Michigan Face-to-Face Gluten Free Support Groups

Kalamazoo Area Support Group –

Monthly support group meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm
They meet at The Cellar at 328 which is the Jaqua Realtors Building.

The address is 328 West Milham Ave, Portage MI 49024.

Find more information at their website. https://www.glutenfreekzoo.org

Jackson Area Support Group

Meets last Monday of the month. They meet from 12-1 pm at the The Arbor Church. The address is 120 E Main St, Spring Arbor MI 49283. Find more information about the South Central Michigan Support Group on the National Celiac Association website. 

Muskegon Support Group
They usually meet the 4th Tuesday of the month, May through August. The May meeting is a Central Park in Grand Haven. Other meetings are usually at Pomona Park in Fruitport, MI.
Meetings are outdoors, so bring a chair. They meet from 6:30- 8 pm.
You can contact them via email for more information.  glutenfree_muskegonarea@yahoo.com

Michigan Based Online Gluten Free Support Groups

• Greater Lansing area Online Support Group
• Greater Grand Rapids Gluten Free Support Group (Lots of great restaurant recommendations!)
• Gluten Free in Metro Detroit FB group
• Celiac Disease in Southeast Michigan
• Gluten Free Ann Arbor Group
• Gluten Free Moms  in O-Town FB Group
• Traverse City Celiac and Gluten Free Support Group
• Gluten Free in Northern Michigan
• Muskegon Area Celiac Support Group
• Kalamazoo Area Celiac Support Group
• Gluten Free Michigan
• Living Gluten Free in Michigan

United States Gluten Free Facebook Groups

• Gluten Free Living and Recipe Share FB Group (United States FB group)
• Gluten Free Recipe Sharing (US Group)
• Gluten Free Aldi US Finds (US Group)
• Gluten Free Costco Finds (US Group)
• Parents of Gluten Free & Celiac Kids (US Group)
• Gluten Free on the Road – Great for travel dining recommendations (US Group)

In-Person Gluten Free Events – US and Canada

• New England Gluten Free Expos –
  • Connecticut, Philadelphia, Massachusetts, New Jersey
  • February, July, September, November (respectively)
• G Free Fest – Rhode Island (March)
• Mai Fest – Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, Wisconsin (May)
• Mad Fest – Madison, Wisconsin (June)
• Gluten Free Farmers Market – Denver (Multiple Summer Dates)
  • 2nd Saturday of the Month June – October
• Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp – August
• My Gluten Free World Expo – Sandy, Utah
• Gluten Never Ever Expo – Merrimack, NH
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital Celiac Disease Center Conference 
  • Annually in late October or November
  • While this conference is geared towards parents of children with Celiac Disease, there are very informative presentations.
• National Celiac Association Events Calendar
• Beyond Celiac Events Calendar

Canadian Events

• Gluten Free Garage – Toronto, Canada (May)
• Gluten Free Expo – Vancouver & Calgary, Canada (September) (Calgary in March 2027)
• Gluten Free Goodness Expo – Ancaster, Canada (November)

National & International Celiac Disease Resources and Organizations

• National Celiac Association They offer a free monthly online newsletter. Paid members receive a magazine every quarter. They also hold conferences on the east coast.
• Beyond Celiac is another Celiac Disease advocacy group. They also offer a free newsletter. They were previously called the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
• Gluten Intolerance Group – The Gluten Intolerance Group has a free membership and sends an online magazine. They have support groups in some states, but nothing here in Michigan. This organization operates the GFCO gluten-free certification logo. (The GF inside a circle.) They perform research, publish articles and are a force of advocacy in our community.
• The Celiac Disease Foundation shares research on their website and through their free newsletter. They have a conference in California every year as well.
• Canadian Celiac Association – The main organization offering Celiac Disease resources in Canada.
• Coeliac UK – The main Celiac Disease organization for the United Kingdom.

Doctors and Dietitians I Trust

• Dr Ritu Verma and Staff at Univesity of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. 
• Dr Joseph Murray at Mayo Clinic
• Dr Alessio Fasano at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Boston
• Maureen Leonard at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Boston
• Gluten Free Watchdog
  • Follow her for latest research and updates on gluten-free product labeling. She is not tied to any organization, but is an independent advocate. She truly has the best interest of this community at heart.
• Lori Welstead, R.D. at University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
• Melinda Dennis, R.D, dietitian connected with the National Celiac Association
• Amy Keller R.D.

Phone Apps

• Find Me Gluten Free– The website and phone app is a lifesaver when you are traveling. On their website, you can plug in the zip code of a city that you are visiting and see a display of gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and stores in the area. When you are on your cell phone, the app uses your GPS location to show locations nearest you.
  • A WORD OF CAUTION. This app is meant to be a “starting off” point. Use it for recommendations, but always ask questions about ingredients and food preperation before dining.
  • Traveling and looking for a local resource? Check out my Gluten Free Bloggers of the United States post. 

A Word Of Caution on Grocery Store Scanner Apps

In general, I do not advise relying on them. Product labels and ingredients often change. Those apps rely on input by a few persons, and mistakes can be made. Too often in Facebook groups I see people ask why the scanner marked something unsafe, when it is in fact gluten free. You are better off doing your research and being an informed shopper.

Warning About “Explore Michigan”

I have seen an influx of posts about gluten free options in Michigan on the Explore Michigan page. THIS IS AN AI WEBSITE. It’s a scam. The owners are based in Bosnia, not the US. Their articles are full of incorrect restaurant information and wrong photos. I daresay their list of writers is also made up. See my Facebook post to learn more.

Be Careful Where You Get Your Information

I try to keep things positive, and rarely try to say where NOT to get your information from. However, there is plenty of misinformation on the internet, and it leads to confusion and anxiety. There are a few things I want to make sure you’re aware of.

1. A “health coach” is not the same thing as a registered dietitian. Even those who use the term “nutritionist” are not necessarily a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian has gone through many years of college, training, and independent cerification to show they know important material.
2. See a board certified gastroenterologist. See the person who has studied and specialized in the disease you are trying to alleviate. I wouldn’t go to an eye doctor to perform a hysterecomy. So please get your information from those who have spent the extra years of work studying it.
3. Go for information, not manipulation. Be careful of headlines or articles that seem too good to be true. In addition, be cautious of sites that play on your emotions and lead you to feel fearful or consisently angry. Be wary of sites that use scare tactics such as “Click here for information others aren’t telling you.”
4. Please stay away from Gluten Free Society. Org. It is run by “Dr. Osborne,” but his personal website specifically states (in the small print) “Dr. Osborne is not a medical doctor. He does not treat or diagnose disease. Dr. Osborne is licensed with the Pastoral Medical Association.” (Read this NPR article which explains the concerns around the Pastoral Medical Association.) Mr. Osborne also falsely states on his website that corn, rice teff, milllet and buckwheat are not gluten free.
5. For more on avoiding misinformation, see my post on how to Navigate the Gluten Free Internet.

To make a long story short, you are NOT ALONE on this journey! We are all here to help. What other Celiac Disease resources do you rely on? Please mention them in the comments below, and I may end up adding them to my post!

Originally Published Nov 2012

The post Celiac Disease Resources in Michigan and Beyond appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Despite the Name, Maltodextrin Does Not Contain Malt

When diagnosed with Celiac Disease, we are taught to read labels for sources of gluten. Sources of gluten contain wheat, rye and barley, and their derivatives. We consistently reference barley malt, as it is often overlooked. However, please know that while the names are similar, maltodextrin and malt are not the same thing. 

What is Maltodextrin?

Per Healthline, “Maltodextrin is a white powder made from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat. Even though it comes from plants, it’s highly processed. To make it, first the starches are cooked, and then acids or enzymes such as heat-stable bacterial alpha-amylase are added to break it down further. The resulting white powder is water-soluble and has a neutral taste.”

Is Maltodextrin Made from Wheat?

Yes, maltodextrin can be made from wheat. (However, it is most frequently made from corn.) Per Gluten Free Watchdog, “Under FALCPA, if an FDA-regulated food product contains maltodextrin and the maltodextrin contains protein derived from wheat, the word wheat must be included on the food label (e.g., maltodextrin (wheat).

If you don’t see the word wheat on the label of an FDA-regulated product containing maltodextrin, the food product does not contain wheat protein as an ingredient.” 

Maltodextrin is Highly Refined and Considered Gluten Free

However, even if maltodextrin is made from wheat, it is generally considered safe on a gluten free diet. Per the Gluten Intolerance Group, “Maltodextrin is made through enzymatic hydrolysis using water, enzymes, and acids to break down the starch in the source vegetable or grain. The resulting product is a white powder made up of chains of sugar molecules and no gluten proteins, even when derived from gluten-containing grains.”

Beyond Celiac and the National Celiac Association also state on their respective websites that maltodextrin is considered to be gluten free, even if the grain source is wheat. Allergic Living states maltodextrin as gluten free in their article “Gluten Free or Not? 10 That Can Stump Even the Most Informed.” (Written with Shelley Case, R.D.) 

Maltodextrin is One of Many Additives Deemed Gluten Free

Maltodextrin is among many food additives which are considered gluten free. The National Celiac Association article, “Ingredients People Question on a Gluten Free Diet includes a table of multiple additives people ask about.

Choose Your Sources Wisely

A WebMD article on maltodextrin states, “If you have celiac disease, be careful about eating foods with maltodextrin. The powder has traces of gluten if its source is wheat.” Listen, I’ve used WebMd in the past. However, I think of WebMD like a primary care physician. They know a little about a lot. For Celiac Disease information, I prefer sites that specialize in my disease. 

Verify Facts that Make You Anxious/ Afraid

Reading food labels can be very intimidating. When you’re trying to keep you and your family safe, you want to be informed. However, I want to caution us when we see something on social media that immediately makes us afraid. Before you make a knee jerk reaction, check with other trusted resources to verify that information.

Also, as I’ve mentioned previously in my article about navigating the internet, be cautious of accounts that may play on your emotions. Posts that intentionally cause anxiety and fear tend to get higher engagement because of immediate shares. Be informed, but don’t allow yourself to be manipulated. 

What other ingredients have you been baffled by? Leave me a note in the comments. 

The post Is Maltodextrin Gluten Free? appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

I’ve heard stories of people who felt like they were close to death because doctors wouldn’t run tests. Or stories of uneducated dietitians who told their patients to eat more wheat,. Furthermore, stories of doctors who told their client that they just needed to take an anti-depressant enrage me. My Facebook followers have shared similar stories. 

There are many ways that medical personnel can increase their Celiac Disease education and awareness. Some webinars require no cost, while others charge. Please consider sharing these links and information with your health professionals. I am listing them in the order of easiest to most involved.

Online Webinars & Classes

Free Training

This  online webinar from NASPGHAN is created by knowledgeable health professionals that I trust. Dr. Alessio Fasano is one of these health professionals, and his book “Gluten Freedom” is a must read for everyone IMO.  If I could afford it, I would give a copy of this book to every doctor in Genesee County.

“This [webinar] is designed for pediatric and adult gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, trainees, dietitians, and other health professionals who are involved in the care of patients with gluten related disorders.” This will take just over an hour and they also get continuing education credits.”

Biggest Investment Level –

The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center offers an extensive online Celiac Disease education online program for medical staff. Previously offered in person in Chicago, their preceptorship program is now completely available online. This center in Chicago is one of my most trusted hospitals doing research in the field today.

The online course costs $250 and can be accessed and completed at any time. As I update this post (5/2022),  the website states they offer this until April 2023.

Specifically for Dietitians

BRAND NEW – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics just released a new series titled Treating Gluten Related Disorders, for dietitians. Created with the help of dietitians like Tricia Thompson and Amy Keller, this series helps dietitians treat those with Celiac Disease in all life stages. **Get Reimbursed thru Schar and the Celiac Disease Foundation.

A free webinar on Today’s Dietitian discusses non – responsive Celiac Disease and difference between Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, and Non Celiac Wheat Sensitivity. It also explains how to advise patients to implement a gluten free diet after diagnosis.

Dietitians in Gastrointestinal Disorders – This group is a subset of the the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dietitians who join the DIGID listserv have access to webinars and many more online resources.

Looking for a dietitian knowledgeable about Celiac Disease? Gluten Free Watchdog is willing to help you find one! 

Specifically for Dentists

The Dental Academy of Continuing Education offers an online course to dentists and hygienists. The course, “Oral Complications of Celiac Disease, costs $39, and offers 3 CEU’s. As those with undiagnosed Celiac Disease often have dental defects, dentists sometimes help diagnose Celiac Disease as well. This webinar helps them spot the signs and hopefully refer them to a gastroenterologist. NO LONGER AVAILABLE

The Canadian Dental Association also offers a free webinar titled, Managing Patients with Celiac Disease.

Specifically for Pharmacists

Stat Pearls offers an online course, for $58 for pharmacists. Click this link to participate. This course expires on December 31, 2023.

Training for Mental Health Professionals

As many of us know, there are often neurological manifestations of Celiac Disease. In addition, living with Celiac Disease can impact our mood, due to societal pressures. Children’s National Hospital offers a free Continuing Education training entitled, Celiac Disease Psychosocial Health Program.  

Training for Dermatologists

Some patients with Celiac Disease present with a rash, called Dermatitis Herpetiformis. This is diagnosed via skin biopsy. While Dapsone can help treat the rash, patients must still maintain a gluten free diet. The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center offers a training specifically on Skin Manifestations for Celiac Disease. Stat Pearls offers a CE course for Nurse Practitioners, as well as an article about DH. 

Other Resources

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offers a website called “Celiac Now.” While it answers many questions for those with Celiac Disease, the material is fantastic for educating doctors as well.

Dr. Schar Institute (yes, the same company that makes those delicious HoneyGrams) is a portal exclusively for medical professionals. Doctors can download informational material for themselves and patients, as well as learn about latest research.

Help Me Help Others

How? I’m asking you to share and ENCOURAGE your doctors and health professionals to review this information. We need our health care providers to know the FACTS about Celiac Disease.  Too many are treating patients based on assumptions or shared opinions. Or even worse, outdated information.

Do you visit a highly celiac disease educated doctor, dietitian or gastroenterologist? Please feel free to sing their praises below! 

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