Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines

Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines Dr. Sarah Outlaw, BCDHH - Holistic Doctor - Safe, natural solutions for many health concerns. What is Nutrition Response Testing? GREAT NEWS!

Our Health Improvement Program Uses a Specific Method of Muscle Testing Called Nutrition Response Testing® to Create Designed Clinical Nutrition for each individual client. Who can this program benefit:

*Do you have one or more health conditions that have become chronic?

*Have you tried conventional medicine or even alternative practitioners without seeing or feeling an improvement in your health?

*Have you experienced a negative impact in your personal life, in relationships you’re your spouse or children, at your job, and/or in personal finances as a result of health issues?

*Are you afraid that in time your health issues are not going to get better and will probably continue to worsen unless effective changes are made? If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, and you are ready to commit to making the changes necessary to begin your journey to wellness, we invite you to participate in our Health Improvement Program here at NHIC. This program incorporates the process of Nutrition Response Testing® to effectively find the source of the health problem and gives us the tools to help you correct it. Health Improvement Program

Our Health Improvement/Nutrition Response Testing® Program requires your commitment to taking charge of your own health and your commitment to following recommendations faithfully in order to optimize your potential health benefits. In order to do this effectively we need to make sure that you are aware of what Nutrition Response Testing® is and upon what we expect of you. If you want to get healthy and stay healthy, and you are ready to take control to restore your health and wellness, then you are a candidate for this program. Nutrition Response Testing is very precise and scientific. However, if you were to be analyzed using Nutrition Response Testing before it was explained to you, you might find it strange, or simply not believable – only because it is probably very different from anything you may have experienced before. Nutrition Response Testing® is a non-invasive system of analyzing the body in order to determine the root cause of ill health. It uses muscle strength testing to communicate with the body’s own innate intelligence to evaluate the body’s response to a broad variety of substances that may be affecting health and function. Through our analysis we are testing your body’s neurological reflexes. These reflexes are the body’s way of telling us what and how the nervous system is doing. We test organs, glands, joints, muscles, etc. The body responds to these procedures reliably and consistently. This feedback is so precise that it opens the door to a safe and lasting recovery, even in cases where everything else has failed. YOUR BODY has the potential to fully repair most anything for itself, given the right nutrients and care. It is very important that you understand what Nutrition Response Testing® is and appreciate how it works. Otherwise, you are less likely to follow through and actually do what you need to do to get well. If you do not follow through, you will not experience the benefits you seek. In Nutrition Response Testing® we do not diagnose or treat disease. There are two parts to the program

Part 1 - Analysis – the assessment of your body’s current health status

*The analysis is done through testing the body’s own neurological reflexes and certain acupuncture points. Nutrition Response Testing® analyzes the different points and areas on the surface of the body that relate to the state of health and to the flow of energy in each and every organ and function of the body.

*The neurological reflexes are derived from the part of the nervous system whose job it is to regulate the functions of each and every organ. The acupuncture points are selected from the ancient Chinese system of acupuncture, which is thousands of years old.

* Each Nutrition Response Testing® reflex represents a specific organ, tissue or function, and it indicates the effect that energy or lack of energy, is having upon the body. By testing these reflexes, we have a system of monitoring your body at each visit that has proven to be extremely accurate clinically and that helps us identify exactly what the body needs and how well we are meeting that need. How Do You Do The Nutrition Response Testing® Analysis? Think about a common medical test called the electrocardiogram [EKG] that is used to test the neuro-electric activity of the heart. Like an EKG but instead of using a machine, the Nutrition Response Testing® practitioner tests the reflex areas through contact with his / her own hand. With the practitioner’s other hand, he / she will test the muscle of your extended arm. If the reflex being contacted is “active” the nervous system will respond by reducing energy to the extended arm and the arm will weaken and drop. This drop signifies underlying stress or dysfunction which can be affecting your health. Part 2 - Implementation – personalized health and nutritional recommendations and supplementation.

*Our next step is to test specific, time-tested and proven, highest-possible quality nutritional formulas against those weak areas, to find which ones bring the reflexes back to strength.

*Decades of clinical experience tell us that when we have found the correct nutritional supplements, as indicated by this procedure, and have worked out a highly personalized nutritional supplement schedule, we have identified the most important first step in correcting the underlying deficiency or imbalance that caused the reflex to be active in the first place. By following the program as precisely as possible, you are well on your way to restoring normal function and improving your health.

*In Nutrition Response Testing® we use Designed Clinical Nutrition to correct the cause of the problem, so that the body can regain the ability to correct itself. What is a Designed Clinical Nutrition? Designed Clinical Nutrition is what it says . . .

*Designed (specially prepared, based on a specific plan)

*Clinical (pertaining to the results gotten in clinical use or actual practice on huge numbers of patients over many years)

*Nutrition (real food, designed by nature to enable the body to repair itself and grow healthfully). Designed Clinical Nutrition is concentrated, whole food in a tablet, capsule, powder or liquid, prepared using a unique manufacturing process that preserves all of the active enzymes and vital components that make it work as Nature intended. These real food supplements have been designed to match the needs of the body, as determined by the positive response shown when tested against the active Nutrition Response Testing® reflexes that were found on your individual Nutrition Response Testing® analysis. These are nutrients you are simply not getting, or not assimilating, in your current diet. Designed Clinical Nutrition does NOT employ Over-The-Counter vitamins. O-T-C vitamins are pharmaceutically engineered chemical fractions of vitamin structures reproduced in a laboratory. O-T-C vitamins are not “genuine replacement parts” as they lack many of the essential elements normally present in WHOLE foods. SUMMARY

Through an analysis of your body’s reflexes, we help you to determine the exact nutrients you need to supplement your diet in order to bring about balance and better health. We make these highly concentrated therapeutic formulations available to you in tablets, capsules, powdered or in liquid form to “supplement” your current diet. That’s why they are called “food supplements.” Depending on your individual situation, we might also require that you make some specific changes in your diet & eating habits and in your routines, in order to bring about the best possible result. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

✨ We’re moving to Waukee! ✨Big changes are happening at Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines, and we are so e...
02/20/2026

✨ We’re moving to Waukee! ✨

Big changes are happening at Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines, and we are so excited to share them with you.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will officially open our new Waukee location on Monday, March 16.

📍 New Address:
95 NE Dartmoor
Waukee, IA

Same care. Same philosophy. A beautiful new space to continue supporting your health at the root.

Thank you for being part of our community and trusting us with your health journey. We cannot wait to welcome you into our new clinic.

💚
Dr. Sarah Outlaw
Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines

Are we really still eating oatmeal every day?Variety matters. Your body thrives on rotation, not repetition. Eating the ...
02/20/2026

Are we really still eating oatmeal every day?

Variety matters. Your body thrives on rotation, not repetition. Eating the same food daily can quietly drive imbalances over time, especially when that food spikes blood sugar.

Oatmeal is not the health food it was marketed to be.

For many people, oats are high glycemic and can raise blood sugar quickly, especially when eaten alone. That blood sugar spike can drive cortisol, inflammation, cravings, and energy crashes later in the morning.

Non-organic oats are also one of the most heavily sprayed crops and frequently test high for glyphosate residues.

Oats are naturally high in phytic acid, which can bind minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, reducing absorption over time when eaten frequently.

Many people also react to oats due to gluten cross reactivity, even when labeled gluten free (mostly because of the glyphosate, but that’s a post for another day!)

And while oats contain some protein, they are not a meaningful protein source for hormone balance, muscle maintenance, or metabolic health.

Oat milk deserves its own warning

Oat milk is essentially blended starch water. It is highly processed, rapidly raises blood sugar, and is often made with non organic oats. Many brands also contain inflammatory seed oils and added sugars.

From a metabolic and hormone perspective, oat milk offers very little benefit and a lot of downside. It is one of the worst milk alternatives for blood sugar stability.

If you choose oats occasionally, do it wisely
• Choose organic only
• Soak overnight with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or yogurt to reduce phytic acid
• Cook thoroughly after soaking
• Never eat oats alone
• Always pair with protein and healthy fats to slow glucose response

Oatmeal is not a daily requirement for health despite what it says on the Cheerios box.
And oat milk is a hard no for most people.

The more you know.

💚Dr. Sarah Outlaw

Worried about your blood pressure? You might be reacting to a moving target.Let’s stop 🛑 and think 🤔 for a minute, ok?In...
02/19/2026

Worried about your blood pressure? You might be reacting to a moving target.

Let’s stop 🛑 and think 🤔 for a minute, ok?

In the past, blood pressure ranges looked very different than they do today.

In the 1970s, readings around 160/95 were often considered acceptable.
By the mid 1980s, that shifted to 140/90.
Now many people are told they should be closer to 110/70, with higher numbers quickly labeled as dangerous.

Here is the problem.

People did not suddenly become sicker. The goalposts moved.

When the definition of “normal” keeps dropping, more people are told something is wrong with them. That fear alone can raise blood pressure and send people straight into panic mode, convinced a stroke is around the corner.

Blood pressure is not just a number. It is influenced by stress, inflammation, blood sugar imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, hormones, sleep quality, toxins, and nervous system overload.

Lower numbers on a chart do not automatically mean better health. They often mean more anxiety and more medications without addressing why the blood pressure is elevated in the first place.

Real health comes from understanding what the body is responding to, not from chasing ever changing guidelines.

If you have been told your blood pressure is too high, pause before panicking. Ask why. Look deeper.

That’s what we do here at NHIC!

If you want a root cause focused conversation instead of fear driven answers, message me directly.

-Dr. Sarah

This coming week, I’ve intentionally kept a few new patient consultation and testing appointments open.And I want to be ...
02/19/2026

This coming week, I’ve intentionally kept a few new patient consultation and testing appointments open.

And I want to be honest about why.

So many people reach out after years of feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or told that everything looks “normal” while their body clearly says otherwise.

If you are dealing with things like:
• Fatigue that never fully lifts
• Weight that will not budge despite doing “all the right things”
• Hormone chaos, migraines, or mood swings
• Digestive issues, bloating, or food reactions
• Autoimmune patterns, thyroid concerns, or chronic inflammation
• Brain fog, anxiety, or feeling stuck in survival mode

There is usually more going on beneath the surface.

In my practice, we do not guess.
We do not chase symptoms.
We look for why your body is responding the way it is, using functional testing, muscle testing, and a root-cause approach that connects the dots between systems.

When you book with me, you are not rushed.
You are listened to.
And your care plan is built for your body, not a generic protocol.

If you have been feeling that nudge to finally take your health seriously, this may be your opening.

Appointments are limited for next week, and once they are filled, they are filled.

If this resonates, message me. We have in person and virtual appointments available.

Dr. Sarah Outlaw
Natural Health Improvement Centers

Thankful Thursday 🤍Stories like this are exactly why we do what we do.When someone chooses to invest in their health and...
02/19/2026

Thankful Thursday 🤍

Stories like this are exactly why we do what we do.

When someone chooses to invest in their health and fully commit to the process, the body can respond in incredible ways.

This client showed up.
They followed through.
They stayed consistent.

That matters.

This work is not about quick fixes or shortcuts. It is about addressing root patterns, supporting the body intelligently, and honoring the commitment required for meaningful change.

Your health is not an expense.
It is an investment.
And it is an investment worth making.

I am so proud of this journey and deeply grateful to be part of stories like this every single day.

If you are ready to invest in your health and partner with your body instead of fighting it, you know where to find me.

Dr. Sarah Outlaw
Natural Health Improvement Centers

02/17/2026

Our much anticipated move to Waukee is just one month away! Stay tuned to social media, and if you are a patient to patient newsletters that come to your email for updates. Our first clinic day there is scheduled to be Monday, March 16th!

🌿 Healing is not linear!At NHIC, we are dedicated to getting to the root cause of your symptoms, and when we do, true he...
02/16/2026

🌿 Healing is not linear!

At NHIC, we are dedicated to getting to the root cause of your symptoms, and when we do, true healing happens!

We understand that in a world of quick fixes, waiting for real, lasting results can feel frustrating. But natural healing isn’t instant, it’s a process. Your body has an incredible ability to heal, but it takes time, consistency, and commitment to see real change.

💡 What You Can Expect With Us

When you begin a natural health improvement program with us, you can trust that we have a proven system that works. Once we identify and address the root cause, your body can start restoring itself. However, healing is not always fast or linear, it can take anywhere from six months to three years to fully reverse long-standing health issues.

💚 Who This Program Is For

We are here for people who are ready for long-term, sustainable health, those who are committed to:
✔️ Being patient & trusting the process
✔️ Making real dietary & lifestyle changes
✔️ Taking whole food & herbal supplements as part of healing
✔️ Following a customized plan without adding or removing things on their own
✔️ Working with a practitioner for guidance rather than jumping from one solution to another

❌ Who This Program May Not Be For

If you’re looking for a quick fix, prefer short-term symptom relief over deep healing, or struggle with making consistent changes, this approach might not be the right fit. But that’s okay! We want to work with those who are ready to commit to real health transformation.

✨ The Good News? Healing IS Possible!

If you’re ready to invest in your health, trust the process, and make sustainable changes, then this is the program for you! And we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

We promise to always be honest with you because your health and well-being are our top priorities.

🌱 Health Starts Here!

👉 Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation today!

Eight years ago today was our very first open clinic day in Des Moines!Some of you have been with us since that very fir...
02/15/2026

Eight years ago today was our very first open clinic day in Des Moines!

Some of you have been with us since that very first week, and that still amazes us. Remember those days when I traveled back-and-forth from New Jersey to Des Moines every other week for over two years to see patients?! Those were crazy times!

We started in a small 900 square foot space on Merle Hay Road with a big mission. Help people get to the root cause of their symptoms and see real results. Since then, we have grown into a thriving in-person clinic and a worldwide virtual practice serving patients across the country.

As we prepare to move our practice to Waukee next month, we are feeling incredibly grateful. Your trust, your support, and your belief in root cause care built this clinic.

Your referrals are the highest compliment we could ever receive. They help someone take that first brave step toward changing their health. If you know someone who needs answers, clarity, or a different approach, we would be honored if you shared our name.

If you are not yet a patient, we would love to support you on your holistic healthcare journey. We currently have a couple of new patient openings next Tuesday and Wednesday for both in-person and virtual visits.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️Helping to take care of you and those you love is at the heart of what we do! Wishing you lots o...
02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️

Helping to take care of you and those you love is at the heart of what we do!

Wishing you lots of love today!

Love Yourself Enough to Give Yourself the Gift of Real Health ❤️As we wrap up Love Month at Natural Health Improvement C...
02/13/2026

Love Yourself Enough to Give Yourself the Gift of Real Health ❤️

As we wrap up Love Month at Natural Health Improvement Center of Des Moines, I want to speak to the woman I see most here in my practice. The woman I once was! The woman who has been holding everything together while quietly running on empty.

You take care of everyone else.
You push through the fatigue.
You ignore the weight gain, the brain fog, the headaches.
You tell yourself you will deal with it later.

Later turns into years.

In the high stress world we live in, we are not guaranteed a long life. Ignoring symptoms does not make them disappear. They are signals. Your body is communicating.

At our practice, we do not chase symptoms. We ask why.

Why are you exhausted?
Why are your hormones off?
Why is your metabolism struggling?
Why does your nervous system feel constantly on edge?

We use functional blood work, advanced muscle testing, and metabolic analysis to uncover what is actually driving your symptoms. Then we create a personalized plan to support your body at the root level.

This is your reminder that loving yourself is not selfish. It is responsible.

If your cup is empty, it is time to fill it.

We see patients in person and virtually nationwide. No matter where you live in the country, we can help you turn your attention back to you.

Call 515-243-0173 to schedule your appointment. We have availability as soon as the upcoming week!

Your health is not something to put off. It is the foundation for everything else.

Address

403 SW 8th Street
Des Moines, IA
50309

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 1pm - 6pm

Telephone

+15152430173

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