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Claim: A Facebook user “Doctor of the Future” claims that bread increases arthritis pain, describing the two as “lovers.”
Verdict: Misleading. DUBAWA’s findings reveal that bread itself does not cause arthritis, but some ingredients in some bread, not all, increase pain in arthritis.
Full Text
A Facebook user who identifies as “Doctor of the Future” has claimed that bread causes arthritis, describing the two as “lovers.” The self-acclaimed doctor, who has over 491,000 followers, wrote, “Bread and arthritis are lovers. Wheat feeds inflammation. Inflammation attacks joints. Remove bread and watch the pain fade. It’s not old age. It’s your breakfast…”
As of Oct 16, 2025, the post had garnered over 880 likes, 266 comments, and 61 shares. Reacting to the post, a Facebook user identified as Estelle said, “Thank you, Doctor. Sometimes when I disobey….. Na the pain dey reset my brain. But nawah ooooooo.”
Another user, Ndem Okam Ukpai Richard, countered the claim, saying, “You’re wasting your time on this, Sir. I decided to stop taking carbonated drinks, but I will never stop taking bread.”
Also responding, Adeyemi Otasanya wrote, “I’ve not seen it or read it anywhere, including your posts, where it’s stated that flour is not good for our health. Now, I want to know if it’s flour that is not good for consumption or the things added in the making of bread that are not good for consumption. One thing that I know is that breads in the 80s/90s became dry and hard two days after they are made, and most likely get spoiled after 3 days, unlike nowadays breads that can stay up for two weeks and can still be consumed.”
Another commenter, Umenne Nonyelum, disagreed with the post, noting, “But I can’t remember when I ate bread last, but still am having arthritis.”
DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim because bread is widely consumed, and any health-related assertion about it could significantly impact the public.
Verification
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis as of 2020, representing a 113% increase since 1990.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association reported that more than 1.5 million Nigerians are affected by arthritis each year.
Arthritis is a collective term for over 100 conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation, with osteoarthritis (a degenerative “wear-and-tear” condition) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease) being the most common types.
The condition is typically influenced by factors such as genetics, autoimmune reactions, age, and lifestyle.
Does bread cause arthritis?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, not all types of bread cause arthritis or joint pain. However, bread made from wheat, barley, rye, or other grains that contain gluten can worsen arthritis symptoms in people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together.
Gluten can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation and joint pain, which may mimic or intensify arthritis symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation notes that for most people without gluten-related disorders, eating bread does not cause or worsen arthritis.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, some people living with arthritis may experience relief by avoiding gluten-containing foods, but this is primarily true for those with autoimmune or gluten sensitivity conditions.
Wheat naturally contains gluten, a protein that triggers inflammation in specific individuals, particularly those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
In such cases, consuming wheat can provoke an immune reaction that causes widespread inflammation, potentially worsening joint discomfort and arthritis symptoms.
Is celiac disease severe?
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that causes the body to react abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, when a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage.
This damage interferes with the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients properly. Over time, the resulting malabsorption can lead to malnutrition and various health complications. In children, untreated celiac disease may cause growth problems and developmental delays, while in adults, it can lead to fatigue, anaemia, bone weakness, and other long-term health issues.
Experts views
A Dietitian at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Emmanuel Oyebamiji, explained that the high glycaemic index of refined bread can trigger inflammation and worsen joint pain in arthritis patients.
“Bread and arthritis are closely related, but we must understand the type of bread we are talking about,” Oyebamiji said. “Refined white bread, made from processed wheat, has a high glycaemic index, which increases blood glucose and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin. This can worsen joint pain and stiffness.”
He added that refined white bread lacks essential nutrients and fibre that help control inflammation.
“White bread does not have the fibre and nutrients that help reduce inflammation. That’s why it can aggravate inflammatory arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis,” he said.
Oyebamiji further explained that some individuals may experience heightened symptoms due to gluten sensitivity or autoimmune reactions triggered by wheat.
“In some people, especially those with certain autoimmune diseases, gluten in wheat can trigger immune reactions that mimic or intensify joint pain. Gluten also increases gut permeability, what we call ‘leaky gut,’ which can worsen systemic inflammation,” he noted.
He advised the public to differentiate between white and whole-grain bread, noting that not all bread contributes to arthritis.
“When we talk about bread and arthritis, the question should be: what type of bread? White bread can be problematic, but whole-grain varieties are not. People should understand this before spreading information on social media,” he cautioned.
Similarly, Jeremiah Silas, a registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), emphasised that refined grains could worsen arthritis symptoms, while whole-grain options offer better alternatives.
“Refined grains like white bread can worsen arthritis by increasing inflammation. On the other hand, whole-grain options like whole-wheat or multigrain bread are better choices for managing inflammation. However, the ideal portion depends on a person’s health condition and activity level,” Silas said.
Conclusion
Bread does not cause arthritis, but components like gluten and refined carbs in certain breads may exacerbate joint inflammation in sensitive individuals or those with autoimmune arthritis. To manage arthritis, avoiding or limiting these foods may help reduce symptoms.
