| Celiac Disease (also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is an autoimmune disease that damages the villi which line the small intestine and thereby compromises the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. This autoimmune response is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. Gluten is found in many foods, but can also be found in everyday products, such as stamps, envelope adhesive, medications and vitamins. Celiac Disease is a genetic disease that is believed to be activated by a viral infection, surgery, severe emotional stress, or some other bodily insult.
THE ONLY TREATMENT FOR CELIAC DISEASE IS STRICT ADHERENCE TO A GLUTEN-FREE DIET FOR LIFE. While technically Celiac Disease is not an allergy, it is commonly referred to as a gluten allergy as a practical way to explain the dietary restrictions it requires. Although ingestion of gluten does not cause an acute, life-threatening reaction, it does cause a physical reaction which can make a person with Celiac Disease sick in the short term, and exacerbate a chronic condition over time. Since many schools, child care facilities, restaurants, and the public in general are becoming more allergy-aware, using the term gluten allergy facilitates the immediate goal of preventing an exposure to foods containing gluten.
Our backpacks, lunch bags, posters and stickers can be customized for children with Celiac Disease (Gluten Allergy) and are effective tools to help your child stay gluten-free. Our sport cup helps prevent cross-contamination and the safe snack box and travel pack are great ways to keep gluten-free snacks easily accessible.
For more information on Celiac Disease,
please visit The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
website at www.celiaccentral.org.
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