Doctor claims eating bread everyday can lead to this rare disease that gets you drunk. What is Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

For many people, bread is an everyday staple — especially for breakfast. From buttered toast to jam sandwiches, it remains a go-to item in Indian households. However, health experts are now sounding an alarm about its long-term effects on the body. “Can’t do without bread every morning? Well… at least try to reduce. Because bread could be the most dangerous thing you put in your body,” wellness expert Dr. Mickey Mehta wrote in a recent Instagram post.

He raised concerns over a rare medical condition that might be triggered by regular bread consumption — Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS).

Bread and Gut Health

Dr. Mehta warns against daily consumption of bread and suggests incorporating Isabgol (psyllium husk) into the diet to improve digestion. “Have Isabgol at night and first thing in the morning,” he advises.

In his video, Dr. Mehta shares how common it is for people to rely on bread for breakfast. “I’m surprised to know that as many people I asked, many times — what did you have for breakfast? ‘I had tea and bread,’ ‘I had omelet and bread,’ ‘I had jam and bread,’ ‘I had poha and bread,’” he says, highlighting the widespread dependency on bread across households.

Divided Reactions From the Public

Dr. Mehta’s video sparked a flood of comments, highlighting both concern and criticism. Some users praised the post, with one saying, “Real sourdough from whole flours is healthy,” and another noting, “I have now started making jowar and ragi rotis for breakfast and it has made such a difference in my overall health.”

Others, however, rejected the claims. One user wrote, “Dude half of the world eats bread as staple,” while another pointed out, “British people only eat breads but their minimum life expectancy is more than 70 years.” A sarcastic comment read, “So what do you think Americans and Europeans eat for breakfast, idli, vada, dosa?”

Some users highlighted their personal health experiences. A commenter stated, “I eat bread every day, all the time. Nothing wrong with my gut. I am 80 years and in good health.” Another added, “It’s staple for all the people as you said. It’s not all will have the same symptoms. It’s each to oneself.”

What Is Auto-Brewery Syndrome?

According to WebMD, auto-Brewery Syndrome, also called gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare but serious condition. It occurs when the gut ferments carbohydrates (like those found in bread) into ethanol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. This happens because of certain microorganisms in the gut. As a result, a person can experience symptoms of alcohol intoxication — even without consuming any alcohol.

The most common microorganisms involved in this condition are Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, though others like S. boulardii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Citrobacter freundii can also play a role. Experts stress that it’s not caused by a single strain, but by a complex imbalance of gut flora.

Who Is at Risk?

While ABS is rare — fewer than 100 cases were reported globally as of 2021 — it’s believed to be widely underdiagnosed. According to experts, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:

• A high-carb diet
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Long-term antibiotic use
• Gastrointestinal surgeries
• Crohn’s disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Genetics

Even people without underlying health problems have been diagnosed with ABS. One study showed that those affected were more likely to have food sensitivities, non-food allergies, and poor gut health overall. They were also found to consume less tea, coffee, and dairy, while drinking more water.

While bread might seem like a harmless and convenient food choice, daily consumption can have unforeseen effects on gut health. Auto-Brewery Syndrome, though rare, is a severe example of how an imbalanced microbiome can disrupt the body’s normal functioning. Experts urge moderation and awareness, especially when it comes to foods rich in carbohydrates like bread.

If you or someone else notices signs of unexplained intoxication or other related symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional and explore potential gut-related issues.