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.

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.

Stress is not purely psychological. It is physiologic.When stress becomes chronic, it influences multiple regulatory sys...
04/09/2026

Stress is not purely psychological. It is physiologic.

When stress becomes chronic, it influences multiple regulatory systems in the body, including the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.

Prolonged stress activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system, which can alter inflammatory signalling and immune cell activity.

Over time, this can contribute to:

• Increased inflammatory cytokine production
• Disruption of cortisol rhythms
• Impaired immune regulation
• Greater susceptibility to chronic disease

Research demonstrates that persistent stress exposure can influence both the development and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In practice, stress is the #1 trigger I see for autoimmunity.

Supporting physiologic stress regulation is, therefore, not simply about improving mood. It is an important component of maintaining immune balance and wellness.

Practices that help regulate stress physiology include:

• Consistent sleep-wake cycles
• Regular physical movement (do whatever your body will allow)
• Nervous system regulation practices such as breathwork or meditation
• Supportive nutrition and blood sugar balance
• Time in nature
• Adrenal supplements

Stress cannot always be eliminated. However, improving the body’s ability to adapt to stress can significantly influence long-term health outcomes.

Health is often defined by the absence of disease.In reality, health is better understood as the ability of the body to ...
04/07/2026

Health is often defined by the absence of disease.

In reality, health is better understood as the ability of the body to maintain balance in response to change.

Human physiology is constantly adapting to internal and external stressors, including infection, environmental exposures, psychological stress, and metabolic demands.

The immune, endocrine, and nervous systems work together to maintain this balance through a process known as homeostasis.

When regulatory systems become dysregulated, symptoms often appear long before disease is formally diagnosed.

Preventative care focuses on identifying early changes in physiologic function and supporting the systems responsible for maintaining equilibrium.

Key pillars of long-term health include:

• Immune system regulation
• Metabolic stability
• Adequate sleep and circadian rhythm alignment
• Nutrient sufficiency
• Nervous system resilience
• Mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing

Supporting these systems proactively can significantly reduce long-term disease risk and improve quality of life.

Health is not a fixed state. It is an ongoing process of adaptation and regulation. Introducing a Naturopathic Doctor as a part of your allied healthcare team means adopting a dynamic medical practice that underscores holistic care, prevention and optimizing wellness. Unlock your potential today!

04/01/2026

Did you know certain herbal flavonoids may help support gut health in individuals with ulcerative
colitis?

A recent study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy highlights how these natural
compounds can reduce inflammation and support intestinal healing, making them a promising
complement to conventional treatments.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I often use botanicals to support the body’s innate ability to heal. It
just makes sense--humans have evolved alongside plants, in turn, the complexity of those
systems both mirror and complement one-another. While medications are often necessary,
evidence-based herbal medicine—like flavonoid-rich plants—can play a role in managing
symptoms, supporting long-term gut health, and promoting overall balance.

Some of the best plant-based sources of flavonoids include:
• Licorice
• Berries
• Onions and garlic
• Cocoa powder
• Dark leafy greens

CAUTION: These sources of flavonoids may be better consumed as supplements if they
aggravate digestive symptoms.

Healing the gut is more than symptom relief, it’s about addressing the cause—reducing
inflammation, nurturing the microbiome, and supporting your body from the inside out.

Read the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222014755

Self-care is not indulgent. It is foundational.Sustainable health requires consistent investment in the systems that reg...
03/26/2026

Self-care is not indulgent. It is foundational.

Sustainable health requires consistent investment in the systems that regulate stress, immunity, and resilience.

Consider integrating practices that support both physiologic and emotional balance:

• Mindful connection – We are all born with gifts. Take a moment to re-connect with yourself and foster what makes you uniquely you.

• Detox your environment – To protect your endocrine and immune systems, swap synthetic fragrances or chemical-laden products for natural alternatives.

• Ritualize restorative practices – You need to condition your brain like you would your muscles. Regularly engaging in activities like a warm bath, journaling, or guided meditation train
your nervous system to relax and reset.

• Move with intention – Getting out of your head and into your body breeds calm, clarity and creativity. Mindful stretching, qi gong, or breath-focused movement can act as gateways to
intuition--our primordial North Star.

When foundational systems are supported, resilience follows.

Nurture your roots, and there is no reason to fear the wind.

For those who are new here, I’d like to take a moment to reintroduce myself.I’m Dr. Jaclyn Smith, a Naturopathic Doctor ...
03/18/2026

For those who are new here, I’d like to take a moment to reintroduce myself.

I’m Dr. Jaclyn Smith, a Naturopathic Doctor and, like many of my patients, I am also someone who has navigated the challenges of autoimmunity first-hand. I understand the fear, frustration, and uncertainty a diagnosis can bring, but I also know that knowledge is power. My mission is to help patients uncover the root causes of autoimmune conditions, and provide practical, individualized strategies that support the body’s innate ability to heal. When you understand your immune system, you can work with it, not against it, and take back control of your health.

I hold a BSc from Western University, a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and prescribing rights for natural desiccated thyroid and bioidentical hormones. I am a certified BioFlex laser therapist (an adjunct modality to accelerate recovery rates), and have pursued advanced training in autoimmune care. Beyond my clinical practice, I share my expertise through publications, media appearances, and community lectures, helping more people discover the benefits of preventative health and naturopathic medicine.

Here’s to a year of stepping confidently into the driver’s seat, and reclaiming your wellness!

Want personalized guidance? Book your free 15-minute Meet & Greet today: drjaclynsmithnd.com/your-first-visit/

Women account for the majority of autoimmune disease diagnoses, representing approximately 75–80% of affected individual...
03/12/2026

Women account for the majority of autoimmune disease diagnoses, representing approximately 75–80% of affected individuals.

This imbalance reflects fundamental differences in immune biology rather than chance.

Female immune systems tend to mount stronger immune responses, a feature that offers protection against infection but may also increase vulnerability to immune dysregulation under certain conditions.

Key contributors described in the research include:

• S*x hormone signalling, including estrogen and progesterone
• Immune-related genes located on the X chromosome
• Variations in immune cell activation and regulation
• Immunologic shifts across pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause

These biologic differences influence not only disease risk, but also how autoimmune conditions present, progress, and respond to treatment.

Yet despite this, women’s autoimmune symptoms are frequently minimized, misattributed, or diagnosed later in the disease course.

Recognizing sex-specific immune biology is not a matter of awareness alone. It is essential for accurate diagnosis, meaningful treatment, and improved long-term outcomes.

Lupus & Cardiovascular DiseaseDid you know that cardiovascular disease, not lupus itself, is the leading cause of death ...
03/04/2026

Lupus & Cardiovascular Disease

Did you know that cardiovascular disease, not lupus itself, is the leading cause of death in
people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)? Lupus can affect both the heart and blood
vessels, making cardiovascular health particularly important for anyone living with SLE.

Research shows that the risk of heart attack is significantly higher for people with lupus, being
7–9 times greater overall, and up to 50-fold higher in younger women compared to those
without lupus. This is largely due to atherosclerosis--plaque buildup (caused by chronic
inflammation), which leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, and an increased risk of
heart attacks and strokes.

Other lupus-related cardiovascular complications may include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart)
• Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner lining and valves of the heart)
• Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)

Clinical Consideration:
Routine cardiovascular screening is an important component of long-term lupus management. Annual assessment of blood pressure and laboratory markers, including inflammatory markers, blood glucose, and a lipid panel, can support early detection and proactive care.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I incorporate evidence-informed strategies that complement conventional care, with a focus on reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health in patients with SLE.

Education and prevention remain central to improving long-term outcomes.

6 Simple Things Your Body Needs You to Know1) Turmeric supports health – This spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory and ...
01/30/2026

6 Simple Things Your Body Needs You to Know

1) Turmeric supports health – This spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, yet often underutilized in the diet. To improve its bioavailability, consume with a healthy fat (because it's a fat-soluble spice), and slow it's metabolism through the liver by adding a pinch of black pepper.

2) Sleep is foundational – Uninterrupted restorative sleep is critical for overall health. The longer you are asleep, the longer each deep sleep (restorative) phase becomes. Remember, however, every time you wake up, you start from the beginning.

3) Stress manifests physically – From acne to digestive disturbances to hair loss, if stress is not addressed it moves into your cells finding other ways to talk to you. The longer you ignore it, the louder your symptoms will get!

4) Gut health influences mood – Healthy balanced gut microbiota produce neurotransmitters, influence stress responses and reduce inflammation, all translating to better mental health.

5) Hydration is essential – Every cell in your body needs water to transport nutrients into the cell and waste out, facilitate essential biochemical reactions, and to regulate internal conditions. Without water there is no chance for wellness.

6) Nature promotes healing – In as little as 2 hours per week, time outdoors reduces stress hormones, improves focus, immunity, cardiovascular health, and enhances overall wellness. We came from nature...it's time to get back to it!

Your body is constantly talking to you – Listen, learn, and thrive.

Reach out today to start your journey towards wellness: https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/your-first-visit/

Today is World Lichen Sclerosus Awareness DayLichen sclerosus (LS) is an under-recognized inflammatory condition that mo...
01/17/2026

Today is World Lichen Sclerosus Awareness Day

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an under-recognized inflammatory condition that most often affects the anogenital area. Though it primarily affects females, it may also present in males. Because its symptoms can be subtle, or mistaken for other conditions, many people go years without a proper diagnosis.

Early signs include fragile skin, easy tearing, bruising, blistering, and persistent itching that’s frequently misdiagnosed as a yeast infection. As LS progresses, the skin may thin, fissure, develop white patches (i.e. scarring), and anatomical changes ex. atrophy or fusion of the l***a minora (inner l***a), scarring of the cl****al hood, narrowing of the vaginal and/or urethral opening, and specific to males, inability to retract the fo****in. Chronic inflammation also increases the risk of cancer in the affected tissues, underscoring the need for early detection.

If you're experiencing ongoing itching, pain, white patches, or symptoms that don’t improve with antifungals or antibiotics, insist on a physical exam, referral to a gynecologist or dermatologist, and a biopsy. With a timely diagnosis, LS can be well-managed, and long-term complications significantly reduced.

Naturopathic medicine is an incredible complement to conventional treatment. It accelerates the reduction in inflammation, expedites healing, prevents flare-ups, and helps lower reliance on medication.

Share this post and spread awareness today!

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that can, if left untreated, irreversibly fuse the spine. When ...
01/05/2026

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory condition that can, if left untreated, irreversibly fuse the spine. When caught early, identifying and treating the root causes of immune imbalance can very successfully address symptoms, and help to maintain mobility. Here are a few tips:

Heat Therapy – Heat relaxes tense muscles that guard the spine, and improves blood flow. Damp heat (bath), in particular, is highly effective at reducing pain and improving mobility.

Avoid Sugar – Carbohydrates drive the inflammatory response. Eliminating fructose and glucose (natural and refined) from the diet affords the body the space to heal.

Acupuncture – Constitutional acupuncture is a technique that identifies and treats constitutional imbalances in the body's energetics. When used in conjunction with local points in the areas of discomfort, a practitioner can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, and support overall balance, which translates to healing.

Exercise – A structured program of regular exercise will preserve spinal mobility, improve posture, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce functional limitations. Exercise is essential!

TENS Therapy – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation delivers gentle electrical pulses to targeted muscles. It blocks pain signals to the brain and promotes the release of endorphins, offering temporary relief from discomfort.

Incorporating these suggestions will help you move more freely, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life.

Naturopathic medicine can help take your success to the next level. Committing 3-6 months to a tailored plan can lead to significant improvements in all parameters of disease activity, and a reduction in the frequency and intensity of flares.

Let's get started on your personalized treatment plan today: https://drjaclynsmithnd.com/your-first-visit/

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