Dr. Jaclyn Smith, ND

Dr. Jaclyn Smith, ND Naturopathic Medicine plays an important role in integrative health care, and treatments can be used on their own or together with conventional medicine.

For those with autoimmunity seeking healthcare in Ottawa and the surrounding area, Dr. Jaclyn Smith, ND offers custom protocols applying evidence-based natural medicine that can be delivered in conjunction with, or independent of Western medicine. Naturopathic Medicine is a system of primary health care that promotes wellness and prevention through the integration of standard medical diagnostics a

nd a broad range of natural therapies. As a Naturopathic Doctor with over a decade of experience treating autoimmune diseases, Dr. Jaclyn Smith is focused on evidence-based natural treatments and prevention. Having autoimmune conditions of her own, Dr. Smith has a unique perspective on the autoimmune experience. She understands the fear, helplessness and hopelessness that are delivered alongside a diagnosis. She also understands that those feelings stem from a lack of control. This is why Dr. Smith dedicates herself to educating patients on the underlying causes of various autoimmune conditions and offering tangible solutions that support the body’s innate ability to heal. When armed with knowledge, you can communicate with your immune system, minimizing the need to suppress it.

Your liver supports far more than “detox.” It plays an important role in digestion, hormone metabolism, nutrient process...
06/18/2026

Your liver supports far more than “detox.” It plays an important role in digestion, hormone metabolism, nutrient processing, and the regulation of inflammation.

6 foods to look for in liver-loving supplement:

• Beta vulgaris (Beets)
• Taraxacum Root (Dandelion Root)
• Silybum (Milk Thistle)
• Curcuma (Turmeric)
• Schisandra
• Cynara (Artichoke)

These foods are rich in constituents that are antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, bile supports, and liver protectants.

Save this wellness post for future reference!

**Speak to a licensed healthcare practitioner (Naturopathic Doctor, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Herbalist) before starting any new supplement.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spring season corresponds to the liver and gallbladder - making it a season focused ...
06/10/2026

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spring season corresponds to the liver and gallbladder - making it a season focused on renewal, movement, and detoxification.

Signs that your liver and gallbladder may need support:

• Digestive dysregulation ex. constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating
• The feeling of a lump in your throat or sighing
• If you are waking consistently between 1-3am
• Anger and frustration
• Tension headaches
• PMS

Ways to support your liver and gallbladder this spring:

• Avoid alcohol
• Eat more dark leafy greens (2-3 cups per day)
• Add some fresh lemon juice to your water (the more sour the better!)
• De-stress with time in nature, deep breathing, or watching a comedy
• Prioritize movement & circulation with goal-oriented workouts, particularly cardio and yoga

Small seasonal shifts can support overall balance and well-being.

Wellness Tip: Hydration matters, but so does water quality.Different filtration systems are designed to target different...
06/04/2026

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/

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated condition affecting the central nervous system.It is characterized by infl...
05/30/2026

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/"

Beginning treatment with a Naturopathic Doctor may be different than what you expect.The initial visit is not centred ar...
05/26/2026

Beginning treatment with a Naturopathic Doctor may be different than what you expect.

The initial visit is not centred around a single concern, rather, it is intended to build a comprehensive understanding of your health history, your health goals, and how your lifestyle and personality may influence your treatment.

Your first appointment is 90 minutes and includes:

• A thorough medical history
• Review of current symptoms
• Urinalysis and physical examination
• Lab assessment (if indicated)

For those new to Naturopathic Medicine, a Complementary 15-minute consultation is recommended to determine whether this approach is right for you.

Book your consultation today: https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/your-first-visit/

Naturopathic services are not covered under OHIP, but may be eligible for reimbursement through private insurance plans.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition characterized by widespread inflammation and immune...
05/10/2026

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/

Health is not simply the absence of disease; it is the ability of the body to regulate, adapt, and maintain balance over...
05/06/2026

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/

The digestive system and the brain are constantly communicating.This relationship, known as the gut–brain axis, helps ex...
05/01/2026

The digestive system and the brain are constantly communicating.

This relationship, known as the gut–brain axis, helps explain why stress and digestive symptoms are so closely connected.

The gut contains its own nervous system — the enteric nervous system — which communicates directly with the brain through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways, including the vagus nerve.

When stress becomes chronic, this communication can shift in ways that affect digestive function.

Research shows stress can influence the digestive system by contributing to:

• Changes in gastrointestinal motility
• Increased intestinal permeability
• Altered digestive secretions
• Reduced circulation to the intestinal lining
• Changes in the gut microbiome
• Increased intestinal inflammation
• Reduced tolerance to food

Over time, these physiologic changes can influence immune signalling throughout the body.

This is one reason why addressing both digestive health and stress regulation is often central to supporting recovery in many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Diet, nervous system regulation, and vagal tone all play important roles in maintaining healthy communication along the gut–brain axis.

Understanding how these systems interact can provide important insight into overall health and immune balance.

Read the full article here:
https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/the-gut-brain-connection/

A question I’m frequently asked in practice: “Why did I suddenly develop an autoimmune disease?”For many people, the ons...
04/22/2026

A question I’m frequently asked in practice: “Why did I suddenly develop an autoimmune disease?”

For many people, the onset of autoimmune symptoms can feel abrupt and confusing.

In reality, autoimmune conditions often develop gradually over time through a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences.

Research suggests that several factors may contribute to immune dysregulation, including:

• Infection
• Chronic or significant acute stress (mental, emotional, or physical)
• Hormonal changes
• Aberrations in the gut microbiome
• Environmental exposures ex. mold, chemicals, toxins, radiation/sun exposure, contaminated air/water
• Physical trauma

Rather than a single cause, autoimmune disease is typically the convergence of multiple factors interacting over time.

This is why a thorough assessment is integral, and generic treatment protocols for autoimmunity are impossible. Understanding a person and their history, and treating that individuality is the only path to wellness.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects adults over the age of 50.It is charact...
04/20/2026

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.

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904 Lady Ellen Place
Ottawa, ON
K1Z5L5

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Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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