Gluten Free Guide to Atlanta

After a decade of digestive troubles, I had lab tests that confirmed my suspicions- I am gluten, lactose and casein intolerant. Over the years, I have done quite a bit of research trying to find the right diet for me, and for Atlanta resources to help in treating my condition. Since digestive disorders seem to be on the rise in the United States, I feel that there may be many Atlantans out there that are suffering from food intolerances and/or allergies. It's my hope that by sharing my story, others can find some relief from their own digestive disorders.

Gluten Intolerance Terminology

Gluten Intolerance: A term associated directly with Celiac disease, often given to those who show the classic symptoms of Celiac Disease but have not submitted to definitive testing. The only way to receive a "hard" diagnosis of Celiac disease is through a biopsy, considered to be the "gold standard." For someone like myself, who is not interested in going through the rigors of a "gluten challenge" (see below) and the colonoscopy, I simply refer to myself as gluten intolerant, though I may well be an undiagnosed Celiac.

Gluten Challenge: For any of the diagnostic tests, to get accurate results, doctors suggest their patients return to eating gluten several weeks before the test is administered. This of course will increase symptoms if the patient is indeed gluten intolerant. (Note: For the lactose intolerant breath test, the patient must consume 1-2 glasses of a lactose product before the exam.)

Villi: According to Dictionary.com"One of the numerous vascular projections of the small intestine." These become damaged from those with Celiac disease who continue to eat gluten. They can however heal when gluten is removed from the diet.

Celiac Disease: Again, Dictionary.com's definition is fairly accurate, except I would argue that age is not always a factor: "A chronic nutritional disturbance, usually of young children, caused by the inability to metabolize gluten, which results in malnutrition, a distended abdomen, muscle wasting, and the passage of stools having a high fat content. The disorder can be controlled by a special diet that emphasizes the elimination of all foods containing gluten."

For more excellent information on Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, refer to these resources from the About.com Guide to Allergies, and to the October: Celiac Disease Awareness Month feature from the About.com Guide to Rare/Orphan Diseases.

For online communities that discuss Celiac Disease, refer to

Celiac.com: Excellent resource for those interested in learning more about Celiac Disease, and very active, helpful community forums.

Celiac Forums: Another good online community for those living with Celiac Disease.

Glad to be Gluten Free: Metro Atlanta resident with Celiac Disease discusses her personal journey to healthy living while being gluten-free.

MDJunction.com: Online health community offers a celiac disease support group.

Gluten Free Groups in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta Metro Celiacs: Associated with the Celiac Sprue Association. Volunteer, membership-based support group to spread awareness of Celiac Disease and the gluten-free lifestyle throughout metro Atlanta.

The Atlanta Celiac Disease Meet Up Group: This is a relatively new but quickly growing online group that have monthly dinner outings, mainly at chain restaurants in suburban Atlanta that offer dedicated GF menus. They have an excellent gluten-free friendly restaurant list on their site that is updated frequently.

R.O.C.K-Raising Our Celiac Kids: Yes, children are susceptible to Celiac Disease and a host of other food allergies, and this organization has a local Atlanta chapter to help parents deal with raising a child diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Contact: Jeff Lewis, M.D., Children's Center for Digestive Health Care, E-mail: jlewis@ccdhc.org.

Clan Thompson Celiac Site Ask the Experts: Dr. Cynthia Rudert is one of the experts on this Celiac Disease support website. Dr. Rudert is an Atlanta-based Gastroenterologist, who specializes in Celiac Disease, and pediatric patients.

National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Atlanta-based CNN Anchor Heidi Collins, who has Celiac Disease, serves as their national spokesperson. This organization is all about educating the public about Celiac Disease.

Natural Food Stores in metro Atlanta:

It's easier (though more expensive) to shop at Natural Food stores when one has diet restrictions.

Whole Foods: The mega health and gourmet food chain is impressive for its selection of gluten free products. They even have their own gluten free bakery line, which produces everything from gluten free pies to pizza crusts, sandwich bread, and cookies. Their hot bar has easy-to-read nutritional information printed next to each selection. The hardest thing to digest about Whole Foods is their prices. They have several locations throughout metro Atlanta.

Nuts-n-Berries: I particularly like the small, but well-stocked gluten free food section at this store and cafe, which is just north of the Brookhaven MARTA rail station. The selection includes frozen dinners, breads, and pastries, along with beverages, dry goods like crackers, cookies, chips, and plenty of mixes to create your own gluten-free goodies. I find that their prices are more reasonable than Whole Foods. Like many health food stores, the aisles are narrow and sometimes stocked haphazardly. Also, checking out is not always an efficient process, though the staff is friendly.

Life Grocery: Located in Marietta, this is a bit of a trek for intowners, but worth it in my opinion. The store is well-stocked and organized, featuring gluten-free products I haven't found elsewhere in metro Atlanta.