Founded in 2004, Yost Wellness Center in Urbandale, Iowa, has already helped thousands of patients regain their health and vitality. Led by Author, Educator and Founder Heather Yost D.C., C.F.M.P., our physicians and team are providing an environment of hope and well-being for each of their patients.
At Yost Wellness Center, we are leading a Wellness Revolution that advances a new model of health care by pioneering cutting edge treatments while utilizing Functional Medicine. This new model of health care respects you, the patient, and puts you in charge of your health and vitality. Our desire is to help you get your life back naturally, effectively and safely.
By utilizing natural vitamins, minerals, herbs and specific dietary changes that restore your body to optimal levels, strengthen the immune system, and increase energy levels, we are able to help you get well and stay well.
Our Center specializes in helping patients with hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, digestive disorders, depression/anxiety and hormone imbalances using Dr. Yost’s proprietary 5 Point Treatment Program.
Given our years of experience, level of expertise, and renowned treatment, Yost Wellness Center is considered the Holistic Health Expert.
Apart from our revolutionary paradigm and treatment, what makes us different is that we listen to you. While many medical professionals have a treat-by-number approach that is focused mainly on lab tests, diagnosis, we are busy treating our patients…listening and learning from them. It is our deepest desire to help you obtain and maintain health and wellness naturally so that you may enjoy a better quality of life, pure and simple.
Our goal is to earn your trust through exceptional care and unparalleled service. As your wellness partner, we believe your improved health and well-being is not only possible, it is expected. We would count it a privilege to be your personal guide on the path to health and wellness.
Here at Yost Wellness Center, our approach is common sense. We look at you as a whole person in your entirety, instead of as a collection of independent organs and systems. Using science-based Functional Medicine, we are able to uncover the root cause of your chronic illness. With traditional medicine, most doctors fail to look beyond your disease or symptoms. They simply provide what they believe to be the fix for your symptoms, which is often a prescription drug.
As you have probably realized, merely treating the symptoms does not fix the problem. And many times it will allow the problem to become worse.
Functional Medicine, on the other hand, looks deeper than your symptoms. We believe that diabetes, heart disease, fibromyalgia, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and other illnesses occur when the body loses proper function.As a Functional Medicine clinic, we test and never guess what your body needs. We don’t just run your basic blood test that your doctor runs once a year. Our testing may include comprehensive blood testing, holistic lab testing and genetic testing to help you discover where the imbalances in your body exist. We seek to identify the root cause for your loss of function. We discover the “why” of your suffering. Using targeted lifestyle changes, nutritionally balanced eating, and a customized supplement program, we work to restore proper function while reducing symptoms and the need for medication.The first step in discovering what’s keeping you sick and unhealthy is to schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors or take the Online Health Evaluation to instantly discover what systems of your body are the cause of your health issues and keeping you from obtaining the health you deserve.
Visionary. Teacher. Healer. Dr. Heather Yost is the Founder and CEO of Yost Wellness Center and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Doctor of Chiropractic. Born and raised in Elk Horn, Iowa, she earned her Bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Science from Iowa State University, and later obtained both her Doctorate in Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Logan College of Chiropractic. She pursued extensive post-graduate training in Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Pregnancy & Pediatrics, and Women’s Hormone Health. For over two decades, Dr. Yost has helped patients transform their health by identifying and addressing the root causes of imbalance rather than simply treating symptoms. She lives the lifestyle she teaches — focused on movement, mindfulness, and nourishment — and enjoys reading, walking, Peloton rides, learning Spanish, traveling and spending time with her husband Ben and their three children.
Precision meets compassion Dr. Meghan Knutson leads Yost Wellness Center as the Director Doctor, bringing together precision, compassion, and a deep commitment to root-cause healing. She earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic, Master’s in Nutrition and Human Performance, and Bachelor’s in Human Biology from Logan University, and is also certified in Acupuncture. Her passion for helping patients uncover the why behind their health challenges inspired her to advance her expertise into Functional Medicine, where she now focuses exclusively. Dr. Meghan combines evidence-based science with a whole-body, personalized approach to restore balance, vitality, and lasting wellness. Outside the clinic, she enjoys biking with her husband Nicholas, traveling, reading, and spending time with their daughter.
Restoring balance from the inside out. Dr. Mariah Lyle helps patients uncover the root causes of imbalance and restore lasting energy, clarity, and confidence through the principles of Functional Medicine. With a strong background in anatomy, physiology, and holistic healing, she blends the science of nutrition, hormones, and the mind-body connection into a personalized, results-driven approach. Born and raised in Keota, Iowa, Dr. Mariah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Dance from the University of Northern Iowa, followed by her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Logan University. Her doctoral training laid the foundation for a deep understanding of how the body functions as an integrated system — knowledge she now applies exclusively in her Functional Medicine practice. Known for her compassionate yet results-driven approach, Dr. Mariah empowers patients to understand their bodies, trust their instincts, and take an active role in their health.
Root-cause detective. Relatable guide. Relentless learner. Olivia Whisler’s approach to care is rooted in curiosity, science, and genuine human connection. After seeing the limitations of conventional medicine’s symptom-based model, she dedicated her career to Functional Medicine, helping patients uncover and address the root causes of illness. Her education includes studies through the Institute for Functional Medicine, nutrition coursework at the University of Western States, and clinical training at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Olivia’s deep interest in biochemistry and nutrition science fuels her evidence-based, personalized care plans that help patients thrive. A lifelong learner, she is continually expanding her knowledge to bring the most current, effective approaches to her patients. Outside of the clinic, Olivia enjoys gardening, savoring a good cup of coffee, and spending time with her family.
Ben Yost was born and raised in Charles City, IA. He completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. In addition to his undergraduate degree he holds a Masters of Business Administration from Drake University. Ben spent the majority of his career working as a commercial lender in the Des Moines market. In 2016, Ben became a Functional Medicine client. His initial blood panel revealed that despite having no outward health problems, he did indeed have an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s. Ben immediately changed his lifestyle and now enjoys the benefits of making better decisions with his diet, exercise and relaxation. He now advocates for the importance of a clean nutritious diet with daily exercise. Because of his positive results, Ben saw a need to serve the Des Moines metro and surrounding areas and tell his story so more people could have a similar experience. In his role at the clinic Ben does just that, advocating for Functional Medicine and educating as many people as possible to create long-lasting vibrant health. Outside of the office Ben enjoys bike riding, riding RAGBRAI annually, and spending as much time outside as possible. He is happily married to Dr. Heather Yost; they have three wonderful children.