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Celiac Disease and Gift Giving?

Most likely you have heard the term gluten free.  But did you know that the reason for this is a condition known as Celiac (Coeliac) Disease?  This is a very serious health issue that affects more than 1.5 Million Americans.  Certainly there are many more individuals that do not even know that they are suffering from Celiac Disease.  Undoubtedly you know someone that has been identified with Celiac Disease or who suffers from it.

Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye. Exposure to this protein and its peptides disrupts the autoimmune system and causes an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine.  The body is simply battling something it believes to be a problem and causes minor to severe issues in the gut.  You might think it would be simple to avoid a couple of grain products and no longer suffer from Celiac Disease.  However, it is almost impossible to avoid gluten in a typical American diet.  Gluten can be found in most processed food products and many personal care products.  It can even be found in such anonymous items as playdough.

So, if you have a friend that suffers from Celiac disease and needs a gluten free gift, what's a person to do?  Well, there is help for you, and for them.  How about a gluten free gift basket?  Carefully assembled to take into account your friends malady, you can show that you care by providing this wonderful gift.  By identifying products that will not contain gluten, you will educate yourself and others with some common contributors to Celiac Disease. 

You can fill your gluten free gift basket with items such as sweet coconut milk, scrumptious gluten free sugar cookies, fruits and nuts.  You don't have to look far to find a gluten free isle at your local grocery store.  Producers are learning more and more about gluten and are responding to the demand for healthier foods.  But, be careful.  It is possible to utilize gluten free gift products and yet contaminate the recipe by introducing gluten from another source.  Make sure that you utilize a dedicated bread board if you are going to roll out gluten free cookie dough.  It would be a shame to go to all the work of researching and buying special foods for your friend only to contaminate it with something that you had previously made.  Enjoy your new discoveries. Your friend surely will!