can we drink milk after eating karela - #38230
I am really confused about food combinations lately, especially when it comes to karela. I love karela and eat it often because of its health benefits, but I heard from a friend that I shouldn’t drink milk after eating karela. Is it true? I mean, I had this super tasty karela sabzi with my dinner last night and right after, I just couldn’t resist a glass of warm milk. Later, I felt kind of uneasy in my stomach. Not sure if it was just coincidence, but now I'm a bit worried. I’ve read online that karela has such amazing properties for blood sugar and digestion, and milk is often seen as wholesome. Some people say combining them can actually mess with digestion or something like that. I dont know if I overdid it or if I did something wrong by mixing them up. If I eat karela, then drink milk, is that gonna cause any problems? Am I missing out on benefits from either of them? I just really don’t want to be making big mistakes with what I eat, ya know? Can we drink milk after eating karela, or should I skip it next time?
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Doctors' responses
Drinking milk right after eating karela might not be the best idea according to Ayurvedic principles. Both karela (bitter gourd) and milk have distinct qualities that can clash with each other. Karela is known for its bitter taste and its ability to pacify Pitta and Kapha doshas while it excites Vata. Milk, on the other hand, is typically considered heavy, sweet, and cooling, mostly calming Vata and Pitta doshas but increasing Kapha. Mixing these two can confuse your digestive fire, or agni, leading to unease or discomfort.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on compatible food combinations for optimal digestion and overall health. When foods with opposite or incompatible qualities are combined, it can potentially disturb digestion, create ama (toxins), and disrupt doshic balance. The uneasiness in your stomach you felt might be a result of this incompatible pairing, or it could be coincidental, given other factors at play.
If you enjoy both karela and milk, I suggest maintaining a buffer time between their consumption. You might want to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating karela to allow it to digest before having milk. This practice aids in proper digestion and ensures that each food item’s qualities are processed adequately. Drinking milk significantly afterwards can prevent the qualities of karela from compromising its digestion, preserving the therapeutic benefits you mentioned.
Furthermore, if you have a tendency towards weak digestion (mandagni) or experience bloating or gas frequently, keeping these foods separate will be even more beneficial. Focus on other compatible pairings during meals, like incorporating warming, gently spiced foods to bolster your digestive fire after consuming these types of potent ingredients. Making these mindful adjustments in your eating practice could help optimize your meals’ nutritional benefits and support digestive comfort.

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