Oh, paneer can be a bit tricky, can’t it? Especially when you’re shifting more towards a vegetarian diet and trying to get your protein fix. In Ayurveda, digestion is everything, and when things aren’t flowing smoothly, we want to look at the fire - the agni. If it’s weak, which sounds possible with the bloating and heaviness you’re experiencing, it might be struggling to process the paneer, especially in larger amounts.
Paneer, being a dairy product, adds to the kapha element. So, if your body already has a kapha dominance or imbalance, it could be weighing things down, that heaviness you mentioned. Even without major lactose intolerance, dairy can sometimes sit heavier and challenge the digestive fire. If you’ve got a pitta imbalance, though, the richness of paneer might be adding fuel to that fire, leading to discomfort.
Here’s the scoop from an Ayurveda angle: pairing paneer with warming spices, like you’ve already tried with cumin and ginger, is a good step. Ginger, especially fresh ginger, is fantastic—adds a kick to that digestive fire. But, try a pinch of black pepper or asafoetida too, they really stoke that digestive furnace.
And yes, eating smaller portions can make a considerable difference. It’s like giving your digestive system a little break—let it process and then ready for more without overwhelming it. Consider having all your meals at regular times to keep your agni consistent.
Another thing, try steaming or lightly sautéing paneer rather than eating it raw, as cooking can soften it up, making it more digestible. Eating it with veggies or a bit of lemon juice might also help lighten the load.
If you’re finding paneer really stubborn, do give your body time. Focus on improving your agni with digestive teas—cumin, coriander, and fennel tea are lovely aids. Keeping your meals warm, with cooked foods rather than raw, especially if those seem to sit better with you.
But if these tweaks don’t bring relief over a couple of weeks, it could be worth revisiting how much paneer fits your diet. Ayurveda believes nothing is one-size-fits-all, after all! Balance and listening to your body’s signals ultimately guide you toward what’s best for you.


