Jennifer Fitzpatrick, a Celiac coach and content creator, pictured at Twist Bakery in Burlington. Photo: Brooke McCarthy/WBZ NewSRadio
BURLINGTON (WBZNewsRadio) — If you're looking to travel or eat out with Celiac disease, coach and content creator Jennifer Fitzpatrick is paving the way, one meal at a time.
Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Those diagnosed with celiac who eat gluten, typically have an immune response in the small intestine, but the symptoms range from fatigue to abdominal pain, along with nausea and vomiting.
Fitzpatrick says dining out for those who have been diagnosed with Celiac disease can often feel isolating because those with the disease have to make sure their food is not contaminated with the same cooking area or fryer. She also added that gluten-free customers should mention they have a "severe gluten allergy" to prevent being "glutened."
She was diagnosed 13 years ago and created a support system with a website and social media pages.
Fitzpatrick has tips and tricks on her Instagram page, and offers classes people with Celiac can take to better understand their diagnosis and how to live with it.
"Any place that's 100% gluten free, you get to walk in and be like everybody else." Fitzpatrick said. "I would love to be the go-to resource for somebody if they're newly diagnosed."
WBZ's Brooke McCarthy (@BrookeWBZ) reports:
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