Ottawa Integrative Health Centre

06/05/2026

Wellness Tip: Hydration matters, but so does water quality.

Different filtration systems are designed to target different contaminants:

• Pitcher filters → commonly reduce chlorine and improve taste
• Ion exchange filters → help soften water by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Distillation systems → remove many contaminants through evaporation and condensation
• Carbon filters → help reduce chlorine, odours, and some organic compounds
• Reverse osmosis systems → filter dissolved solids, heavy metals, and other impurities through a semipermeable membrane (the gold standard BUT make sure to have a mineral-rich diet because these system can remove up to 98% of minerals, including those that are beneficial!)

The right option depends on your water source, lifestyle, and health goals.

Questions about environmental health and naturopathic care? Book a consultation: https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/your-first-visit/

05/31/2026

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated condition affecting the central nervous system.

It is characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, the protective layer surrounding nerve fibres.

This disruption affects how signals are transmitted between the brain and the body.

Common features of MS include:

• Neurologic deficits
• Fatigue
• Changes in coordination and mobility
• Sensory disturbances

MS is considered a multifactorial condition, involving both genetic susceptibility and environmental influences.

Research suggests contributing factors may include:

• Immune system dysregulation
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Viral exposures (e.g. Epstein–Barr virus)
• Environmental and lifestyle factors

Disease progression and symptom expression vary widely, reflecting the dynamic nature of immune activity within the nervous system.

Management focuses on:

• Modulating immune activity
• Reducing inflammation
• Supporting neurologic function
• Improving quality of life

Understanding how immune regulation impacts the nervous system remains central to MS care. Learn more about how I can help by booking a Complementary 15-minute Meet & Greet: https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/contact/"

05/11/2026

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition characterized by widespread inflammation and immune dysregulation.

It involves the production of autoantibodies and immune complexes that contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

Rather than targeting a single organ, lupus can affect multiple systems, including:
• Skin (rashes)
• Joints (pain, swelling, stiffness)
• Kidneys
• Cardiovascular system (cardiovascular disease, clotting)
• Central nervous system (brain fog, headaches, seizures, psychosis)

Disease activity often fluctuates, and can be influenced by:
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Environmental triggers ex. infections, physical trauma, diet

Management strategies include:
• Reducing systemic inflammation
• Immune modulation
• Monitoring for organ involvement
• Reducing flare frequency and intensity

Optimizing outcomes in lupus typically requires collaborative care between Western medicine and Complementary & Alternative modalities, like Naturopathic medicine.

On World Lupus Day, continued awareness and education remain essential to improving outcomes for those living with SLE.

To learn more about autoimmune conditions and available treatment options, visit:
https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day: To all of the women who nurture and love - wishing you a joy-filled day, and an abundance of Health 💚

05/09/2026

Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue, brain fog, headaches, hair thinning, and low stamina. Many people struggle to raise their levels with diet or supplements alone.
IV iron restores iron stores efficiently by delivering a therapeutic dose directly into the bloodstream.
Who may benefit:
• Heavy menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy‑related deficiency
• Low energy or burnout
• Restless legs
• Shortness of breath
• Hair thinning
• Poor absorption (IBD, celiac, gastritis)
• Intolerance to oral iron
Why IV iron:
• Higher absorption than oral iron
• Fewer digestive side effects
• Dosing tailored to your needs
If you’ve been told your iron is “normal” but still feel unwell, you may still be a candidate.

05/09/2026

Health is not simply the absence of disease; it is the ability of the body to regulate, adapt, and maintain balance over time.

Rather than suppressing symptoms, Naturopathic Medicine focuses on supporting regulatory systems.

This approach is grounded in several key principles:

• Address the root cause: Symptoms are messengers. Using them as a guide to identify the underlying imbalances allows for more sustainable results.
• Treat the whole person: All of our systems are interconnected. Effective care requires assessing and treating the aggregate network.
• Comprehensive diagnostics: Laboratory testing and clinical evaluation provide insight into why symptoms are occurring.
• Evidence-based medicine: Clinical decisions are individualized, but always grounded in research.
• Patient education: Understanding your condition allows for more informed decision-making, increases compliance, and supports lasting wellness.
• Continuity of care: Ongoing support ensures that treatment evolves alongside your health.

Naturopathic Medicine works to restore balance, improve function, and support long-term well-being.

To explore how an custom, evidence-based approach can support your health, visit:
https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/

05/01/2026

Exciting News! We are thrilled to be offering services. Learn more here:

Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of fatigue, brain fog, headaches, hair thinning, shortness of breath, and reduced stamina. Many people struggle to raise their iron levels with diet or supplements alone — especially if absorption is poor or symptoms are more advanced. At the Ottawa...

04/21/2026

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Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects adults over the age of 50.

It is characterized by significant pain and stiffness, most commonly involving the:

• Shoulders
• Neck
• Upper arms
• Hips and pelvic girdle

Symptoms are often most pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Although the exact cause of PMR remains unclear, research suggests the condition involves immune-mediated inflammation affecting the joints and surrounding tissues.

PMR frequently occurs alongside other inflammatory conditions, most notably giant cell arteritis, which is inflammation of the lining of the arteries most commonly in the head.

Conventional treatment typically involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

However, long-term management often benefits from a broader strategy that also supports systemic inflammation, immune regulation, and overall physiologic resilience.

An custom Naturopathic approach may incorporate:

• Anti-inflammatory diet
• Botanical and/or nutraceutical support
• Lifestyle interventions that support immune balance
• Laser therapy to reduce pain, improve mobility and accelerate recovery

With appropriate management, many individuals experience a significant reduction in pain and stiffness, and an improvement in daily function.