Laura Acosta, RD

Laura Acosta, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are your primary partners in preventive care, collaboratively creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and providing expert medical nutrition therapy and wellness counseling to empower you to achieve and maintain optimal well-being. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance.

Dr. Laura RD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, including an internship at the University of Florida (graduated 2007), gaining foundational clinical experience. As the owner and founder of LifeStyle Wellness, her philosophy is simple: make health a way of life! We believe that prevention is the best medicine, and we are dedicated to helping you create a lifestyle that fosters good health through proper nutrition and regular exercise. With numerous credentials in both nutrition and fitness, and over a decade of industry experience, Laura has the expertise you can trust to deliver solid results. She is a dietitian in Gainesville, FL and is accepting new patients. Please call (352) 375-1158 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Laura RD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Laura RD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Laura RD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Laura RD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Diabetes: By adopting a diabetes-friendly diet and lifestyle, you can often prevent or delay the onset of this chronic disease and maintain your overall health.
• Food Allergy: Early detection and management of food allergies are vital steps in preventive healthcare, minimizing the risk of severe reactions and long-term health complications.
• Food Intolerances: Early detection and proactive management of food intolerances can help avoid nutrient deficiencies and support a healthy lifestyle.
• Heart Disease: Early detection and management of heart disease, greatly aided by a nutritious diet, can prevent serious complications and improve your long-term health.
• Hypertension: Early detection of high blood pressure is key to preventing long-term damage to your heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
• Kidney Disease: Working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan can help manage kidney disease and improve overall health and well-being.
• Osteoporosis: Preventing osteoporosis starts with building strong bones early in life through proper nutrition and regular weight-bearing exercise, minimizing your risk of debilitating fractures later on.
• Weight Loss: Achieving a healthy weight reduces your risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Laura RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Diet Counseling: Take control of your health with personalized diet counseling; learn how to eat for optimal well-being and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
• Exercise Counseling: Proactive exercise counseling helps you create a personalized fitness plan to prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
• Nutritional Counseling: Partner with an RDN to create a dietary plan tailored to your specific health goals, helping you prevent future health complications.
• Cholesterol Screening: Knowing your cholesterol levels is key to maintaining good health; a cholesterol screening empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Eating disorder treatment offers a supportive environment to identify and address underlying issues contributing to disordered eating, promoting sustainable healthy habits.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Proactively protect your long-term health with an oral glucose tolerance test; it measures your body's response to sugar, helping detect early signs of insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for numerous health conditions.
• Detoxification: By focusing on nutrient-rich foods and minimizing processed foods, we can work together to support your body's natural detoxification systems and improve your energy levels.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Florida.

Dr. Laura RD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers/Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Client's life:

• By following a personalized meal plan and incorporating regular exercise, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing diabetes, achieving greater peace of mind about their future health.
• A family, with the guidance of a registered dietitian nutritionist, proactively identified potential food sensitivities, significantly reducing the risk of future allergic reactions and fostering a more peaceful approach to mealtimes.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Dr. Laura RD:

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional with extensive training and supervised practice experience. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, so it does not ensure a comparable level of education or experience. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Laura RD?

Your first visit with Dr. Laura will be a comprehensive and collaborative assessment. We will review your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This is the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan for you.

My child is a picky eater. Can you help?

Dr. Laura RD and her team work with families to address picky eating in children. They can offer strategies to expand a child's palate, ensure they are meeting their nutrient needs for growth, and reduce mealtime stress for the whole family.

How can you help a patient undergoing cancer treatment?

Dr. Laura RD can support patients undergoing cancer treatment by managing treatment side effects like nausea and appetite loss, preventing weight loss, and maintaining strength. This helps patients better tolerate their treatments and overall improves their well-being.

Do you work with patients who have eating disorders?

Yes, RDs are a vital part of the eating disorder treatment team. Dr. Laura works collaboratively with therapists and doctors to help patients heal their relationship with food, establish regular eating patterns, and achieve nutritional rehabilitation in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

Yes, proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy for both the mother and baby's health. Dr. Laura RD can provide personalized guidance on key nutrients, healthy weight gain, and managing pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or nausea.

What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is an evidence-based approach to treating medical conditions using a personalized diet plan. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) provides this formal process to manage diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease. It's often covered by insurance.

I want to lose weight. Can you just give me a meal plan?

While sample meal plans can be helpful, a personalized approach focusing on sustainable habits, portion control, and a healthy relationship with food is key to long-term weight management success. Dr. Laura RD will work with you to create a plan that meets your individual needs and preferences. This includes creating a tailored nutrition plan and educating you on making lasting lifestyle changes.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 375-1158

Laura Acosta, RD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1093047672

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) like Dr. Laura RD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.