Conditions and Treatments

Living with Autoimmune Disease

Living with one, and sometimes multiple autoimmune conditions can leave you feeling like you are not living at all. Rather than thriving, you find yourself simply surviving. Compounding the problem, the very nature of autoimmune conditions impose added stress—uncertain if or when your symptoms will abate; when in remission, often anticipating the next flare.

The key to reducing that stress is access to knowledge and support. Developing a deep understanding of the pathophysiology of your condition(s) allows you to better interpret the body’s messages. Subsequently, with the right guidance, you can become equipped with the tools to communicate back effectively. Let Naturopathic Doctor, Jaclyn Smith, empower you with information and access to evidence-based natural treatments so you can not just live, but live well with your autoimmune disease(s).

Learn About Common Conditions & Treatments

Our Approach

Autoimmune conditions are often multifactorial in cause, and present as dynamic, ever-evolving entities. To successfully treat autoimmune diseases a thorough, individualized and adaptable approach is imperative.

Assessment

The initial assessment includes a 90-minute case history, physical exam and lab diagnostics. Re-assessments are completed systematically to evaluate progress.

Treatment

Based on the initial assessment a comprehensive treatment plan is presented. The plan includes diagnostics, autoimmune triggers specific to the individual, phases of treatment and their anticipated timelines.

Prevention

As the autoimmune condition stabilizes, focus shifts to mitigating the intensity and duration of flares, and preventing recurrence.

Common Autoimmune Conditions & Naturopathic Treatments

Listed below are the treatments for the most common autoimmune conditions addressed in my Naturopathic practice.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Inflammation of the axial skeleton, and often large peripheral joints, resulting in back pain and stiffness

Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome

Antibody production against phospholipid-bound proteins resulting in increased risk of venous and arterial clotting

Crohn’s Disease

A subtype of inflammatory bowel disease causing abdominal pain and diarrhea due to involvement of the colon and terminal ileum (small intestine)

Graves’ Disease

Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid resulting in hyperthyroidism

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid resulting in hypothyroidism

Lichen Sclerosus

An inflammatory skin condition typically effecting the genitalia and anus

Lupus

An autoimmune condition that can effect many different body systems — including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs

Multiple Sclerosis

Patches of demyelination in the brain and spinal cord causing multiple neurologic deficits

Pemphigus Vulgaris

A rare, but severe, autoimmune disorder causing painful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

A syndrome associated with giant cell arteritis causing severe pain and stiffness in the proximal muscles of adults over the age of 55

Psoriasis

An inflammatory skin condition resulting in papules or plaques covered in thick silvery scales

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A severe and progressive form of arthritis, often presenting initially with symmetrical involvement of the peripheral joints i.e. hands, wrists, feet or ankles

Scleroderma

Systemic Sclerosis is the most severe subtype of scleroderma, causing disseminated fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin, joints and internal organs

Ulcerative Colitis

A subtype of inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcerations in the colon, resulting in abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea