is curd good - #40038
I am really confused about whether is curd good for me or not. Last week, I had this terrible stomach ache after eating out, and I'm worried I might’ve messed up my digestion. I always thought curd is good for digestion, or at least I’ve heard that from friends and family my whole life. I used to eat it every day, but now I’m not so sure. I remember my mom saying it's super good for cooling the body and helping with gut health, but lately I read somewhere that it might not be great for everyone? Like, it can be heavy or something depending on your body type? That’s really confusing! I’m naturally a bit of a Pitta type (gotta love Ayurveda!) but I also love curd! Sometimes I feel like having it with my meals helps, especially on hot days, but then I heard it could lead to mucus buildup? Ugh, can someone help?? Is curd good or should I be avoiding it? I'm just trying to figure things out and stop this nasty stomach stuff. Do any doctors have insight on how curd fits into Ayurveda or if it's a good option for someone like me? Thanks a lot!
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Doctors' responses
Curd is a bit of a two-sided coin when it comes to Ayurveda and digestion, specially relevant for your Pitta constitution. It’s known for its cooling properties, and does indeed aid digestion when consumed correctly. However, there are some nuances to consider. Eating curd daily, especially in summer, can be supportive for Pittas as it cools the body and soothes the digestive tract. But the key here is moderation and method of consumption.
For a Pitta prakriti, which tends to run hot and have a strong digestive fire, curd can indeed be beneficial as it cools and aids the digestive process. However, one must be cautious. Curd, especially if not well-processed or consumed in excess, can sometimes lead to increased phlegm, promoting kapha imbalance. This is why it might cause mucus formation or heaviness for some.
To mitigate potential negative effects, avoid consuming curd at night and always have it during the day when your metabolism is more active. Mixing it with spices like cumin or black pepper can enhance its digestion-enhancing qualities, reducing the risk of it becoming heavy. Also, consider having it at room temperature, avoiding cold refrigerated curd which can dampen digestive fire.
After having stomach aches or digestive upsets, it’s best to give your gut a little rest from sticky or very fermentative foods for a few days. Reintroducing foods like curd gradually and observing how your body responds can help. Pairing it with lighter foods like a salad or basmati rice might ease digestion rather than having it with very rich or heavy meals.
It’s essential to listen to your body and observe if curd actually alleviates your symptoms after reintroduction, and if not, alternatives like buttermilk or lassi might be less heavy on the stomach while still offering similar benefits. If the stomach issues persist, or if pains reoccur, considering visiting a healthcare provider for further assessment could be beneficial. It’s crucial to ensure that there isn’t an underlying issue that needs more immediate medical attention.

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