Michael Greger, M.D.

How Not to Age

How Not to Age shows how diet and lifestyle choices can slow cellular aging and boost vitality. By focusing on a whole-food, plant-based diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management, you can prevent chronic diseases and extend your health span, living longer, healthier, and more vibrant years. Packed with science-backed strategies, this presentation makes it easy to take control of the aging process.

Key Takeaways:
* Support Cellular Health: Nutrition and lifestyle choices, work together to promote cellular repair and overall vitality.
*Target Aging Pathways: Nutrition and habits influence DNA repair, inflammation, protein buildup (autophagy), and other cellular processes.
* Extend Health Span: The goal is vibrant, disease-free years, reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and other chronic illnesses.
* Practical, Evidence-Based Strategies: Learn actionable steps backed by cutting-edge research to slow cellular deterioration and enhance overall well-being.

BIO
A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. His science-based nonprofit, NutritionFacts.org , offers a free online portal hosting more than 2,000 videos and articles on myriad health topics. Dr. Greger is a sought-after lecturer and has presented at the Conference on World Affairs and the World Bank, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in Oprah Winfrey’s defense in the infamous “meat defamation” trial. A graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Greger is also an acclaimed author.`` How Not to Die``, ``The How Not to Die Cookbook``, ``How Not to Diet``, and ``How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older`` became instant New York Times Best Sellers. More than a million copies of How Not to Die have been sold. All proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.

nutritionfacts.org/

Dr. Naisargi Dave, ND

The NAD+ Nexus: Fueling the Fountain of Vitality

As the body's master molecule of energy and repair, NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) sits at the center of metabolism, mitochondrial health, and aging. Yet, NAD+ levels decline sharply with age and chronic stress, accelerating fatigue, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction. In this evidence-informed session, we'll explore how to recharge the body’s lifespan battery through targeted nutrition, lifestyle optimization, and NAD+ precursors such as niacin, NR, and NMN. We'll bridge cutting-edge biochemical insights with practical, holistic tools from whole-food niacin sources and circadian rhythm alignment to, breathwork, and phytonutrient synergy. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of NAD+ pathways and learn how to naturally restore cellular energy, resilience, and longevity across all life stages.

Learning Objectives
* Explain the role of NAD⁺ in cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the aging process.
* Identify key nutritional and lifestyle factors that influence NAD⁺ depletion and restoration.
* Differentiate between NAD⁺ precursors (niacin, NR, and NMN) and their clinical applications.
* Apply evidence-informed dietary, circadian, and lifestyle interventions to support NAD⁺ regeneration and energy metabolism across the lifespan.

BIO
Naisargi (Nash) Dave is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and researcher specializing in longevity, women’s health and evidence-informed nutrition strategies that support resilience across the lifespan. With experience spanning clinical research, integrative medicine, and product development, she bridges rigorous science with practical tools for patients and practitioners. As Research & Development Lead at Wellex Inc., Nash has contributed to targeted formulations for immune function and women’s health concerns including HPV, PCOS, endometriosis, and interstitial cystitis. She also develops clinical education materials and practitioner resources for national integrative health conferences. Her earlier research at McMaster University explored biological aging and stress tolerance through longevity assays using tardigrades, sparking her long-term interest in natural compounds and metabolic health. Nash has additionally collaborated with the Longevity League, a network of CEOs across North America-creating evidence-informed guidance on clean, low-toxin products. Her work integrates clinical nutrition, women’s health, and longevity science to support healthy aging at every stage.

www.wellex.co/

Josh Gitalis, CNP RNCP IFMCP

Fasting in Practice: From Science to Clinical Application

Dive deep into the science and clinical application of fasting in this comprehensive session. Explore the biological underpinnings of the fed and fasted states, including metabolic shifts, hormone regulation, and energy utilization. Learn about different types of fasting—intermittent fasting, time-restricted feeding, prolonged fasting—and how to apply them strategically for specific health goals. Discover the emerging role of fasting in cancer care, metabolic health, and longevity, and understand the cellular processes of autophagy and mitophagy that drive tissue repair and rejuvenation. We’ll also examine how fasting promotes ketosis and fat-adapted metabolism, providing practical guidance for integrating fasting safely and effectively into holistic nutrition practice. Clinicians will leave with actionable strategies to optimize patient outcomes using evidence-based fasting protocols.
Bio
Josh Gitalis, Clinical Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner, runs a Toronto-based private practice, with a worldwide client base. He is a recognized expert in integrative healthcare, merging the best of functional medicine and integrative therapeutics. As a leader in his field, Josh has taught Clinical Nutrition for several natural health colleges and runs the Functional Nutrition Certification Program. He is the first Canadian nutritionist to become an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP).

www.joshgitalis.com/

Dr. Sarah Zadek, ND

Clinical Perspectives on Women’s Health: Supporting Menstrual Cycle, Fertility, and Gynecological Challenges

The menstrual cycle is more than a monthly event - it’s a vital indicator of health. Its regularity not only reflects hormonal balance, metabolic function, but so much more. In fact, research shows that woman with irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods during mid-adulthood (ages 29–46) were associated with a 40% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with regular cycles.1 Recognizing and supporting a healthy cycle is essential to supporting your female clients.

Join Dr. Sarah Zadek, ND, for an in-depth exploration of nutritional strategies, lifestyle interventions, and evidence-based ingredient support to optimize women’s health. Drawing on years of clinical experience, Dr. Zadek will share practical insights and clinical pearls on:

• Menstrual health: Approaches for heavy flow, irregular cycles, painful periods, and PCOS.
• Nutrient Status: Which nutrients are affected by hormonal birth control and strategies to maintain optimal levels.
• Healthy Microbiome: Maintaining vaginal and uterine microbiome balance that may prevent recurrent infections.
• Female Fertility: Supporting ovarian function and understanding the connection between egg quality and aging.
• Gynecological Wellness: Strategies to help manage inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis.

Reference: 1Wang, Y. X., Et al. JAMA network open, 5(10), e2238513.

Bio
Dr. Sarah Zadek ND is a naturopathic doctor in Ontario, Canada with a clinical focus on women’s health, endocrinology, autoimmunity, and fertility. Sarah graduated from Nipissing University with an honours degree in biology after completing her thesis on genetics, oxidative stress and immune function. She then graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto in 2014.

As an evidence-informed practitioner and writer, she has spent over a decade providing educational content for the general public and other healthcare practitioners. She is the published author of the book, “It Takes Two… and a Uterus” and has written for multiple naturopathic publications across North America.

Dr. Zadek has a passion for empowering patients to reach their health and fitness goals, especially when faced with genetic disadvantages, inflammatory and metabolic conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and infertility.

When she’s not working through the dozens of PubMed tabs on her laptop, Sarah loves trail running, getting lost in a good book (or several), and cuddling up with her golden doodles.

www.sarahzadeknd.com/

Tia Loftsgard, Executive Director of Canada Organic Trade Association

Organic Agriculture: The Foundation for Lifelong Health and Sustainable Nutrition

What if the secret to longevity starts in the soil? Holistic nutrition emphasizes the interconnectedness of food, lifestyle, and well-being. Organic agriculture embodies these principles by prioritizing ecological balance, reducing chemical inputs, and fostering nutrient-rich foods. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and sustainability, understanding the role of organic systems in promoting health and longevity is essential for practitioners and educators. This session uncovers the powerful connection between organic farming, nutrient-rich foods, and holistic wellness across all life stages. From supporting childhood development to promoting healthy aging, organic agriculture offers more than sustainability—it delivers resilience for both people and the planet. Join us to explore evidence-based insights on how organic practices enhance nutrient density, reduce chemical exposure, and foster environmental health. Walk away with practical strategies to integrate organic choices into nutrition plans that nurture vitality and longevity for every generation.

Bio:
Tia Loftsgard is the Executive Director of the Canada Organic Trade Association and has nearly 30 years of experience in organic and international agricultural trade. She began her career by founding Camino, Canada’s first Fairtrade and organic chocolate company, and later held senior leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer at Fairtrade America and Director of Business Development and Licensing at Fairtrade Canada. Tia currently serves as a board member of Fairtrade International and as North American Ambassador for the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). She chairs the Organic Technical Advisory Committee for International Equivalencies with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Organic Data Working Group with the Government of Canada. Additionally, she is a voting member of the Organic Standards Technical Committee and participates in the Government Roundtable on Consumer and Market Demand. Her work continues to advance sustainability, integrity, and growth within the organic sector globally.

choosecanadaorganic.ca/

Allison Tannis, MSc, C.H.N.C.

Could Gut Health be the Missing Link in Managing Perimenopause and Longevity?

Did you know that over 90% of women1 experience gut health changes during perimenopause? Join Nutritional Scientist, Allison Tannis, on this exploration of emerging science on the gut microbiota’s influence on hormones, stress, cognition, and metabolism - critical factors in perimenopause and longevity.

With research showing that more than 80% of women2 are unaware of symptom management options, the need for holistic, science-based support has never been greater. In this seminar, you will gain insights and practical strategies to empower you in guiding your clients during perimenopause and beyond.

Key Learning Objectives:
• Explore the connections between gut health and perimenopause and its possible role in symptom relief and longevity.
• Learn how gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and neurotransmitter production impact stress, cognition, and sleep – common challenges for women in perimenopause.
• Examine new clinical trials investigating the estrogen-gut axis and the potential impact on hormone balance, chronic disease risk, and perimenopausal symptoms.
• Adapt your practice with innovative, evidence-based strategies to focus on gut health as an approach to support women’s health.

References:
1. Denby, N. (2025, October). Menopause and the Gut: Uncovering the Hidden Health Burden. Poster presented at the Annual Meeting of the Menopause Society, Orlando, FL, United States.
2. Insights into Perimenopause: A Survey of Perceptions, Opinions on Treatment, and Potential Approaches. Women (Basel). 2025 Jan 31;5(1):4

Bio
Allison Tannis, MSc, R.H.N., is a nutritional scientist, author, and one of Canada’s most enthusiastic nutrition educators. Renowned for her “deliciously geeky” approach, Allison makes complex science on topics like perimenopause and the microbiota approachable and actionable for practitioners. With five wellness books—including “Probiotic Rescue” and “Aging Bites”—and years of experience empowering audiences, Allison inspires RHNs to translate research into practical strategies for women’s health. She is also a mom, international athlete, and gardener, passionate about holistic, joyful living.

allisontannis.com/

Craig Cameron, BSc, Regenerative Farmer, Peony Farms

From Soil to Cell: Your Farmer’s Role in your Health, Healing, and Longevity

When you are trying to rebuild or preserve your health, you usually have the best success by building a team to support you. Doctors, nutritionists, other health practitioners and supportive friends all play important roles. But most people never think of adding a farmer to their health team. Yet the way your body responds to food, including energy, digestion, inflammation, recovery, and disease symptoms, begins long before that food reaches your plate. It starts with the soil and the way the animals or crops were cared for. In this talk, Craig opens a window into a part of your health story that most people never get to see: the farm. He explains how the decisions a farmer makes, from soil-building practices to forage diversity to animal management, create real and measurable effects in the food that you eat.

You will learn:
• How farming practices influence nutrient density, resilience compounds, and overall food quality
• Why the same food can aggravate symptoms or support healing based on how it was raised, even when it looks identical on paper
• How to build a connection with the people who grow your food, and why that relationship can be important for your long-term wellness

This session invites you to expand your understanding of food beyond labels and nutrients, and into the living systems that create them. If you are someone involved in the fight for health, this talk gives you a new and empowering layer of insight into how we can work together to build food that heals

Bio
Craig Cameron is the Chief Food Craftsman at Peony Farms, where his family and team produce regenerative, forage-finished Piedmontese beef just outside Lacombe, Alberta. His work focuses on how farmers can work with soil, plants, and animals to support the specific health needs of the people they feed. Peony Farms’ most recent work has focussed on supporting individuals with histamine and mast cell challenges. Craig’s mission began when his daughter was born with health issues and he realized the beef he was raising was not good enough to support her optimal healing. That realization sparked a deep commitment to understanding how to produce food as medicine. Years of reading, talking with researchers and on-farm research into soil, plant, animal, and human health transformed both his farm and his understanding of how food can be crafted for health. Today, Craig is known for connecting the dots between soil health, plant health, animal health, and human health. He brings a mix of science, common sense, and lived experience to help people choose foods that truly support healing.

Sponsored by Amaranth Whole Foods

peonyfarms.com/

Dr. Melissa Johannes, BSc, DC

The Missing Link in Longevity: How State, Stress Physiology & Coherence Shape Digestion Across the Lifespan

Longevity isn’t just built from what we eat. It’s built from the state we’re in when we eat it. Across the lifespan, digestive capacity, hormonal health, immune resilience, cognitive function, and metabolic stability are all regulated first by the nervous system and only secondarily by nutrition.

As clinicians, we’re taught what to recommend, but not how a client’s physiology may prevent them from receiving what we suggest. This presentation bridges that gap. Drawing from advanced holistic medicine, biology, frequency-based therapeutics, and clinical casework, Dr. Melissa Johannes reveals how stress physiology, emotional load, and chronic dysregulation silently undermine digestion at every age.

She outlines the “Coherence-First Nutritional Model™,” a practical framework that empowers practitioners to optimize digestion, metabolism, and inflammatory recovery by restoring physiological coherence before adjusting food. Participants will explore why chronic digestive issues persist even with perfect diets, how state shifts alter enzyme output, bile flow, and microbial signaling, and why longevity requires more than nutrients. It requires alignment between physiology, lifestyle, and emotional reality. Attendees will leave with: A clinically grounded understanding of how state regulates digestion, Tools to improve client outcomes when diets alone aren’t working, Assessment markers that indicate state incompatibility with digestion, Evidence-informed strategies to support digestion across childhood, adulthood, and aging, Practical, reproducible protocols to integrate into nutrition practice immediately. This talk returns practitioners to the heart of holistic care: treating the physiology that’s trying to keep people safe, not just the symptoms that show up on their plate.

Bio
Dr. Melissa Johannes, DC, BSc is a doctor of chiropractic, holistic biologist, frequency medicine practitioner, and the founder of Hertz Health Inc. Her work specializes in digestion, emotional physiology, and longevity, blending advanced holistic medicine, coherence-based therapeutics, and evidence-informed nutrition to help individuals restore digestive capacity, metabolic stability, and nervous system alignment. Her approach is shaped not only by her academic and clinical training, but by her full recovery from colitis, colorectal pathology, chronic digestive collapse, and patterns of disordered eating. Having experienced firsthand how stress physiology, emotional compression, and misalignment can dismantle the digestive system, she teaches an often-overlooked truth: digestion is state-dependent, and longevity requires more than nutrients, it requires coherence. Through Hertz Health Inc., Dr. Johannes supports both clients and practitioners in understanding how physiology, behavior, and internal state interact to create or disrupt health across the lifespan. Her teachings return practitioners to the heart of holistic care: addressing the human experience that drives biological expression, not just the symptoms that appear on the surface.

www.hertzhealth.ca/

Lianne Phillipson, Dip. ION RNCP Holistic Nutritional Consultant

First Foods, Long Life: Building Longevity from the High Chair to the Blue Zones

What if the foundation for a long, vibrant life begins with baby's very first bite? This presentation challenges conventional first-foods wisdom and reveals how early nutrition sets the trajectory for lifelong health. Drawing from both pediatric nutrition expertise and Blue Zones longevity research, we'll explore why starting solids with nutrient-dense whole foods (like mineral-rich meat broth instead of refined infant cereals) creates a biological blueprint for thriving across all life stages.

Attendees will discover:
- Why the critical 1,000-day window (from conception to age two) programs metabolic health, immune resilience, and even disease risk decades later
- The disconnect between standard first-foods recommendations and what centenarian populations actually eat
- Practical strategies for introducing the ``longevity foods`` (vegetables, pulses, quality proteins, and traditional fats) from six months onward
- How early taste preferences and eating patterns established in infancy influence food choices throughout life
- The common threads between ancestral feeding wisdom and modern Blue Zones nutrition

This isn't just about raising healthy children; it's about raising future centenarians. By aligning how we nourish our youngest generation with the dietary patterns of the world's longest-lived people, we create a true ``longevity link`` that spans from first foods to final decades.

Bio
For more than two decades, Lianne has been translating complex nutrition science into real-world solutions that work for busy people. As a Nutrition Professional, bestselling author, and media personality, she’s helped thousands make peace with their plates – without the guilt, confusion, or need to survive on kale smoothies. Lianne’s voice reaches across Canada through regular segments on myFM Radio and Montreal's CJAD radio stations. You might be one of the nearly half-million “Lovely Loyal Listeners`` who tune into her podcast, EAT THIS with Lianne, where she dives deep into what really works (and what doesn't) in nutrition, and help you take control back of your health with one mouthful at a time. Her approach? It's grounded in both science and real life. As a mom of two vibrant and healthy daughters and someone who's navigated career transitions, divorce, and, yes – every diet under the sun – she understands the delicate balance between optimal nutrition and actually enjoying your life. She’s proud to be the author of the bestselling books, ``Sprout Right – Nutrition from Tummy to Toddler`` and ``Sprout Right Family Food” published by Penguin Random House. Throughout her career, she’s appeared on major media outlets, including CityTV's Breakfast Television and CityLine, CTV's Your Morning and The Social, CTV National News and various other television and radio programs, sharing her passion for making nutrition accessible and practical. What sets Lianne’s approach apart is her ability to cut through the noise. Those overwhelming nutrition headlines? The contradicting studies? The latest fad diets? She breaks them down into actionable steps that work for everyone’s lifestyle because eating well shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Lianne can help one find their own sustainable balance – between nourishment and enjoyment, family meals and me-time, optimal health, and living life to the fullest.

liannephillipson.com/

Jennifer Buchanan, MBA, MTA

The Music Advantage: Shaping Our Auditory Diet for Longevity & Wellbeing

This session explores music as a powerful, often overlooked contributor to long-term health and resilience. Drawing on science, storytelling, and practical tools, it reframes music as part of our auditory diet, a daily input that influences nervous system regulation, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing.

Participants will discover how intentional music choices can reduce stress, enhance mood, and support focus and motivation in life. Much like nutrition nourishes the body, a supportive auditory environment protects mental and emotional health.

The session also introduces the Blisspoint, a framework for longevity and resilience that balances heart (values, meaning, connection), health (nervous system regulation and stress resilience), and mastery (skillful, aligned action). When these elements are in harmony, individuals are better equipped to support sustainable wellbeing across all life stages.

BIO
Jennifer Buchanan is a Certified Music Therapist with over three decades of experience and the Founder and President of JB Music Therapy. Her team supports individuals and groups across the lifespan—from infancy to elder care—working in medical, educational, and workplace wellness settings. The organization delivers more than 22,000 music therapy sessions annually. In recognition of this work, JB Music Therapy received the 2025 Patient Experience Award from the Health Quality Council of Alberta. Jennifer is the author of multiple books, including Wellness, Wellplayed. She also serves as a Director at the National Music Centre and as an Affiliate Member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education. She is currently spearheading the development of Canada’s first music therapy-informed digital health platform, designed to support mental health and workplace wellbeing.

jenniferbuchanan.ca/

Luka Symons, C.H.N.C. - Calgary

Luka Symons is a C.H.N.C.™ Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant™ for people who are looking to reclaim their food and body groove. Luka guides you towards optimal health; her specialty is in creating a personalized plan that allows good food to be accessible, fun, and easy to attain. Her emphasis is on reducing your body's burden of stress, and improving your body's ability to access the nutrients from a deeply nourishing way of eating. This work is done through the lens of real food steeped in Ancestral Wisdom. She is a big believer in playing with your food!

She works with clients in one-on-one consults, via classes and group workshops. You'll also find her as one of the mavens at Histamine Haven. Luka is on a mission to help people be their very best selves by audaciously taking control of their own health and putting those building blocks in place for both quantity and quality of life. It is all about optimal health and vitality so you can Feel Real Good!

histaminehaven.com/

Andrea Donsky, R.H.N. - Toronto

Andrea Donsky, R.H.N. is the author of Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best(Simon & Schuster Canada, 2026) - which was just released on Tuesday! A nutritional consultant for more than 20 years, menopause educator, 7-time published researcher, speaker, and co-founder of wwwweareMorphus.com , Andrea is known for helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with science-backed nutrition, lifestyle strategies and supplements.

wearemorphus.com/