The first time you ever heard of the condition known as Celiac Disease, it may have sounded rather odd.  It’s strange to imaging how somebody is unable to consume products that contain gluten.  It’s even stranger to think of all the products that contain gluten.  Gluten is not just found in breads and, if you are looking to send a food hamper or gift to somebody with Celiac Disease, it can be extremely tricky.  Gluten is not limited to bread products and there’s wheat and gluten in many other products as well.  This is why it is so important to understand what this disease is and why a strict diet is so essential.
What is Celiac Disease?
This disease can affect anyone of any age and symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue and joint pains.  These are just some of the common symptoms and it is important to note that symptoms can be very different from one patient to another.  Age plays a huge factor in terms of the manifestation of these symptoms and, which some may occur in adults, they might not be experienced if the patient is a child.
When somebody with Celiac Disease consumes gluten, their body’s immune system attacks the small intestine and this results in damage to the villi that line the inside of the small intestine.  These finger-like protrusions are responsible for absorption and, if they are damaged, they cannot function properly.  This means that the will not properly absorb nutrients and the body as a whole will suffer.
Is there a cure?
Celiac Disease has been found to be genetic and the closer your relation to somebody with the disease, the greater your chances of developing it yourself.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for Celiac Disease and there are even similar disorders like non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.  Both of which require a strict gluten-free diet and even one tiny nibble or a sip of beer and set off a chain reaction of unpleasant symptoms.
Gluten-free gifts
If you thought it was difficult enough to shop for your friends and family as it is, try adding an intolerance for gluten to your list of criteria!  Fortunately, there is an easy option that takes the guesswork out of it all.  Search for gluten free hampers and gifts online for a quick and easy shopping experience that will show the recipient that you really do care enough to take their needs into account.  You wouldn’t want to send them a Christmas hamper filled with sweets and treats that they aren’t able to enjoy!