Zooey Deschanel Opens Up About Celiac Disease

Did you know... 1 in 133 Americans are diagnosed with celiac disease, and this doesn't include all those cases that remain undiagnosed. 

Zooey Deschanel, an American singer-songwriter, actress, and model has celiac. In an interview with Hello Magazine, she explains how she is coping and how she refuses to allow the disease to take over her life.  After having her child with Jason Pechenik, Deschanel has stayed optimistic, despite her diagnosis.

Zooey Deschanel is one of many celebrities bringing awareness to celiac disease. Not only does she have celiac disease, she has a lactose and soy intolerance, too. Aside from avoiding gluten, she also avoids soy-based and dairy products.

Deschanel is actually very open about celiac and the special diet that helps her avoid the symptoms. Deschanel appeared in Top Chef Masters to test the contestant’ skills in making a gluten-free dish. In the show, she mentioned to the chefs that she was gluten intolerant and couldn’t eat any dish that contained it. She also mentioned that she is a vegan and doesn't eat any sort of meat, seafood, dairy or poultry products. In the end, the chefs were still able to make great dishes with a lot of vegan-friendly ingredients such as quinoa and other vegetables. 

Invasive techniques are typically used to diagnose celiac disease. Usually, a series of tests are performed on the patient in order to rule out whether or not there is a possibility of celiac disease. This is often done through biopsies and blood tests where doctors would get samples to check the condition of the intestine. 

Right now,there is no known treatment for celiac disease, and the only way to handle it is to have a complete change in diet. Patients are usually advised by doctors to simply give up eating foods that have gluten. As long as the diet is strictly followed, symptoms can be avoided. Physicians work together with the dieticians to come up with the perfect diet plan for the patient.

Zooey Deschanel is one of many celebrities bringing awareness

Celebrities like Zooey Deschanel use their celebrity status to bring awareness and clarity to celiac. The general population is aware of the term celiac, and may even know gluten free foods must be consumed to avoid symptoms. But star power brings education and awareness and helps fund research.

Deschanel doesn't allow celiac to weigh her down. She has found a way to deal with it by changing her diet.  Because of stories like hers, people are now aware of how severe the symptoms can be and the complications they bring. 

Photo source: Zooey Deschanel by Kat Skull