Hi everyone - this is my very first post after being diagnosed with celiac last week. The diagnosis was a long time coming given the fact that my doctors and I knew something was wrong but had been unable to put our fingers on it. Although I have lots and lots of questions this website is helping to answer many of them as I try to transition into my new life. However, one question I have that I have not come across pertains to the risk or concerns of jogging or walking in the great outdoors amongst wheat and barley fields.

After learning that celiacs must be careful to not just watch what they eat, but what they use to brush their teeth, wash their hair, and wash their clothes. This gave me pause when I went for my morning run yesterday as I was admiring the green of the fresh barley and wheat fields. I wondered - should I be concerned, should I wear a mask, should I run elsewhere? But even if I should run somewhere else, I still live right near these fields so it is not like I am away from it.

Any insight from others that live near areas where wheat or barley is grown and how it does or does not affect them is so appreciated.

This is a very good question. I would be concerned during harvest time. When they harvest, so much is in the air that I would be concerned about breathing it in ... which would also mean some would probably go down your throat.

I don't think it would be a problem with it just growing near you.

Welcome to the board!

First let me welcome you to this site and hope you can be free to ask as many questions that you may have.

From what I understand is that gluten needs to be ingested to effect you intestines. Breathing may get into your nasal passages and therefore find it's way through you digestive system. Just the same way that I don't like to go down the bread or flour lines in the grocery store. I can smell the flour.

I have no documentation to support this, nor is this a major issue for me. But, if you have a choice to run elsewhere, I would choose that.

I worked in mixed wild wheat fields last summer. I didn't have any troubles. I know the fields aren't the same as what you are describing. I would just try not to run during harvest time. I love the outdoors, so it would take a lot to keep me away from what I love.