18th Annual Canadian Holistic Conference
A Day of Learning, Connection & Community
On April 18th, we had the opportunity to attend the 18th Annual Canadian Holistic Conference in Calgary, a full day dedicated to exploring health, wellness, and longevity through a holistic lens.
With a wide range of speakers and topics from regenerative farming and gut health to stress, nutrition, and even the role of music in wellbeing, the event brought together practitioners, educators, and community members all with a shared goal: supporting health in a more thoughtful, connected way.
We were also excited to be part of the trade show, where we connected with attendees at our Amaranth booth, shared products we love, and hosted a spin-to-win giveaway featuring brands we carry in-store. It was such a great opportunity to meet people in person and talk about everyday wellness in a meaningful way.
From Soil to Cell
Craig Cameron - Peony Farms
One of the biggest takeaways from the day was just how deeply connected our health is to the soil our food comes from.
Craig Cameron shared insights from his work in regenerative farming, highlighting how farming practices directly influence the nutritional quality of food. For example, grass-finished beef can contain significantly higher levels of omega-3s and vitamins compared to grain-finished options. Still, even within those categories, quality can vary depending on soil health and farming methods.
He emphasized that nutrient density begins in the soil and that practices such as reducing synthetic fertilizers, supporting microbial life, and increasing plant diversity all play a role in producing more nourishing food.
It was a powerful reminder that food isn’t just about what we eat but how it’s grown.
Gut Health & Longevity
Allison Tannis, MSc, RHN
Gut health continues to be a central theme in overall wellness, and Allison Tannis explored its role specifically in aging and hormonal health.
She highlighted the importance of the gut microbiome, including the estrobolome, a group of bacteria that helps regulate estrogen in the body. Supporting gut health through a diverse, plant-rich diet, regular movement, and stress management can have a meaningful impact on both physical and emotional well-being.
One key takeaway:
It’s not just about probiotics; the diversity of whole foods and lifestyle habits plays an even bigger role in supporting gut health over time.
Stress, State & Digestion
Dr. Melissa Johannes
A really impactful talk focused on something many of us overlook: the state we’re in when we eat.
Digestion isn’t just about food, but about whether our body is in a relaxed (parasympathetic) or stressed (sympathetic) state. When we’re rushed, distracted, or overwhelmed, digestion can be significantly impaired.
Simple shifts like:
slowing down while eating
reducing distractions
creating a calm environment
can help support better digestion and nutrient absorption.
As she put it:
“You cannot out-supplement a dysregulated system.”
Nutrition Across a Lifetime
Lianne Phillipson
This session explored how nutrition early in life can shape long-term health.
From infancy through adulthood, the foods we eat influence everything from metabolism to taste preferences. Whole foods, including vegetables, legumes, healthy fats, and quality protein, were highlighted as foundational for longevity, inspired by dietary patterns seen in Blue Zones around the world.
A key reminder:
Healthy habits start early, but it’s never too late to shift toward more nourishing choices.
The Power of Music
Jennifer Buchanan
Closing the day on a unique note, Jennifer Buchanan explored how music impacts the brain and emotional well-being.
Music has the ability to regulate mood, support memory, and even aid in healing. She encouraged creating a “personal soundtrack” using music intentionally to support different emotional states, whether that’s calming, energizing, or processing difficult moments.
It was a powerful reminder that wellness isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional, social, and deeply human.
A Day Well Spent
From soil health to stress management, the conference reinforced something we see every day at Amaranth wellness is interconnected.
It’s not just one product or one habit, but a combination of small, thoughtful choices that support long-term health and balance.
We’re so grateful to have been part of this event, to connect with the community, and to continue learning alongside so many passionate voices in the wellness space.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We loved meeting you!