Testimonials

9/2/2019

I approached Laura Dankof because I was dealing with an undiagnosed hormonal issue and a gut infection. Honestly, I had a complete workup done by a well-known hospital and they were not able to find anything and left me feeling like it was all in my head and told me stay on the PILL and not to change anything! I had a substantial weight gain that I could not get rid of despite eating healthy and exercising. My hair was falling out, I was not sleeping, I felt sluggish, tired, angry, and sick! I was a mess.

Laura had helped me by diagnosing exactly what was wrong with me. I had estrogen dominance and a gut infection. The first thing she told me was to get off the pill!!!! She gave me a specific plan that was tailored to me individually and I really felt like she was listening to what I was telling her. I was not a number or “that complaining patient” or “it’s all in her had patient”. She looked at the root cause of my illness and was able to put me on a path to reclaim my health! I can not express the impact this has had on me. After doing western medicine for 20 years with the same response of “that’s all we can do for you”, I have finally found a practitioner that got to the root of my illness!! It really is life changing!!!!!

Laura made me feel supported, cared about, listened to, and gave me all the tools I needed to take care of myself holistically. I feel empowered and excited about my health!!

Laura provided me with everything I needed to help my body heal from information about my hormonal issues to resources to better medication/supplement that supported my body.

I am most grateful for beign able to work with Laura Dankof because her knowledge is extensive, and she is a top-notch practitioner. I cannot express enough that if you are a woman and feel your hormones may be out of balance, make an appointment with Laura, she will help you!!! I am a BSN RN that has worked in medicine for the last 10 years and she is the first practitioner that looked at the root cause of my illness and has been able to help heal my body rather than slap a band aid on it and hope that it helps!!! LeAnn T.

7/8/2019

I approached Laura when I was having an array of symptoms and medical problems. I had seen countless Doctors, Specialists, and even some Naturopathic physicians. I had been through a couple of hospitalizations and misdiagnoses, and had been put on medications that were doing more harm than good. I was struggling with my health and after everything I had been through, I found it difficult to trust healthcare providers altogether.

My sister spoke highly of Laura and recommended I schedule an appointment with her, and I’m so glad I did! Laura took the time to thoroughly listen to my story. She recommended testing that would give her further information to help find the root cause of my symptoms, instead of jumping to conclusions. Laura was easy to trust because she listened to my concerns, and put care and thought into the medications/supplements she prescribed (for example, she helped me find a supplement that helped enormously with gallbladder pain). She has a great understanding of Autoimmune Disease, and has provided helpful resources related to my complex medical issues.

I’m so appreciative of the help and support I’ve received and continue to receive from Laura; she is extremely compassionate and easy to work with. Most of all, I am grateful for all of her hard work in helping me work towards healing! Thank You. Jolene W.

5/29/2019

If you are looking for a medical partner that really listens, then Laura Dankof is your #1 choice. I have never felt rushed and she asks good questions to help get to the bottom of my issue. She discussed alternative ideas and I’m happy with what treatment techniques we landed on. I am made to feel comfortable, where I can share information that was never able to share with other medical practitioners, and didn’t feel judged. Five stars out of five! Teri

5/2/2019

A friend told me she treated her SIBO with Laura about the same time that I was getting frustrated with my recurring SIBO for which my GI specialist was not treating proactively for. Laura has helped me by treating the root reason for my SIBO, not just my symptoms. With Laura’s help, I’m feeling much better all over–due to the prescribed supplements that have supported my body to heal itself and the encouragement she gives me. Laura’s willingness to help me was something missing in most all the other specialists I saw for my symptoms(Gastro, Neuro, Dental, Gyn). She looked at all my symptoms for connections. I know she is treating my entire body instead of just one symptom at a time. I have and would recommend her to anyone who has unresolved health problems and wonders if they could all just be related. Sandy

4/22/2019

This is a long story but worth sharing to help you know how Laura Dankof has impacted my life. I am almost 60 years old and had always been a busy, active, productive mother, attorney, volunteer, and fitness conscious person. In 2011, I went through a traumatic emotional and physical experience that left me mysteriously ill with debilitating head, neck, shoulder and back pain, along with constant all over body pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, and flu like symptoms. I had been previously diagnosed with IBS by my doctor of 15 years, but after a year of different treatments that normally would have worked, these inexplicable symptoms would not resolve, It was then he suspected fibromyalgia, which was later confirmed by Mayo. Because of our long doctor/patient relationship, he knew my medical history very well so I was fortunate not to have to chase down this diagnosis for years, like so many other sufferers.

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, I began a treatment plan. It took about 6 months to see progress and another year to get back to some sort of normal life. At that point my doctor retired, and passed away shortly thereafter, and I was lost. Although I was in symptom “remission”, by that time, it had not been long enough to feel I knew how to manage this chronic illness with any confidence. I continued to see a young doctor in the practice while I was not symptomatic, but within the year, I was hit with another severe flare and knew I needed someone who had experience with this illness and could really take charge of my care.

That is when I turned to Laura Dankof. She took over my case and saved my health, my life, and my sanity. In our first visit, she took the time to LISTEN to my complete history (unheard of these days!), thoroughly discussed the symptoms I was experiencing and all medications I had tried or was currently taking to learn what was and was not working, allowed me to present theories, ask questions, and be myself without being rushed or dismissed. And then she IMMEDIATELY mapped out a treatment plan. When I left her office that day, I had hope. Three years later, she continues to provide me with the best traditional and functional medical care I could ever need, and I trust her completely.

Besides the incredible care I have received from Laura, it is the peace of mind and belief I can live with this difficult chronic illness and still have a full and happy life, that truly has helped my healing. I know she is there when I need her, and that can be 90% of the battle when you have fibromyalgia. For those of us who suffer with this, or know someone who does, then you know how critical this relationship is to management and recovery out of a flare.

As I said, this is a long story that began 8 years ago and I know with this illness, I will always need the support, guidance, and expertise of an experienced medical practitioner who can integrate traditional and functional medicine, and who is always on top of the latest research. I have that, and so much more, as a patient of Laura Dankof. If you suffer from this condition, or any number of more complicated symptoms, or even just your run of the mill common illness, I highly recommend you contact Laura for a consultation. I have been extremely happy with the telemedical appointments we have as they allow me to spend the time I need with her. Also, it is always great when she travels to my state for a face to face appointment, but I make sure to schedule that appointment early because there is always a line out the door waiting for her when she comes into town. That should tell you just how amazing she is!

If you would like to know more about my fibromyalgia, IBS-C, SIBO health story, or about my experience as Laura’s patient, I can be reached by email at clwdsm@aol.com . In the meantime, if you need help, I highly recommend you take the chance to contact Laura. She is a gifted medical practitioner and may be the person you were looking for to help you back to health and healing. I know she was for me. Cindy W., Clive, IA

4/17/2019

I have known Laura since high school. She has always had healing abilities. When I was going through menopause, I turned to her to help me find more natural ways of relieving my symptoms. She was a big help in diagnosing a bacterial infection that I was suffering from, getting my female hormones in control, balancing my adrenal levels, and helping me find out I was gluten sensitive. Laura made me feel like I mattered and she really listened to what I had to say. Together we have engineered a plan to help me through several health issues. She provided me with knowledge and confidence to make the right choices in my ongoing care with her. Laura helped me by answering many questions and emails about my condition and ongoing treatment. She also helped me get setup with her online dispensary, which is super handy to get things ordered from. I am most grateful for Laura’s healing abilities, her intuitiveness and kindness. Most of all, I am grateful to be able to call her a dear friend of mine. Sherry

4/13/2019

Laura came highly recommended to me. She helped me to rethink my health and how to achieve better health by what I put on or in my body. She also helped me to get past some of my anxiety about medical experiences and provided information on where I could learn more about my health. Laura has changed my whole way of thinking about health. Even though I grew up with a healthier lifestyle, I veered away from it and plummeted. Laura patiently helped me move back to health and gave me options to improve my health naturally, that were effective over the ineffective prescriptions thrown at me for years. Many of my family members have improved their health because of seeing my healthy journey. Connie

4/9/2019

I approached Laura when I was looking for a natural therapy and was in considerable pain and not having success with regular medical doctors. She diagnosed my Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, as well as a host of other issues like MTHFR and leaky gut. Laura made me feel understood! That there really is something going on even if the conventional system didn’t understand. She allowed me to explain how i was feeling and what didn’t seem or feel right in my body. We worked through each challenge. I never felt stupid. Laura provided testing and resources to get more information on my condition along with options for treatment. She made recommendations for alternative therapies. Who new I needed sauna to help me properly detox! I am grateful for her patience, support, knowledge and listening skills! Eileen

4/5/2019

I saw Laura because I was experiencing perimenopausal symptoms and more recently migraines, digestive issues, stress and borderline high blood pressure. She carefully reviewed my symptoms and test results to recommend changes to my diet, supplements and medications. She took into account my desire to minimize costs and the number of supplements. Laura made me feel that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. She is very compassionate and practical. She provided me with a quick and thorough response to all of my questions and concerns. She also provided options. Laura helped me to improve my health and well-being. I am feeling much better and more in control of my health. I am most grateful for the time, attention and encouragement that she has provided me throughout this journey. Christine

3/27/2019

I was looking for a medical provider with a holistic approach. Laura had a reputation in our community as being the go to practitioner if you wanted a whole body approach. Laura made me feel like I was not just the next 10 minute appointment. She took the time to really understand my health journey. She genuinely took interest in piecing together my puzzle, a puzzle that may not fit the text book mold. I was so excited to have her on my health team! She provided hope. When your whole life changes in a matter of a few months, looking to the future can be a scary place. I have seen seven doctors/specialist before I met Laura and not one was able to help. Laura really changed my perspective from trying to find a label to finding actionable items that would improve my health. I was able to improve my symptoms immensely and I am so grateful for that. Laura helped me get back to myself, but a better version of myself. Her recommendations empowered me to keep moving forward on my health journey. I am most grateful for Laura’s perseverance. She was the only practitioner that kept looking for answers and improvement. It was a search not for the what, but the why, why is the body out of balance causing a disease state. Holly

3/26/2019

My Primary provider sent me to Laura Dankof to have a food sensitivity test done. At that time, I was having heartburn issues and using medication daily to keep it under control. I was diagnosed with GERD back in 2001 and went through Nissen Fundoplication Surgery. When I went to Laura Dankof, I was scheduled to have testing done with a GI doctor and wondering if I would be going through surgery again. When the test came back, it showed that I have food sensitivities to peanuts, almonds, and sunflower. I had been eating trail mix everyday as a snack and as soon as I stopped eating trail mix, the heartburn went away. No testing or surgery needed – just needed to eliminate some foods from my diet. I am a true believer in food sensitivity testing!

I was so impressed with Laura Dankof, I decided to see her with other health issues I am dealing with. Laura is very professional, knowledgeable and cares about getting to the root of her patient’s health problems. CK

9/27/2018

Good Morning Laura! I just wanted to send you a message to thank you for helping me with my hormones. I joined Weight Watchers in January and have lost 24 lbs. and now all my blood levels are going down. I’m feeling great now! I don’t think I could have done it without your help! I feel like I can do anything now and that’s because of you! Lennie Houge

11/21/2015Wanted to share with all of you beautiful women out there the names of some incredible people who have helped me change my quality of life. Laura Dankof, MSN, ARNP, Celeste, owner of Great Earth Nutrition & Dr Theresa Dale & Christiane Norhtrup. If you have never been on these wonderful, educated women’s websites (www.menopausesisters.com or www.pathtohealthandhealing.com) or read any of their books, or been to see them then I highly recommend you do. I had been sick on and off most of life, chucked full of body destroying prescriptions, having almost every part in my inner body removed and still sick. I was so blessed to finally come across nurse practitioner Laura Dankof who works in Urbandale, IA and specializes in Internal Medicine. Ms. Dankof is affiliated with Mercy Medical Center & Childrens Hospital Des Moines. She has turned my life around! She works closely with Celeste at Great Earth Nutrition at 2700 University Ave, suite 104, West Des Moines. I have had stomach issues and been bloated all my life, I have severe osteoporosis, graves disease, gallbladder disease, cancer, etc. the list could go on and on. Since working with them and having a simple blood test done (a food sensitivity blood test) and finding out that the majority of every thing I was eating (which majority was a very healthy diet) was causing severe inflammation in my body & basically destroying it along with horrible prescriptions. I’m no longer on any meds, no longer eating foods that cause inflammation in me & have never felt better in my life, and the belly fat I couldn’t get rid no matter what i did……GONE! My hair has quit falling out, my skin is shinning again & my bones no longer ache. I get no hidden kickbacks for endorsing them. I just know there are so many people out there who could & would benefit from one little test! Of course insurance won’t pay for the blood test because they do not want you to get healthy. They want to keep getting richer off of you. If you are or have been dealing with chronic aches & pains, Allergies & weight problems, I highly recommend you setting up an appointment with Celeste & nurse practitioner Laura Dankof. I wish I would of founder her when I was only 5yrs old! Robin Moyer

4/17/2014Hi Laura,I am so very grateful for all that you do!! Thank God I am off all meds and finally able to heal. I’ve read so much and believe it all but am still trying to understand my unique situation. This really helps me get there along with your help! It’s like big piece of the big puzzle.For the last 20 years I have been on antidepressants, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications, never really getting better. I can’t believe how much better I feel. It’s awesome to because it is mostly because I’m doing it with your advice and the natural way! I am on the path to health and healing. Robin

5/24/2014My daughter saw Laura after a recommendation that maybe her thyroid was not functioning as she was too tired to make it through even an hour a day without wanting to collapse. she was also on the highest dosages of Abilify (15 mg) and Lexapro (40 mg) because none of the depression medications were keeping her from having panic attacks and attempting suicide. After 15 months of changing depression medications that only worked a little bit for 5 weeks, I was ready to look another direction.

My daughter tested to have the MTHFR gene mutation and began taking 15 mg of Deplin. The results were stunning about 3 days in and then I confused the antibiotic she was taking with the Deplin so she did not take it for a few days. she didn’t seem to be doing any better. Once we started the Deplin again a few days later, it was like an awakening. Her mind was clear and those that knew her well said we got her back and even better than before!

At this point, I’m trying to wean her off the high dosages of Lexapro and Abilify but doing it one medication at a time and seeing how she adjusts. Coming off of Lexapro has given her dizziness and headaches but other than that, I have a daughter who is happy and full of life. She has faced some stressful situations and no panic attacks after a couple of years of them. No signs of depression have surfaced. I have heard the word “miracle” used many times since she started taking this medication.

I also have the genetic mutation but have had no signs of depression in my lifetime. The only symptom I could say I might have had due to this mutation would be 3 miscarriages. One was at 14 weeks of pregnancy, the other two were around 6-7 weeks gestation. Hard to say if there was any connection between the mutation and miscarriages though.

I’m still shaking my head that a medicine food could make this much difference in my daughter’s life. She went from an appearance of someone dying to a vibrant young woman headed off to college in a few months. We are learning to read labels and avoid folic acid and choose the healthier alternatives when it comes to food. I guess my dad, the vitamin guru and health nut was way ahead of the medical community when it comes to a healthier lifestyle! Thank you Laura, you saved my daughter’s life literally. Connie

7/24/2014I just have to tell you that I have not had one single headache since you put me on the thyroid medication and told me to stop eating gluten. I’m in shock. I am grateful. The headaches were becoming more frequent and almost unbearable. I don’t know which — the meds or eating no gluten did it — but you have correctly figured it out between those two.

I know you’re busy, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I can’t believe I’m headache free!!!! Pamela