Curd, also referred to as yogurt in some regions, can indeed make some individuals feel sleepy due to a few different factors, especially if there’s an underlying imbalance in your body’s doshas or digestive fire, which we call agni in Ayurveda. From the perspective of Siddha-Ayurvedic principles, the feeling of drowsiness after consuming curd could be related to its Kapha-increasing qualities. Curd is naturally heavy, sour, and has a sweet post-digestive effect, which can increase Kapha dosha, especially if your digestive fire or agni isn’t as strong, leading to sluggishness or heaviness.
Curd also undergoes fermentation, a process that enhances its probiotic content. While this can be beneficial for digestion in many cases, it might actually aggravate certain digestive issues if your Vata dosha is already out of balance, leading to lethargy or sleepiness. Additionally, due to its cold and thick nature, consuming curd in large quantities, especially in the morning or late evening, might not be optimal for everyone as it can dampen your metabolic fire.
If you’ve noticed this pattern of tiredness after eating curd-based meals, it might be helpful to modify your consumption. Try switching your breakfast option to something lighter and easier on digestion, such as warm porridge with spices like ginger or cinnamon, which helps invigorate digestion. Alternatively, if you enjoy your smoothies, consider using buttermilk instead of curd, which is lighter and easier to digest, or try having the smoothie at midday when digestion might be a bit more robust.
If you still wish to consume curd, having it during lunchtime or mixing it with warming spices like black pepper or cumin can help balance its heaviness and make it easier on your digestion, potentially reducing the drowsiness you’re experiencing.
If this condition persists or affects your daily life significantly, it might be useful to consult with a healthcare practitioner for a personalized examination to ensure there’s no deeper Kapha imbalance or other underlying issues that need addressing. Ensuring adequate rest, proper hydration, and mindful mealtimes can also contribute to improving your energy levels throughout the day.
