Exploring Life & Business with Dr. Laura DeCesaris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Laura DeCesaris

Hi Dr. DeCesaris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Like many practitioners in the Functional Medicine space, I initially became interested in the field due to my own health struggles. In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. I felt that, as a young woman, I should be full of energy and vibrancy at that point in my life…yet I was exhausted, had no energy, had a ton of digestive issues, brain fog, and was gaining weight despite “a healthy diet and exercise.” I decided a lifetime of medication didn’t seem like the right answer to my struggles, so I started researching how Hashimoto’s develops and what I could do to support my body. This in turn led me deep into the nutrition field and eventually Functional Medicine. Using the tools, I learned, I was able to reverse my Hashimoto’s, and now at age 32 I am stronger, more energetic, more focused than I have ever been. I have not had any indication in labwork that would suggest Hashimoto’s is still a problem for me for years, though I make sure to maintain the healthy lifestyle that helped me recover. A few years ago, I made the move to Arizona from the east coast, and decided to open my own practice, focusing on helping those who wanted to really dig in to their health and wellness and feel better, look better, and be more productive. Arizona is such a diverse, wonderful place to live, and it’s a good environment for me to continue optimizing my health and mental well-being! I found I especially love working with high-performing women, who have a unique set of challenges in their health and wellness. Especially after all of the challenges the last year has brought, working women are juggling more than ever, and they often place their health on the back burner. I’m here to show them it doesn’t have to be that way! By using advanced health strategies, I curate a wellness experience for each woman that takes her individual challenges and goals into account. These women can’t use cookie-cutter programs – they are wired differently, and require a level of fine-tuning that most people will never understand. By creating a personalized blueprint to reach their wellness goals, I’m able to streamline each woman’s health journey and teach her the tools she needs to take her health back into her own hands…without sacrificing her career or precious time with loved ones. I truly believe every woman can “have it all,” whatever “it all” is to her! And I’m here to support her on that journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t, but I think everyone learns valuable things from struggles. When I moved to Arizona, it came on the heels of a very emotionally tumultuous time for me, during which I received a second autoimmune diagnosis of lupus. I’m so grateful I know how to help and heal myself, and I’ve managed to send that condition into remission as well. The takeaway for me? You can be eating and moving and sleeping perfectly…but emotional stress and trauma can still wreak havoc on your health. It’s such an important piece of the puzzle for a lot of women, and we don’t talk about it enough in our world. These struggles led me to getting very clear on and aligned with the audience I wish to serve, so I choose to take away the positive parts of it, and use it to help other women avoid the negative impact of stress on their minds and bodies.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about your work?
Earlier this year, I opened my doors virtually to women around the world under my personal brand, Dr. Laura DeCesaris. I still see clients in-person here in Arizona, but the explosion of telehealth has allowed me to expand my reach and offer my consulting services worldwide. Being a health strategist for high-achieving women is exactly what you’d think it is. I apply cutting-edge functional medicine tools, a sound knowledge of nutrition and metabolism, and real-world experience to create a personalized, sustainable pathway to optimal health and performance. If you want to get something done in your business but it’s not your strong suit, you delegate it out. Why is your health any different? It’s the #1 business expense you can delegate! It’s my specialty and passion, and if you want to unlock your unique potential, let me help you find the key. My background? I am a functional medicine-trained health strategist for female entrepreneurs, career women, and highly motivated women. I obtained my undergraduate background in health and nutrition from Cornell University, and continued on to graduate programs in clinical nutrition and chiropractic. I then trained with the Institute for Functional Medicine and completed my functional medicine certification. I am currently completing an additional fellowship in Functional Medicine with the Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine. I am a lover of learning, but I am passionate about turning my knowledge into actionable steps for my clients! I am also the founder of Heartroot Health, a wellness center in Scottsdale, AZ. I focus on helping clients identify their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their health and performance, and strategically use that information to create the healthy lifestyle they have always wanted. When I’m not working, I’m out moving. I love hiking, weight lifting, team sports, yoga…you name it! I like to balance this out with quality time with my loved ones, because what working woman doesn’t want to truly have it all? At the core, I’m a nurturer who is passionate about making sure women care for themselves, in addition to all of their other obligations and responsibilities. I believe every woman has the power to create the exact life she wants for herself, and I will provide the motivation and accountability for her to reach that dream. I’ll lead you to the water…but I’ll make sure you take the drink once you’re there! I’m extremely proud of the brand I’ve created, and am working to build an authentic community of like-minded women looking to up level their health. In addition to 1:1 consulting, I also offer one-time “Deep Dive” Lab Consultations, and am about to roll out my group offering, Power45. Power45 was created out of a need to have a specialized health and performance reset for busy working women. In 45 days, you’ll transform your mind and body, leaving the challenge with more energy, better focus, a fired-up metabolism, and the tools to start optimizing your sleep and nutrition to support your goals. And – you get to meet and network with a community of other powerhouse women who are working towards goals like yours!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those just starting out on their wellness journey, I’d recommend writing down your goals, and then focusing on the basics. Are you eating nutrient-dense food? Are you moving your body? Are you prioritizing sleep? If you can honestly say you’re doing those 3 things and you still aren’t feeling well or want to improve, then you start finetuning in different areas. This is where working with a functional medicine doctor and specialized health coaches or nutritionists come into play. Delegate your health out, and you’ll save yourself so much time, money, and frustration. When I was starting out, I wish I was able to find someone like me – a woman who would take my unique stressors and biochemistry into account, and help teach me the tools I needed for a lifetime of health and success. I had so many questions and was so overwhelmed trying to figure it out on my own, especially when I was in school and working during that time. I probably would have gotten healthier much faster if someone was there to help me streamline the process! My experience is why I created my practice today!

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@drlauradecesaris.com
• Website: www.drlauradecesaris.com
• Instagram: @dr.lauradecesaris
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/drlauradecesaris
• Other: Private FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/ambitiouswomanwellness

Image Credits
Elaine Kessler, Stacey Poterson