post here for further information.

Call or follow us on instagram or facebook to find out when our next Pap Clinic will be held with Dr. Sarah Kiss, ND.

 Location: Rooted Naturopathic Clinic, Barrie
 Call to Book: 705-792-6717

The post What’s Changed with Pap Tests in Ontario? More You Need to Know. appeared first on Rooted.

Childhood Eczema:

Learn about naturopathic treatment for childhood eczema

Is It Food?

 

Parents often wonder if eczema is caused by:

• Dairy

• Eggs

• Gluten

• Sugar

 

The answer isn’t always simple.

 

True food allergies are different from food sensitivities. Over-restricting a child’s diet without guidance can create stress and nutritional gaps.

 

In my practice, we take a thoughtful approach:

• Detailed history

• Pattern recognition

• Elimination trials when appropriate

• Avoiding unnecessary restriction

The post Naturopathic treatment for childhood eczema in Barrie appeared first on Rooted.

Struggling With Dry Winter Skin? Join Us for a Lunch & Learn and Get Your Questions Answered

Dry, itchy, flaky skin is one of the most common concerns we hear about every winter. Whether it’s tight skin after showering, worsening eczema, cracked hands, or makeup that just won’t sit right anymore—winter skin can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and confusing.

If you’ve ever wondered why your skin changes so much in winter—or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice—our upcoming Lunch & Learn: Navigating Dry Skin During Winter is designed for you.

Winter Skin Isn’t Just About Moisturizer

Most people assume dry skin in winter means they need a “better” cream. While topical care matters, winter skin is influenced by far more than what you put on your face.

Cold outdoor temperatures, indoor heating, stress, nutrition, hydration, gut health, and even hormones all play a role in how your skin behaves. That’s why one person’s dry skin shows up as flaking, while another’s looks like redness, itchiness, or breakouts.

At our Lunch & Learn, we break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface—in clear, practical language—so you can understand your skin better.

This Is Your Chance to Ask the Questions You’ve Been Googling

One of the biggest benefits of this workshop is the opportunity to ask real questions and pick our brains.

People often ask us:

• “Why is my skin dry no matter how much water I drink?”
• “Are hot showers really that bad for my skin?”
• “Why did my acne or eczema get worse in winter?”
• “Do supplements actually help dry skin?”
• “Is dry skin a gut or hormone issue for me?”

During this interactive session, Dr. Liz Dalglish, ND and Dr. Sarah Kiss, ND will answer these questions and more—using evidence-informed, naturopathic insight you can actually apply to daily life.

Practical Advice You Can Use Right Away

This isn’t a lecture and it’s definitely not about perfection. Our goal is to give you clear, realistic strategies that make winter skin easier to manage.

We’ll cover:

• Why winter skin happens and who tends to be most affected
• Common skincare and lifestyle habits that worsen dryness
• How nutrition, hydration, digestion, and stress impact your skin
• Simple changes that support a healthy skin barrier
• How to know when dry skin is a sign of something deeper

You’ll leave with a better understanding of your skin—and a plan that feels doable.

Join Us for Our Winter Skin Lunch & Learn

Our Lunch & Learn: Navigating Dry Skin During Winter is designed to fit easily into a lunch hour and will be hosted virtually for ease of access.

Come learn, ask your questions, and get expert insight—without the overwhelm.

Want to attend this Lunch & Learn? Save your spot here as spaces are limited!

The post Skin Health 101: Navigating Dry Winter Skin appeared first on Rooted.

Complimentary High-Performance Sessions for Barrie Athletes

My name is Dr. Nicole and I believe that the foundation of a champion is built long before they step onto the field or court. It’s built in their nutrition, during recovery, and through the daily habits that sustain high performance.

To give back to the community that shapes our local champions, I am thrilled to announce complimentary educational sessions for Barrie sports teams and schools throughout February and March.

Giving Back to the Barrie Community

After over a decade of experience working as a High-Performance Sports Nutritionist with University Sports teams, elite club programs, and provincial organizations, I want to bring that same professional-level insight to our local community.

My goal is simple: to meet the athletes, coaches, and families in Barrie and provide the support and education needed to help young athletes thrive safely and effectively.

What to Expect in a Session

These one-hour sessions are designed to be engaging, evidence-based, and practical. We can host these at your local gym, your organization’s facility, or virtually via a live webinar.

Each session covers the pillars of athletic longevity and success:

• Sports Nutrition for Peak Performance: Learning how to eat for energy and focus.
• Recovery & Injury Prevention: Strategies to keep athletes in the game and off the sidelines.
• Hydration & Performance Guidance: The science of staying hydrated under pressure.
• Pre/Post-Game Fueling: Timing nutrients to maximize output and speed up repair.

Your session can also be tailored to just one topic, whatever you feel is helpful for your athletes.

Resources for Every Participant

I want to ensure the learning continues long after the session ends. Every coach and athlete will receive a digital Sports Guide and a copy of the presentation to refer back to throughout their season.

A Community Approach: Parents Welcome!

Success in sports is a team effort. I invite all parents to attend these sessions. Following the presentation, I will host a Question & Answer “Meet and Greet”. Whether you have questions about nutrition, picky eaters, or specific recovery concerns, I’m here to help.

How to Book

Spaces for February and March are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Email: drnicolejolliffend@gmail.com

Let’s work together to empower the next generation of Barrie athletes to perform at their absolute best!

The post For the Love of Sport appeared first on Rooted.

The post Naturopathic Well Baby Visits appeared first on Rooted.

The post Natural ADHD Support for Kids appeared first on Rooted.

Prefer to listen instead? We’ve got you covered—click play below!

As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, you might notice subtle changes—waking up feels harder, your energy dips by mid-afternoon, or that familiar heaviness starts creeping back in. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of people each year, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until you’re in the depths of winter depression to take action.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just “winter blues.” It’s a recognized form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically emerging in fall and winter when sunlight becomes scarce. The shorter days and reduced light exposure can disrupt your body’s internal clock, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin.

How SAD Can Impact Your Daily Life

When SAD takes hold, it doesn’t just affect your mood—it can ripple through every aspect of your life:

• Work and productivity suffer as concentration wanes and motivation disappears
• Relationships strain when social withdrawal and irritability become your default
• Physical health declines with increased cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain, and persistent fatigue
• Sleep patterns disrupt, leaving you oversleeping yet never feeling rested
• Daily tasks feel overwhelming, from basic self-care to household responsibilities

Left unaddressed, these symptoms can compound, making it increasingly difficult to break the cycle. What starts as “feeling a bit off” can snowball into significant impairment in your quality of life.

The Power of Prevention: Why Start Light Therapy Early

Research consistently shows that early intervention is key to managing SAD effectively. Starting light therapy at the first signs of symptoms—or even preventively in early fall—can:

• Stop symptoms before they escalate into full-blown depression
• Maintain your baseline functioning at work, home, and in relationships
• Reduce the overall severity of the seasonal episode
• Shorten the duration of depressive symptoms

Think of it like catching a cold early versus letting it develop into bronchitis. The sooner you act, the easier it is to manage.

What Does Light Therapy Look Like?

A therapeutic light at 10,000 lux isn’t the harsh, sterile glow you might imagine. Instead, it mimics a bright, clear spring morning—full-spectrum, comfortable, and naturally uplifting. You simply sit 12 to 24 inches from your light box for 20-30 minutes each morning, allowing the bright light to work its magic while you enjoy your coffee, read, or catch up on emails.

The Treatment Protocol

The most widely recommended and research-supported protocol involves:

• 10,000 lux intensity (the therapeutic standard)
• 30 minutes of exposure each morning
• Consistency is key—daily use provides the best results
• Timing matters—morning sessions are most effective for regulating your circadian rhythm

Safe, Effective, and Fast-Acting

One of the most compelling aspects of bright light therapy is its safety profile and rapid response. Most patients notice improvements within one to two weeks, without the side effects associated with medications. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to support your body’s natural rhythms.

Take Control of Your Winter Wellness

You don’t have to resign yourself to months of low energy and low mood. By starting light therapy early—ideally at the first sign of seasonal changes—you can maintain your vitality, productivity, and joy throughout the darker months.

Light therapy can be used at home with a quality SAD lamp, making it an accessible option for many people. However, getting the protocol right for your individual needs—from timing and duration to complementary naturopathic approaches—can make all the difference in your results.

At Rooted, we take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that your wellbeing is interconnected with your environment, lifestyle, and natural rhythms. Light therapy is just one of the evidence-based tools we consider when creating comprehensive wellness plans.

Book an appointment today, and let’s create a personalized plan to keep you feeling your best all season long!

Nicole is a recent naturopathic medical graduate with a focus in mental health. Nicole completed a mental health clinical rotation at Schad Naturopathic Clinic, where she developed clinical skills in holistic treatment approaches for complex mental health disorders. Her approach uses evidence-based naturopathic medicine alongside of pharmaceutical treatment with patient-centered care.

Want to learn more about Nicole?

The post Don’t Wait for Winter Blues: Why Early Light Therapy Makes All the Difference appeared first on Rooted.

We are absolutely thrilled by the number of calls and emails coming in about Iron Infusions in the past couple of weeks. It’s clear that this service is deeply needed in our community, and we’re grateful that so many of you are reaching out to learn more and take steps toward feeling better.

Iron deficiency can impact so many aspects of daily life—energy, focus, mood, sleep, exercise tolerance, and overall wellbeing. For many people, oral iron simply isn’t enough or isn’t tolerated, and that’s where IV iron can make a meaningful difference. Because there’s been so much interest, Dr. Liz and I wanted to create a space where you can get clear, straightforward information directly from us.

 Join us for an Ask Us Anything about Iron Infusions!

Wednesday, November 26th at 12:00pm (noon) on Zoom
Grab your lunch, bring your questions, and settle in for an informative session.

During this free session, we’ll cover:

• Who IV iron infusions are for
• How to access them at our clinic
• What to expect before, during, and after treatment
• How we ensure safety, comfort, and proper monitoring

Whether you’re exploring iron infusions for the first time or have been considering them for a while, this is the perfect opportunity to learn directly from practitioners who administer them regularly.

Registration is required, and it’s completely free to attend. Click here to register

We can’t wait to connect with you and help answer all your iron-related questions.

See you on November 26th!

Warmly,
Dr. Whitney & Dr. Liz

The post What Levels Require Iron IV? appeared first on Rooted.