CELIAC DISEASE – Interview with Nataša Forstner Holešek

For many, receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease can feel overwhelming, but for Nataša Forstner Holešek, a nutrition technologist and expert in gluten-free diets, it was a turning point in her life. After years of unexplained health issues, she finally found the cause of her struggles. Now, as an advocate and volunteer for the Slovenian Society for Celiac Disease, Nataša uses her personal experience to help others navigate the challenges of living with celiac disease and adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.

A Diagnosis That Brought Clarity: For Nataša, the diagnosis of celiac disease came as a relief. With two young children and years of unexplained fatigue and health problems, she had spent over 15 years searching for answers. After undergoing several medical tests and finally receiving a diagnosis, she immediately began a gluten-free diet, and the results were almost miraculous. Within just a week, her energy levels improved, and within months, the symptoms that had plagued her, such as skin rashes and hair loss, began to disappear. As she describes it, the diagnosis was not a burden, but rather a blessing that set her on a path to a healthier life and a new mission of helping others.

Helping Families and Patients Understand Gluten-Free Living: Nataša now dedicates much of her time to advising newly diagnosed celiac patients and families with children who have the condition. She emphasizes the importance of patient education, particularly when it comes to shopping for gluten-free foods and navigating the challenges of dining out. In Slovenia, eating gluten-free outside the home remains a significant challenge, but Nataša provides practical advice on how to safely find gluten-free options, especially for teenagers who may feel embarrassed by their dietary restrictions.

Understanding Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance: Nataša explains the critical difference between celiac disease, gluten allergy, and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet to avoid severe damage to the body. Gluten allergy, on the other hand, can manifest through allergic reactions, and in some cases, may even fade over time. Gluten intolerance, though less understood, presents symptoms similar to celiac disease but does not involve the autoimmune response seen in celiac patients.

Adapting to a Gluten-Free Lifestyle: One of the most common challenges Nataša addresses is the high cost of gluten-free foods, which can be several times more expensive than their regular counterparts. She works with the Slovenian Society for Celiac Disease to raise awareness of these price disparities and advocates for more affordable options. Additionally, she shares her personal tips for maintaining a gluten-free kitchen, from switching out wooden cutting boards to using separate toasters for gluten-free products.

Menu Ideas for a Gluten-Free Diet: Nataša’s daily menu is both nutritious and varied. For breakfast, she typically enjoys eggs or mackerel with fresh vegetables, while lunch often consists of meat paired with a variety of vegetables. Her favorite dinner is a hearty millet or buckwheat porridge with healthy toppings like chia seeds or goji berries.

Nataša Forstner Holešek’s journey with celiac disease has transformed her life in unexpected ways. While the diagnosis initially seemed daunting, it ultimately led her to a healthier lifestyle and a fulfilling career helping others manage their autoimmune conditions. By sharing her experiences and expertise, she is empowering others to take control of their health and embrace gluten-free living with confidence.