does curd have lactose - #23707
I am really confused about something and could use some advice from anyone who knows about this! I’ve been trying to eat healthier and have been looking into Ayurvedic food options, but I’m worried about lactose. I have a friend who's saying that curd is okay for people who are lactose intolerant, and I’m like, does curd have lactose? Because I’ve always thought it was high in lactose since it comes from milk. My stomach does not handle dairy well, and a few days ago I tried some curd, thinking it would be fine, but I ended up feeling really bloated and uncomfortable. I read stuff online where some folks say that because of the fermentation, a lot of the lactose gets broken down in curd. Is that true? I’m just not sure how much I can trust that info. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences? Does curd have lactose, and is it safe for someone like me to eat it or should I stay clear? Thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
Curd indeed contains lactose, but the level is generally lower than that of regular milk due to the fermentation process. During fermentation, the lactose, which is the sugar found in milk, is partially broken down into lactic acid by the bacteria present in curd. This can make it more digestible for some individuals who have lactose intolerance, but it’s not a universal solution for everyone. In Ayurveda, curd is considered to be heavy (guru) for digestion and sour (amla), which might not suit everyone, especially if there’s a digestive imbalance like weak agni (digestive fire).
However, it’s important to note that even if certain people tolerate small amounts of curd, it might still cause discomfort for others who are more sensitive. Since you’ve experienced bloating and discomfort, it might be best for you to either avoid it or consume it in very small quantities to see what your threshold might be. Sometimes, the bloating is attributed not just to the lactose, but also to the sour nature of curd, which might not align well if your dosha balance or digestive fire is compromised.
In practical terms, you can try alternatives such as curd made from lactose-free milk or explore plant-based yogurt options. Also, if you’re trying to improve your digestive health, you might want to consider warming spices to improve agni, such as ginger, cumin, or fennel, before or with your meals. If you’re keen on incorporating curd, another tip from Ayurveda is t consume it with a pinch of black pepper or ginger, which can aid digestion.
This approach aids in maintaining the balance in your body and helps in accomodating your dietary needs holisticly. Yet, given that you’ve already had discomfort, it might be better ensuring with a healthcare professional to address these digestive concerns, especially if they persist, as they could have other underlying causes that need attention.

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