Women's health is a complex and layered system full of interdependencies that, fortunately, are being discussed more and more often - thanks to excellent experts. Menopause, thyroid and ovarian functionality, insulin resistance, skin problems and weight gain, the issue of motherhood and sexuality... These are just some of the topics that Mr. Nenad Bratković, Master of Nutrition, Master of Phytopharmacy and Dietotherapy, and the initiator of the famous symposium "Integrative Approach to Women's Health" focuses on.
After last year's successful collaboration on the Olival x dm FOREVER YOUNG tour of Zagreb's neighborhoods, where we jointly conducted free consultations for the public, the occasion for the conversation is the new edition of the aforementioned symposium on March 8th in Zagreb, which is now open to the public and which we are pleased to sponsor. Find out what to expect at the symposium and why it is a more than necessary investment in your own knowledge and health below.
What exactly (and what does) an integrative approach to women's health entail?
An integrative approach to women's health implies understanding and observing women's health in the entirety of all factors that undeniably influence their health outcomes; without a reductionist approach that focuses on only one segment.
Hormonal status, microbiome, genetic predisposition, nutrition, sleep, social interaction, sexual health, emotions, previous traumas and injuries, and life events, as well as cosmetics and clothing - these are all some of the significant factors that have been scientifically proven to significantly and influence the occurrence of health conditions and the preservation of health and quality of life.
The integration and interdisciplinary nature of all experts is important; doctors of various specializations, nutritionists, pharmacists, phytotherapists, kinesiologists, osteopaths, kinesitherapists and physiotherapists, psychologists... In other words, all those health experts who can truly contribute, each in their own sphere of activity, to better outcomes in prevention, as well as primary and secondary prevention of health conditions.
In its essence, an integrative approach to health is not satisfied by treating symptoms, but by looking for the causes of health conditions. But scientifically based, not only through the empirical aspect, in addition - avoiding the traps of pseudoscience and personal beliefs of people who are not health experts.
How did you come up with the idea of the symposium, and then the idea of opening it to the general public?
I have always been professionally interested in the integration of all knowledge and professions with the science of nutrition. From the beginning, from 2007 onwards, I have strived through media and public activities, and professional lectures, for a better status and recognition of nutrition as a health profession.
In addition to professional collaborations with doctors of numerous specializations, pharmacists, therapists and other experts, the education I have undergone (mostly abroad), and the observations I have gained, women have stood out the most with their inquiries at NutriKlinika with a desire for expert advice, work and nutritional strategies for their various health conditions.
In other words, they took responsibility for their health, and that really motivated me to bring together experts and a project that would make a difference for them and for all of us.
I also listened to the problems, judgments, and challenges they encountered in their efforts to improve their health.
It is precisely through a personalized approach and daily work with women, listening to the problems they face, the misunderstandings they encounter, that I decided in 2019 to create this kind of project of educational symposia and conferences, as well as other projects that are in preparation, under the umbrella name Integrative Approach to Women's Health.
I'm happy that it caused a real "boom" in the profession at the time, as well as in the years since. But apart from experts, I believed that every woman has the right to learn more about her health; what affects it, what is not talked about, and to provide them with the knowledge and skills to better cope with the challenges of health and life stages.
Women's health, in a physiological sense, is in many ways specific to men, especially if we include hormonal influences in this context.
There are many examples; "another state - pregnancy" which has its own medical, nutritional and other laws as well as consequences. Normal life transitional periods that a woman encounters, such as perimenopause, postmenopause, throughout history and society have been met with either condemnation or a fatalistic approach (the symptoms must be so).
A great example is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism, as an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland – which is significantly more common in women than in men.
All of us, experts, but also everyone else, especially women, have the basic human right to ask – why? And how can I help myself?
Women's Day is becoming Health Day, with 10 experts from various fields, from nutrition and gynecology to neurology and psychology. Can you introduce them to us?
Two eminent experts: a female and a male gynecologist, will be an important part of the "backbone" of the symposium's professional program:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Ulla Marton, subspecialist in gynecological endocrinology, pioneer of the holistic integrative approach in Croatia for more than 25 years from the Marton Polyclinic; known for her warm and committed approach to women's rights and health.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Oliver Vasilj, a subspecialist in fetal medicine from the Medifem Polyclinic, is loved by his many patients for his simple and humane approach, high expertise in treatment and timely examinations through clear explanations. Prof. Vasilj himself advocates the great importance of nutrition and physical activity in preserving women's health.
Furthermore:
Dr. med. Goran Ivkić, neurology specialist, subspecialist in epileptology, headache and migraine expert from the Croatian Institute for Brain Research will also be lecturing at the NutriKlinika symposium for the second time. Dr. Ivkić is distinguished by a comprehensive approach to treatment, which includes dedicated work and conversations with his patients. With incredible ease and very convincing work with his patients, he proves that the brain and neurological system are closely connected and mutually dependent on women's health.
The primary care physician, Dr. Sanja Gregurić, as an expert dermatovenerologist, has cultivated a holistic and "tailor-made" modern approach to each patient throughout her career, including synergistic knowledge of micronutrition. Her approach to patients is characterized by seeking the causes of dermatological conditions, emphasizing the importance of the function and condition of the digestive system and nutritional status.
Dr. Ines Čavar, is an expert I first met as my trainer and then a doctoral student who worked on the topic of estrogen fluctuations during the phases of the menstrual cycle on motor abilities in women. And in addition to impeccable fitness, Dr. Čavar is an expert in pain conditions and treating the underlying causes of these conditions. She educates about movement and pain conditions, after learning from eminent world experts in the fields of kinesitherapy, functional neurology and pain medicine, and osteopathy.
Doc. dr. sc. Stribor Marković is a walking encyclopedia, an erudite, a brilliant expert who enjoys transferring knowledge, he is currently an assistant professor at the University of Rijeka at the Department of Biotechnology. He combines knowledge from medical biochemistry, pharmacy, phytopharmacy and micronutrition and is in many professional ways one of my professional role models. His professional career is truly rich, from scientific and research (PLIVA, Institute of Immunology) to personal work with patients and university work with students.
Nataša Barolin Belić is a Master of Gestalt psychotherapy and a sex and relationship therapist. She loves her job and in her work she tries to share with her clients the importance of conscious presence in one's own life and the beauty of accepting one's own responsibility for one's life. She helps clients to nurture and develop their personal, partner and sexual well-being. She is recognized not only in her profession, but also in the public, and is a regular guest contributor on HRT.
Josip Staničić, MD, a nuclear medicine specialist, is one of the founders and owners of the Perić and Staničić Polyclinic; for 7 years he was employed at the Department of Thyroid Diseases of the Clinic for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine of the Sestre milosrdnice Clinical Hospital as a nuclear medicine specialist, and since August 2021 he has been working at the Perić-Staničić Polyclinic. His narrower area of expertise includes diagnostics and treatment of thyroid diseases.
Božidar Perić, MD, a specialist in internal medicine, is one of the founders and owners of the Perić and Staničić Polyclinic; since 2015, he has been working at the Institute for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases "Mladen Sekso" as a subspecialist in endocrinology and diabetology.
Personally, I don't like to talk about myself; I am driven by professional curiosity and a desire for continuous learning; the desire to help people and the personal results of my clients and patients, as well as the professional projects of my associates throughout my 16 years of professional activity and work through NutriKlinika. I am proud of the trust I enjoy in my long-term cooperation with these experts, who are also great people.
You emphasize the interactivity of the panel. Does this mean that female visitors can prepare questions? Will there be opportunities for individual conversations and counseling?
A panel discussion will be the backbone of the program, along with great introductory thematic lectures, and visitors will be able to ask questions during the program and receive answers to selected questions. Given the complexity and the need to approach each woman separately, in privacy, but personalized, we will also provide a raffle with valuable examinations, consultations, and discounts from our eminent lecturers.
You often say that we should look for the causes of illness, not just treat the symptoms. In general, what are the most common causes of women's illnesses that you encounter in your daily work?
I mentioned Hashimoto's thyroiditis earlier, an autoimmune thyroid disease that is much more common in women. It is often (but not always) caused by insulin resistance, which we can definitely address with our diet strategy.
Insulin resistance and prediabetes as an independent or related medical condition/diagnosis are very common underlying causes of unexplained weight gain, or high blood pressure; although this condition did not arise on its own - one of the dominant causes is considered to be lifestyle, which includes diet, and also, the common denominator is chronic low-grade inflammation; physical inactivity, a diet devoid of nutrients (fiber, protein, anti-inflammatory fats) and rich in calories and pro-inflammatory fats and sugars.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common indication for women who contact us. Our gynecologists with whom we collaborate, such as Prof. Dr. Vasilj, like to say that this syndrome is not an ovarian disease but a consequence of lifestyle, including diet. A large number of women suffer from elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, which significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease in general, where we successfully apply measurable nutritional and supplementation interventions.
One of the biggest open questions is whether menopause can be the most beautiful time in a woman's life. What do you, as an expert, say – can it be, and what should women focus on to truly maintain their quality of life?
Yes, menopause is one of the areas of professional activity where I often educate about the connection between diet and the frequency of symptoms, but also the quality of menopause. Socially, menopause has been a taboo topic, somehow always swept "under the rug", this is the case in many Western societies, unlike Eastern societies where women in menopause are supported, understood, and helped. Indeed, menopause can be a significantly more painless and quality period in a woman's life, not only in terms of the symptoms we call vasomotor (hot flashes, mood swings, night waking), but it can also reduce the risk of diseases and so-called comorbidities associated with the menopausal period (risk of certain cancers, osteopenia, cardiovascular diseases).
The importance of exercise during menopause is essential, not just because of calorie restriction, but because it improves the balance of glycemia (blood sugar) and hormonal sensitivity. Bone density and muscle strength are maintained, which then reduce the risk of metabolic diseases and fragility in old age. Also, reducing body fat is a priority during menopause because it reduces the risk of certain cancerous diseases (cancer). A diet based on plant foods, rich in polyphenols and carotenoids and fiber in general, legumes, but also devoid of excessive (and generally) alcohol consumption, as well as processed meats and ultra-processed food products, is the path to a healthy perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. As a result, the skin status will be more enviable, especially the hydration status.
As an expert, you recognize and appreciate quality skin care, so you are a long-time user of Olival products from the Smilje collection. What is crucial for you when choosing cosmetics?
That's right, since our clients are also people who report dermatological conditions, and we educate them about the connection with food, but also the digestive system and conditions that are potentially underlying, the quality of cosmetics is very important to me personally.
While working a lot on pharmacist education, I accidentally came across Olival products 12 years ago, and then met the original founder, Master Pojatina, and was thrilled with the approach to formulation. Considering that I was training for a marathon at the time, and still run in the cold today, my skin used to be extremely dry and cracked in the winter. The Immortelle collection, and especially the Extra Hydrating Cream, were good for my skin and benefited it, and I still use it with pleasure, as well as the Extra Rich Night Cream with essential oils of immortelle, olive, and apricot kernel. And last but not least, the natural scent and composition are something I really liked.
Endocrine disruptors and their impact on health and premature puberty were the subject of a symposium we organized as NutriKlinika, so I make sure that the cosmetics I use are free of these potential ingredients.
We leave the end to your invitation to the symposium "Integrative Approach to Women's Health". Where exactly is it taking place, how can I find out about the program and how to get tickets?
Our 3rd edition of the NutriKlinika Symposium will be held in the very center of Zagreb, in the modern and beautiful Academy of Music, across from the Croatian National Theater. We have prepared not only a rich program that will be in a dynamic format: 7 expert lectures, 3 panel discussions, communication with the audience, refreshing breaks, but also a cultural and entertainment part: an intermezzo concert by Lu Jakelić and the band dedicated to women and a prize raffle with valuable prizes from our polyclinics and other partners.
The official symposium website www.simpozij.nutriklinika.com contains all detailed and clear information about the symposium program, our speakers, and location. Tickets can also be purchased on the website. There are also more affordable ticket packages available for companies, institutions, and groups with a free ticket for purchased packages.
Photographs: Nenad Bratković, Unplash, Olival
