can we drink curd at night - #25845

Curd, or yogurt, indeed holds a high place in Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for its probiotic qualities and ability to enhance digestion, building what we call ‘ojas’ or vitality. But, Ayurveda also tells us that the appropriateness of eating any food, including curd, depends on the time of day and your current state of imbalance, or dosha.

It’s generally advised to avoid curd at night. Why? When we consume curd, particularly before bed, it can exacerbate Kapha dosha, which is prominent during evening hours. Kapha is associated with qualities of heaviness and coldness, and curd being inherently heavy and sour, can increase mucous production, leading to feelings of congestion or sluggish digestion. So, it’s not quite an old wives’ tale as curd, has a tendency to disrupt digestion and cause bloating, particularly when there is an existing imbalance.

Opt for warm, light meals in the evening. If you’re drawn to dairy, consider consuming buttermilk instead. It’s lighter form of curdyy, and according to Ayurveda, not as Kapha-provoking at night. To prepare, churn the curd with water, and add a pinch of cumin or black pepper. These spices help aid digestion and counteract the heavy quality of dairy.

Keep in mind, if you’ve excess Kapha or even digestive issues like bloating, reducing or avoiding cold and heavy foods at night is beneficial. Also pay heed to other lifestyle practices that may help reduce this bloating sensation. For instance, try not laying down immediately after meals, let your body digest what’s consumed, taking time to walk a bit, or do some light stretches can aid digestion and ease discomfort.