The post High-Functioning Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Natural Treatment Options appeared first on Rooted.

As a naturopath, I want to help you cut through the confusion and choose the vitamin C that is actually right for you.

Why Use Vitamin C on the Skin?

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with a long list of clinically proven benefits:

• Protects against UV damage and pollution by neutralising free radicals
• Stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and improving firmness
• Fades pigmentation and dark spots by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin (tyrosinase)
• Reduces inflammation and calms reactive skin
• Supports wound healing and skin barrier repair

The challenge? Vitamin C in its pure form is notoriously unstable and can be highly irritating. That is why cosmetic scientists have developed multiple derivatives — modified forms of vitamin C that are more stable, gentler, or better suited to specific skin concerns.

The Different Types of Topical Vitamin C

1. L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) — The Gold Standard

Best for: Normal, oily, and resilient skin

LAA is pure vitamin C and has the strongest clinical evidence of all the forms. It is the most potent antioxidant, the most effective collagen stimulator, and the strongest pigmentation-fighter available. However, it comes with significant trade-offs.

To work properly, LAA must be formulated at a very low pH (below 3.5), which is quite acidic and can cause stinging, redness, and irritation, especially in sensitive skin. It also degrades rapidly when exposed to air, light, or heat, meaning your serum can become inactive before you even finish the bottle.

That telltale yellow-to-orange colour change in your vitamin C serum? That is LAA oxidizing and losing its potency. Time to replace it.

The bottom line: If your skin can handle it, LAA at 10–20% paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid (which help stabilize L-ascorbic acid and enhance its antioxidant effect) in an opaque, air-tight bottle is highly effective. But it is not for everyone.

And remember – More is not better. A well-formulated 10–15% L-ascorbic acid serum is often more effective than a poorly formulated 20% product. We also have research that says more than 20% in a formula does not have greater efficacy, so don’t fall for the formula touting a 25% formulation!

2. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) — The Acne Fighter

Best for: Acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin

SAP is the only vitamin C derivative with clinical trial evidence specifically for acne. Laboratory research shows that 1% SAP achieves a 99.999% reduction in acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) within 8 hours in time-kill studies, and clinical studies using 5% SAP applied twice daily for 12 weeks showed excellent or good improvement in acne in 76.9% of participants (Klock et al., 2005). It also reduces sebum oxidation by up to 40% — which is important because oxidized sebum is one of the key drivers of comedone formation.

Unlike LAA, SAP is formulated at a near-neutral pH, making it much gentler on the skin. It is a great option for anyone who has struggled with irritation from traditional vitamin C serums.

Key tip: Do not combine SAP with benzoyl peroxide — they inactivate each other! Use SAP in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night.

3. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) — The Hydrating Healer

Best for: Sensitive, dry, rosacea-prone, and mature skin

MAP is considered the most stable of all the hydrophilic (water-soluble) vitamin C derivatives and has one remarkable property that sets it apart from all other forms: it actively hydrates the skin by reducing water loss through the skin barrier and supporting ceramide production.

This makes it an ideal choice for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin, particularly patients with rosacea or eczema who cannot tolerate more acidic formulations. It is also the safest option to consider during pregnancy (though I always recommend checking with your obstetric provider before introducing any new active ingredient during pregnancy).

The trade-off is that MAP has the poorest skin penetration of all the forms and requires concentrations of 10% or higher to meaningfully address pigmentation. Results take 8–12 weeks with consistent use.

4. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) — The Deep Penetrator

Best for: Dry, mature, sensitive, and hyperpigmented skin

THD is the only oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, and this gives it a unique advantage: it can penetrate through the skin’s lipid (fatty) layers all the way into the dermis, up to three times deeper than LAA. This means it can stimulate collagen at a deeper level than any other form, making it particularly valuable for mature skin and anyone focused on anti-ageing.

THD is also gentle, non-irritating, and compatible with retinol, which is a significant benefit for patients using retinol in their routine. However, it is the most expensive vitamin C derivative so be prepared to pay more for this version.

Important caution: One peer-reviewed study (Swindell et al., 2021) found that THD on its own can trigger pro-inflammatory signals in skin tissue. For this reason, stick to THD products that also contain acetyl zingerone (AZ) as a stabilizer. Always check the ingredient list before purchasing.

5. Ascorbyl Glucoside (AA-2G) — The Universal Safe Choice

Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive and hyperpigmented skin

AA-2G is arguably the most universally well-tolerated vitamin C derivative available. It has outstanding stability, no documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis, and has been confirmed non-sensitizing in rigorous laboratory testing. A double-blind clinical trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hyperpigmentation at both 12 and 24 weeks (Takada et al., 2024).

What makes AA-2G particularly clever is that it releases vitamin C in a sustained, slow manner after being absorbed by the skin, meaning it continues delivering antioxidant protection long after application.

If you are unsure which vitamin C to start with, AA-2G is often a good first recommendation because it suits virtually all skin types and carries the lowest risk profile.

6. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA) — The Brightening Specialist

Best for: Hyperpigmented, normal, and mature skin

EAA is the best-penetrating of all water-soluble vitamin C forms, thanks to its unique amphiphilic structure (meaning it is both water and oil soluble). Clinical studies show it can reduce melanin content by over 15% and significantly improve dark spots, wrinkles, and skin firmness with regular use.

However, EAA requires more caution than other derivatives. There are published cases of allergic contact dermatitis associated with EAA in skincare products. For this reason, I always recommend a patch test before using EAA for the first time, particularly for anyone with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

Five Things to Remember Before Buying a Vitamin C Product

Cut through the confusion and choose the vitamin C that is actually right for you.

1. Check the concentration. A product with only 0.5% vitamin C is unlikely to produce visible results. Look for SAP at 5%, MAP at 10%+, THD at 20–30%, and LAA at 10–20%.

2. Packaging matters. LAA degrades rapidly in clear bottles or pumps that expose it to air. Look for opaque, air-tight packaging, and store in a dark, cool and dry place

3. If it is yellow or orange — it has oxidized. This is normal but means it is time to replace the product. Fresh LAA serums are usually clear to very pale straw-coloured. Using oxidized vitamin C won’t give you the benefits you’re expecting, and may increase oxidative stress rather than reduce it.

4. Always wear SPF. All forms of vitamin C are most effective when paired with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

5. Vitamin C is not an overnight fix. Most forms require 8–12 weeks of consistent daily use before visible improvements in pigmentation, firmness, and skin tone become apparent. The key is choosing the right form for your skin and using it consistently!

Do Not Mix Vitamin C With These Ingredients

• Benzoyl peroxide — inactivates both ingredients
• Copper peptides — degrades LAA
• Retinol (at the same time as LAA) — pH conflict; use LAA in the morning and retinol at night
• AHAs/BHAs at the same time as LAA or EAA — over-acidification risk and sensitivity; only experienced users to attempt

When and How to Use Vitamin C

Morning is ideal.

Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen. It layers well under SPF and enhances photoprotection.

Start once daily. If irritation occurs, reduce frequency or consider switching to a gentler derivative.

Want more help?

At Rooted, we think skincare should be intentional — not trendy. The right vitamin C for your skin type can be transformative. The wrong one can cause irritation or simply do nothing. If you are unsure where to start, don’t see your derivative of vitamin C here (looking at you ascorbyl palmitate), or have been frustrated by previous vitamin C products causing irritation or showing no results, book a consultation here with me, Dr. Sarah Kiss ND. I focus on women’s health, fertility, and dermatology.

Your skin deserves ingredients that are both effective and stable. Together we can identify the right form, concentration, and routine for your individual skin goals.

The post Vitamin C in Skincare: Everything you need to know! appeared first on Rooted.

You may feel more anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, tearful, emotionally reactive, or unlike yourself. Some women describe feeling suddenly “flat,” unmotivated, or unable to cope with stress the way they used to. Others notice worsening PMS, rage episodes, poor sleep, or brain fog.

If this sounds familiar, you are not imagining it and you are certainly not alone.

But first…what is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. It often begins in the mid-to-late 40s, although some women notice changes earlier. This stage can last several years before menopause officially occurs (defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period).

During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. Unlike puberty or pregnancy, where hormones generally move in one direction, perimenopause is often characterized by hormonal “ups and downs.” These fluctuations can affect the brain, sleep, energy, and emotional regulation.

Why Does Perimenopause Affect Mood?

Many people assume mood symptoms are caused simply by “low estrogen,” but the reality is more complex.

In early and mid-perimenopause, hormone levels may swing dramatically from week to week, or even day to day. Research suggests these fluctuations themselves may be particularly disruptive to mood and emotional stability. It’s also important to know that these emotional changes can also precede any changes in the period itself, in fact it’s often one of the first symptoms that women notice.

Estrogen and progesterone influence several important brain chemicals involved in mood regulation, including:

• Serotonin — involved in mood, emotional resilience, and wellbeing
• Dopamine — linked to motivation, focus, reward, and pleasure
• GABA — a calming neurotransmitter that helps regulate anxiety and sleep
• Histamine — involved in wakefulness, cognition, inflammation, and nervous system signalling
  

When hormone levels fluctuate, these systems can become dysregulated, contributing to symptoms like:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Emotional sensitivity
• Low mood
• Poor stress tolerance
• Sleep disruption
• Brain fog
• Loss of motivation or enjoyment
  

For some women, it can feel like their nervous system suddenly becomes far less resilient.

The Sleep and Mood Connection

One of the biggest drivers of mood symptoms in perimenopause is sleep disruption.

Hormonal shifts can trigger:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Frequent waking
• Early morning waking
• Restless sleep

Poor sleep then contributes to:

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

This creates a cycle where hormonal symptoms worsen sleep, and poor sleep worsens mood symptoms. Research consistently shows that sleep problems are strongly linked to emotional symptoms during perimenopause.

Why Some Women Feel More Affected Than Others

Not everyone experiences severe mood changes during perimenopause. However, certain factors can increase vulnerability.

You may be at higher risk if you have a history of:

• Anxiety or depression
• PMS or PMDD
• Postpartum depression
• Trauma or chronic stress
• Significant sleep issues
• Severe hot flashes or night sweats
  

Importantly, experiencing mood symptoms during perimenopause does not mean you are weak, failing, or “just emotional.” There are real biological changes occurring during this transition.

Could It Be Something Else?

Perimenopause can overlap with other health concerns, and these should be investigated and ruled out with your health professional.

Symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, low mood, and brain fog may also be associated with:

• Thyroid dysfunction
• Iron deficiency
• Sleep apnea
• ADHD
• Chronic stress and burnout
• PMDD
• Bipolar disorder
• Blood sugar dysregulation
  

This is why a thorough assessment matters. Mood symptoms should not automatically be dismissed as “just hormones,” but they also should not be ignored.

What Can Help?

The good news is that effective support options exist.

The right approach depends on the individual, symptom severity, medical history, and personal preferences.
Support may include:

Lifestyle Foundations

These are often underestimated but can make a major difference:

• Prioritizing sleep quality
• Regular movement and resistance training
• Blood sugar stability
• Stress reduction strategies
• Adequate protein and nutrient intake
• Reducing alcohol intake when appropriate
  

Psychological Support

Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and counselling can be extremely helpful, especially when combined with physical symptom management.

Hormonal Approaches

For some women, hormone therapy may significantly improve mood symptoms, particularly when sleep disruption and vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) are present.

Non-Hormonal Options

Depending on symptoms and health history, additional support strategies may include:

• Nervous system support
• Sleep-focused interventions
• Nutritional strategies
• Targeted supplementation
• Medication when appropriate
  

The Bottom Line

Perimenopause is not “just a phase you need to tough out.”

Mood changes during this transition are common, biologically real, and often under-recognized. Hormonal fluctuations can affect brain chemistry, sleep, stress resilience, and emotional regulation in powerful ways.

If you feel unlike yourself during this stage of life, you are not alone — and support is available.

You deserve to feel informed, supported, and taken seriously.

If you’re in your mid 40s and feeling ragey, irritable, unmotivated, or down – it could be perimenopause! Book a visit with Dr. Katie Rothwell, ND to start your assessment and discuss treatment options.

If you want to learn more about Menopause visit the Menopause Society of Canada – They do some great work.

The post Mood Changes in Perimenopause: Why They Happen and What You Can Do appeared first on Rooted.

The post Scalp Health & Hair Loss Webinar appeared first on Rooted.

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.