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What is celiac disease? -

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder also known as gluten intolerance. People who are celiac react badly to products that contain gluten.

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What happens if you eat gluten as a celiac? - If someone who suffers from celiac disease eats gluten, they damage their intestinal lining. Gluten damages the intestine’s tiny projections called villi, which absorb nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and help with digestion.

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Immune system and intestines - If the villi in your intestine do not work properly, your body is not able to get the nutrients it needs to function. The inability for the body to digest gluten results in all kinds of physical pains.

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Symptoms - Some of the symptoms of celiac disease are fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Abdominal pains, weight loss, gas, and bloating are also common symptoms of celiac disease.

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Symptoms - The Mayo Clinic reports that is also possible to experience symptoms that are not necessarily linked to the digestive system, such as anemia, rashes, mouth ulcers, softening of bone density, and damaged dental enamel.

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Who's at risk? - People with arthritis, thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and Microscopic colitis (inflammation of the colon) are reported to be more prone to celiac disease than others.

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Celiac disease can also be genetic - It it also likely that gluten intolerance be passed down through generations. But according to Mayo Clinic, "Celiac disease can affect anyone [as the] precise cause isn't known."

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Other causes - Celiac disease can also be triggered by severe emotional stress, during pregnancy, after childbirth, or after a surgery.

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How celiac disease affects children - Symptoms for a child suffering from celiac disease are the same to that of an adult, according to the Mayo Clinic. The organization also states that if not caught in time, celiac disease can impede a child's development and growth.

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Does celiac disease have a cure? - There is no known cure for celiac disease, other than following a gluten-free diet.

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When you should go to your doctor - If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed for more than two weeks, the Mayo Clinic suggests you visit a doctor.

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What foods contain gluten? - Common foods that contain gluten are bread, pasta, pizza, beer, cake, and cookies. Some sauces, cereals, and noodles also contain gluten.

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Grains that contain gluten - The gluten protein can be found in barley, rye, and wheat.

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Foods that contain gluten - Couscous, semolina, and bulgur wheat also contain gluten.

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Gluten-free oats - There are oats and then there are gluten-free oats. According to Coeliac.org, "uncontaminated" gluten-free oats are safe for those who are celiac or gluten sensitive.

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Foods that are safe to eat - Rice, potatoes, quinoa, corn, and polenta are also naturally gluten-free.

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Foods that are safe to eat - Also according to Coeliac.org, seeds, nuts, and common plants are safe foods for celiacs to eat.

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Foods that are safe to eat -

Soya products such as tofu, soya milk, soya beans, and soya sauce are also gluten-free foods that are safe for celiacs to enjoy.

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Gluten sensitivity -

Someone with gluten sensitivity may experience the same symptoms as someone who suffers from celiac disease. The difference is that in people with gluten sensitivity, gluten does not harm the intestines or gut lining.

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Wheat allergy - According to Gluten.org, a wheat allergy is like most food allergies in that the body experiences a harsh immune reaction after the intake of an allergen. Rashes, itchiness, nausea, mouth swelling, abdominal pains, and difficulty breathing are among the many symptoms of a wheat allergy attack. The website also explains that those with a wheat allergy are able to eat gluten-containing foods that do not have wheat.

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Victoria Beckham - Victoria Beckham reportedly suffers from gluten sensitivity. The singer-turned-designer is an advocate for healthy living and a gluten-free diet, according to the tabloids.

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Rachel Weisz - The actress is reportedly gluten intolerant. According to Women's Health South Africa, the star has been strictly gluten-free since 2006.

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Gwyneth Paltrow - Actress Gwyneth Paltrow famously leads a health-conscious lifestyle and gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet.

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Geri Halliwell - According to Free From Heaven, Ginger Spice is also intolerant to gluten.

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Billy Bob Thornton - According to ABC News, actor Billy Bob Thornton is intolerant to gluten and dairy, and allergic to shellfish.

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Chelsea Clinton - Bill and Hillary Clinton's daughter Chelsea Clinton had a gluten-free cake at her lavish nuptials in 2010. She has reportedly suffered from a wheat allergy from a young age.

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Jessica Simpson - According to Probiotics.org, Jessica Simpson is allergic to wheat.

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Novak Djokovic - The tennis champion is reportedly also a celiac. According to Health24, the sportsman has credited his gluten-free diet as a savior to his prior health issues.

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Emmy Rossum - The 'Shameless' star suffers from a wheat allergy, according to Probiotics.org.

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Zooey Deschanel - 'New Girl' actress Zooey Deschanel suffers from celiac disease and often shares her recipes online.

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Dana Delany -

'Desperate Housewives' star Dana Delany is a celiac. Website Gluten Free Works reports that the star was diagnosed in 2010.

See also: Delicious ways to enjoy the healthiest carbs

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