Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

New Diagnosed Wheat Farmer?


farmwife67

Recommended Posts

farmwife67 Explorer

I'm wondering will the dust when harvesting wheat be a problem?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Link Rookie

Hi. That's a hard call to make since everyone varies with his/her level of gluten sensitivity. Some people can't use shampoo with gluten in it; some people have a severe reaction if they happen to have open loaves of wheat bread in the kitchen; some people can't use cosmetics with added gluten. But, with your situation, it might be a good idea to wear a surgical mask if you are going to be directly involved with harvesting the wheat, and cotton gloves on your hands; esp. to remind you not to touch your hands to your face (to prevent accidental ingestion). I wouldn't want to chance it esp. since your wheat exposure is going to be high during the harvest.

WheatChef Apprentice

I have heard stories of other people who, simply by living in an area that does a lot of wheat farming have to seal up their house and stay inside during harvest. Many just pack up and leave town during that time.

Gemini Experienced

Hi. That's a hard call to make since everyone varies with his/her level of gluten sensitivity. Some people can't use shampoo with gluten in it; some people have a severe reaction if they happen to have open loaves of wheat bread in the kitchen; some people can't use cosmetics with added gluten. But, with your situation, it might be a good idea to wear a surgical mask if you are going to be directly involved with harvesting the wheat, and cotton gloves on your hands; esp. to remind you not to touch your hands to your face (to prevent accidental ingestion). I wouldn't want to chance it esp. since your wheat exposure is going to be high during the harvest.

The examples you state would not cause a Celiac reaction. You would have to ingest your shampoo into your gut, you cannot be glutened by being in the same room as bread and cosmetics are the same as shampoo....you have to eat them to cause a reaction.

You may have an allergic reaction, which is totally different than a Celiac one.

However, if someone is inhaling and swallowing wheat dust during a harvest, that definitely is a problem. A mask is a must and I would wash my hair carefully after the days work to eliminate dust in the hair....which could be ingested. Getting wheat dust on your clothes could also be a potential issue because some could make it's way into your mouth. I know a Celiac who had to retire from his job as head baker because of all the flour dust floating around in the air. His numbers stayed high and didn't come down until he removed himself from the job. It can be problematic at times but you have to do what you have to do.

JNBunnie1 Community Regular

The examples you state would not cause a Celiac reaction. You would have to ingest your shampoo into your gut, you cannot be glutened by being in the same room as bread and cosmetics are the same as shampoo....you have to eat them to cause a reaction.

You may have an allergic reaction, which is totally different than a Celiac one.

However, if someone is inhaling and swallowing wheat dust during a harvest, that definitely is a problem. A mask is a must and I would wash my hair carefully after the days work to eliminate dust in the hair....which could be ingested. Getting wheat dust on your clothes could also be a potential issue because some could make it's way into your mouth. I know a Celiac who had to retire from his job as head baker because of all the flour dust floating around in the air. His numbers stayed high and didn't come down until he removed himself from the job. It can be problematic at times but you have to do what you have to do.

Y'know, the statement that shampoo would not cause glutening prompts me to ask everyone a question: Hasn't anyone ever gotten their shampoo in their mouth? Am I the only one who rinses their hair with their mouth open? Otherwise the water runs in my nose, not good. Am I strange?

jackay Enthusiast

Y'know, the statement that shampoo would not cause glutening prompts me to ask everyone a question: Hasn't anyone ever gotten their shampoo in their mouth? Am I the only one who rinses their hair with their mouth open? Otherwise the water runs in my nose, not good. Am I strange?

I do normally keep my mouth shut when shampooing my hair but have already gotten water in my mouth so have probably gotten shampoo in my mouth at one time or another. Hey, I already scraped my nose with a razor while shaving my legs because my nose itched. With me, anything is possible.

Stylo Rookie

Hey, I already scraped my nose with a razor while shaving my legs because my nose itched. With me, anything is possible.

Haha! When I read this I pictured myself doing it. I could see that happening to anyone!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Gemini Experienced

Y'know, the statement that shampoo would not cause glutening prompts me to ask everyone a question: Hasn't anyone ever gotten their shampoo in their mouth? Am I the only one who rinses their hair with their mouth open? Otherwise the water runs in my nose, not good. Am I strange?

No, you are not strange. This is an issue that depends on your personal habits. If you rinse with your mouth open or let the soapy water run down the front of your face, you would have to use gluten-free shampoo/products. I tilt my head back and never let the water with soap run down my face. As long as you don't eat it, it's not a problem.

  • 3 months later...
Zombie13 Newbie

Thank you for asking this question. I logged to check the exact same thing. My Dad will be harvesting wheat within the week and I usually help with the baling of the straw. Not that I am looking for a reason to get out of helping, but I also know the consequences of ingesting wheat of any kind. I think I will sit out this year's harvest and baling.

ravenwoodglass Mentor

Y'know, the statement that shampoo would not cause glutening prompts me to ask everyone a question: Hasn't anyone ever gotten their shampoo in their mouth? Am I the only one who rinses their hair with their mouth open? Otherwise the water runs in my nose, not good. Am I strange?

No your not, and you could also be glutened by getting it in your nose. You nose drains into your esophagus for one thing for another gluten can cross into your system through the mucous membranes.

dilettantesteph Collaborator

Maybe you could get into growing gluten free grains free from cross contamination. There is a real need. Do you have your own harvesting equipment?

RideAllWays Enthusiast

Wow, what a cruel irony. I personally wouldn't risk it, but if it is your lifestyle and career you could try it for a while using the surgical mask, washing really well, etc. But if you're anything like the farmers I know that won't be an option :D At the ranch my boss is allergic to sawdust and is supposed to wear a mask when doing stalls or even just being in the barn..good luck with that ever happening haha

CarolinaKip Community Regular

Y'know, the statement that shampoo would not cause glutening prompts me to ask everyone a question: Hasn't anyone ever gotten their shampoo in their mouth? Am I the only one who rinses their hair with their mouth open? Otherwise the water runs in my nose, not good. Am I strange?

I don't think you're strange. I have been in so much pain everyday during the past 8 months trying to find out what's wrong with me. At times the pain was so extreme, I went to the ER. I just found out I have Celiac and to me it is worth changing everything to stop the pain.

RoseTapper Newbie

Gemini,

I know it's an ongoing debate regarding external products that contain gluten, but I know from PERSONAL experience that I break out in DH big time whenever I use a shampoo or makeup that contains gluten. I don't know of a single study on this subject, so until there has been at least one study with confirmed data, it cannot be stated definitively whether or not topical gluten causes a problem for a person with celiac or DH. Until then, we are only discussing opinions and not science.

ravenwoodglass Mentor

Gemini,

I know it's an ongoing debate regarding external products that contain gluten, but I know from PERSONAL experience that I break out in DH big time whenever I use a shampoo or makeup that contains gluten. I don't know of a single study on this subject, so until there has been at least one study with confirmed data, it cannot be stated definitively whether or not topical gluten causes a problem for a person with celiac or DH. Until then, we are only discussing opinions and not science.

I agree completely. The issue, I think, stems from folks who consider gluten to be a mostly GI problem and neglect the fact that it is a systemic autoimmune issue. Hence the 'if you don't eat it it will not cause a reaction' mindset. Gluten does not pass through INTACT skin but it can enter the system through small breaks in the skin and can also enter into the bloodstream through any mucous membrane. For females in particular this can be a real issue with soaps and stuff because we have more mucous membranes in well 'personal' areas and also with makeup the eyes and nose can be entry points. Some do not react as strongly as others and some of us are more sensitive to small amounts. My preference is 'when in doubt, leave it out' and IMHO this is particularly important for those who are newly diagnosed and don't yet know their own sensitivity level.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,549
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Blough
    Newest Member
    Blough
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.