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can we eat dahi at night - #23918
I am really confused about something and hope some of you can help me out. I’ve been hearing different things about dairy and dahi. Last week, I had a friend over for dinner, and we had this lovely meal with dahi as a side dish. It was delicious, but then I remembered hearing that can we eat dahi at night? I had trouble sleeping that night, felt really bloated, and now I'm starting to wonder if the dahi might’ve contributed to it. So I decided to do some research, but there’s just too much conflicting info! On one hand, some people say it’s fine, and on the other hand, I saw that it can cause digestion issues at night. I mostly eat vegetarian and dahi is a staple in my diet, but I don’t want to keep feeling how I did last week! Can we eat dahi at night without regret, or should I avoid it after a certain time? Would love any thoughts from you guys.
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Doctors' responses
Eating dahi, or yogurt, at night is a topic that comes up often, especially in Ayurveda. Your experience with bloating after having dahi at night might actually align with some Ayurvedic principles. According to Ayurveda, consuming dahi at night can lead to digestion issues for certain individuals. This is because during night the digestion, or agni, is naturally lower compared to during the day, and dairy products like dahi can be heavy. They might potentially cause imbalance, especially for Kapha and Pitta dosha individuals.
One reason Ayurveda advises against eating dahi at night is that it can increase Kapha dosha, related to the elements of water and earth, leading to increased mucus production, congestion and heaviness in the body. If you’re experiencing bloating, insomnia, or even disturbed sleep, this increase in Kapha may be a contributing factor.
That being said, how dahi affects you personally can depend on your individual constitution — or prakriti — and your current doshas. Some individuals with a strong digestive fire may not experience issues having dahi at night, but generally, it’s best to eat it in moderation and try to consume it during the day. The ideal time would be for lunch or as a mid-morning snack, when your digestive power is stronger. If you must eat it at night, try opting for a very small amount and ensure it’s well-paired with warming spices like black pepper or cumin, which can help enhance digestion.
To help manage your discomfort, you might also try sipping on warm herbal tea afterward, like ginger or fennel, which can be soothing to the digestive system. If you’re still having trouble, considering replacing dahi with buttermilk for an evening meal, as it’s lighter and can be easier to digest.
Ultimately, it’s important to listen to your body and see what works best for you. Making gradual changes and observing how your body responds can provide the clearest answers. It’s not just about following a rule — it’s about tailoring your dietary habits to your unique needs.
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