is curd good for health - #23454

Curd, or yoghurt, is widely regarded in Ayurveda as an incredibly beneficial food for health. However, its effects can vary depending on your personal constitution (or prakriti), and how and when you consume it. Ayurveda generally suggests that curd is not suitable for everyone at all times, and it should be used cautiously due to its heavy, heating properties.

If you’re feeling bloated, it might be a sign of imbalance in your digestion. According to Ayurvedic principles, curd can increase the kapha dosha due to its thick and heavy nature, potentially leading to symptoms such as bloating, especially if you already have a kapha-dominant prakriti or if it’s taken in excess. This is a bit technical, but simply keeping it plain and consumed in moderation might help. That’s partly why it’s recommended to consume curd during the daytime when your digestive fire is stronger.

Mixing curd with fruits or honey might be aggravating your digestional issues because certain food combinations can lead to toxins (ama) in Ayurveda. Typically, fruits are best consumed separately rather than combined with curd.

Concerning lactose intolerance, curd, particularly when it’s fermented well, tends to have less lactose than milk, making it easier to digest for lactose-intolerant individuals. But if you’re suspecting lactose intolerance, you might try eliminating curd for a couple of weeks to see if symptoms improve. If they do, it could be worth exploring non-dairy alternatives.

Homemade curd could be gentler on your system as it generally contains probiotics beneficial for digestion, compared to heavily processed store-bought options.

To approach this mindfully, observe how your body responds to curd. Start by consuming it during lunch, possibly adding a pinch of black pepper or a bit of ginger to aid digestion. You might also try thinning it into buttermilk, which is easier on the stomach. If the symptoms persist, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner would be wise, as they can delve into your prakriti and current imbalances giving specific advice. Safety first— always consider your body’s signals, and don’t ignore severe or persistent symptoms.