can we eat curd in cold and cough - #24479
I am kinda confused about whether we can eat curd in cold and cough. Last week, I caught this nasty cold and my throat feels super scratchy. Like, it started with just a little sneeze, but then BAM! I was stuck in bed feeling miserable. My mom’s been on my case telling me to eat curd because it's supposed to be good for digestion and all, but I heard from a friend that we shouldn’t eat curd in cold and cough. I literally love curd with fruits and honey, it’s like my go-to snack! But now I’m worried it might make things worse. I even went to a doc who told me curd might be okay sometimes, depending on the body type. But honestly, he didn’t explain much. Can we eat curd in cold and cough? Is it really bad? What if I just have a bit? I’d love any advice because I’m feeling super lost right now and just want to get better! Thanks!
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Doctors’ responses
Eating curd during a cold or a cough can be a bit tricky in Ayurveda because it’s all about balancing your doshas. The concern with curd is that it tends to increase kapha dosha, which is responsible for the heaviness, congestion and mucus production. If you have a kapha imbalance, especially during cold and cough, consuming curd could potentially aggravate your symptoms.
However, Ayurveda also teaches us to look at things from a personalized perspective. If your predominant dosha is Vata or Pitta and you don’t typically experience kapha-related issues, a little bit of curd, especially if it’s not very sour and is consumed at room temperature, might not be a big problem. Just avoid it at night time when the body’s natural tendency is to accumulate kapha.
Another thing to consider is how you eat it. Combining curd with certain ingredients can help. If you’re going to have some, try adding a pinch of black pepper or ginger powder, which can aid digestion and counteract some of the kapha-increasing properties. Also, pair it with warm foods rather than cold salads or smoothies to maintain your body’s digestive fire, or agni.
For those with a preference towards a vata or pitta constitution, curd can be consumed in moderation provided you don’t notice an increase in mucus or feel colder after eating it. If your throat is very scratchy, avoid curd completely until it heals.
Remember, Ayurveda is about balance. If you’re in doubt, listening to your body and observing your symptoms is key. If you’re feeling congested, stuffy or your phlegm increases, it’s best to steer clear of curd until your symptoms improve. If you have a persistent cold or cough or it worsens, it’s a good idea to follow up with an Ayurveda practitioner or a medical professional.

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