Are Grits Gluten-Free and Safe for People with Celiac Disease?

I have asked about grits in restaurants here in Atlanta where who has the creamiest, tastiest grits is a badge of pride. In response, I was told in more than one restaurant that they add flour (!) to improve the consistency. So when eating out, I recommend to check for specifics beyond the obvious ingredients.

I asked food cafe if I could read the ingredients on a package of the grits.  It contained "wheat" & other celiac diet no-no's.  I have used certified gluten-free grits from the store. When I travel, I go to the local grocer for fresh prepared fruits, vegetable platters, a box of gluten-free crackers & ground peanut or almond butter.

Best of all, it is a blessing to locate hotels with small kitchen stovetops.   Sitting on the bowl for 4.5 hours with repeated explosions after accidental gluten exposure puts a major dent in vacation fun. 

I recall one man's adage regarding his diet; "If I don't fix it, I don't eat it!"

I am very confused. I was diagnosed with celiac disease through biopsy and bloodwork 15 years ago after being very sick for a year. I have to admit I do cheat occasionally and long term this could create damage. When I do cheat I never have any reactions. Could be a piece of birthday cake, a beer, or a half of burger bun where a restaurant doesn’t serve gluten free bread. Why is that? While others would suffer for days. 

1 hour ago, Guest ChrisM said:

I am very confused. I was diagnosed with celiac disease through biopsy and bloodwork 15 years ago after being very sick for a year. I have to admit I do cheat occasionally and long term this could create damage. When I do cheat I never have any reactions. Could be a piece of birthday cake, a beer, or a half of burger bun where a restaurant doesn’t serve gluten free bread. Why is that? While others would suffer for days. 

Celiac disease is like a chameleon.  Symptoms can change over time.  When I was diagnosed, I did not have GI issues, (just anemia), yet I had severe small intestinal  damage.  Most likely, you can have that piece of cake or bread and not experience severe symptoms because your small intestine has healed.  Your immune response may be delayed (slow to ramp up).  In any case, you should take care to avoid gluten.  

I think that gluten exposures can keep the body in a hyper extended state that may cause you to develop additional autoimmune disorders.  I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Gastritis during a repeat endoscopy.  Years earlier, I had no gastric issues per my earlier gastric biopsies.  This probably occurred due to cross contamination when food was prepared by others.    I have NEVER knowingly cheated on the diet.  Autoimmune Gastritis?  It is a precursor for cancer and usually is silent!