can we drink bitter gourd juice daily - #37981
I am really curious about this whole bitter gourd juice thing. I've read a lot of claims that can we drink bitter gourd juice daily and that it has lots of health benefits, like lowering blood sugar levels and improving digestion. But honestly, I'm not sure about it. I started drinking it a couple of weeks ago because my mom’s friend swears by it for her diabetes, and I'm trying to get my health in check too. I blend the bitter gourd with some lemon and ginger. Tastes awful, but I’m determined to stick with it! However, I've been feeling a little queasy after drinking it, sometimes it feels too harsh on my stomach, I wonder if that’s normal? Like, am I doing it wrong or maybe I should adjust how much I’m drinking? Also, what are the exact effects of drinking it daily? I mean, I don’t want to overdo it and mess things up, ya know? Can we drink bitter gourd juice daily or should I limit it to a few times a week? I also read somewhere that it might interact with some medications. But then again, it's supposed to be super healthy, right? Hmmm. Looking forward to some insights!
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Doctors' responses
Drinking bitter gourd juice daily does have its potential benefits, but moderation is key due to its potent nature. Bitter gourd, known as ‘karela’ in Ayurveda, is praised for its bitterness which can benefit the digestive system and help with maintaining blood sugar levels. However, this potent bitterness can also be jarring if consumed in excess, or by those with certain sensitivities or conditions.
Your decision to blend bitter gourd with lemon and ginger is a popular combination, as the ginger can help with digestion and lemon adds a bit of palatability. However, the queasiness you’re experiencing could be due to the high doses of bitterness affecting your agni, or digestive fire, which might be struggling to handle it regularly.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, the juice is best consumed in a balanced amount. Rather than every day, consider starting with 2-3 times a week. Monitor how your body responds to this frequency. Tuning into how you feel after consuming is crucial. If symptoms like stomach upset persist, limit your intake further.
In terms of daily dosage, a small glass (about 100 ml) is typically sufficient. Making sure the juice is diluted with water might also reduce harsh effects on your stomach. Drinking it on an empty stomach can magnify its impact, which may not suit everyone, especially those with Pitta doshas, who might find it overly aggravating.
Regarding medication interactions, bitter gourd can indeed interact with drugs, especially antidiabetic medications, augmenting their effect. Anyone on such medication should consult a healthcare professional before starting the juice.
Hydration, balanced diet, and regular check-ins with a healthcare practitioner are great companions to drinking karela juice. Don’t fixate on a single food item as a health solution; instead, focus on an overall balance in your diet and lifestyle to support sustainable health.

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