Can We Drink Milk After Eating Karela

Question

I’ve been trying to improve my diet lately, and I’ve been adding more vegetables to my meals. One of the things I’ve started eating more often is karela (bitter gourd). I know it’s great for digestion, and I’ve heard that it helps with blood sugar levels too, which is important for me since I’ve been struggling with my blood sugar recently. However, I have a question that’s been bugging me for a while. Can we drink milk after eating karela?

I’ve been told different things by different people, and I’m confused. Some people say that drinking milk after eating karela can cause digestive problems and is a bad combination, while others tell me it’s fine as long as I’m careful. I usually enjoy karela with some spices and a little bit of ghee, and sometimes I like to have a glass of milk afterward as a way to cool down my system, especially in the evenings. But lately, I’ve been wondering if I should stop drinking milk after karela.

My main concern is whether this combination is bad for my digestion. I’ve read that milk and karela can create a conflict in the digestive process because milk is considered heavy and cold, while karela is considered hot and bitter. Can we drink milk after eating karela without upsetting our stomachs? I’ve experienced some bloating and mild discomfort in my stomach after eating this combination, but I wasn’t sure if it was just because I was overeating or if it was the milk and karela together causing the issue.

I also read that Ayurveda suggests avoiding certain food combinations, and I’m wondering if milk and karela fall into that category. If I shouldn’t drink milk after karela, what should I drink instead? I don’t want to mess up my digestion, and I’m trying to get the most benefit out of both karela and milk, but I’m just not sure if they’re a good match.

On the other hand, some of my family members swear by drinking milk after karela, saying it helps balance the bitterness and is good for the skin. I’ve even heard that the Ayurveda way of life is more about knowing your body and what works for you individually. So, maybe drinking milk after karela works for some people but not others? I’m not sure if my body can tolerate it, which is why I wanted to ask here for some professional advice.

Has anyone else been told that they can’t drink milk after karela? Or has anyone tried this combination without any problems? I’d really appreciate some clarity on this issue. Should I stop drinking milk after karela, or can I continue with this combination if I want to?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

The combination of karela (bitter gourd) and milk in Ayurveda is indeed a topic of discussion due to their contrasting properties. Karela is hot and bitter, while milk is considered heavy and cooling.

Key Points in Ayurveda:

Karela (Bitter Gourd): It is Pitta-pacifying and has a bitter taste, which increases digestive fire but can also be drying and harsh. It helps regulate blood sugar and detoxifies the body.
Milk: Milk is heavy and Vata- and Pitta-balancing but can be Kapha-aggravating. When combined with bitter or spicy foods, it might cause digestive discomfort.
What Happens When You Combine Milk and Karela:

Milk might interfere with the digestive properties of karela, making it harder to digest, especially in people who have weak digestive fire (Agni). Some people may experience bloating, discomfort, or digestive issues when combining these foods.
For individuals with strong digestion, it may not cause issues. However, it’s best to observe your own body’s reaction.
What to Do:

If you experience bloating or discomfort, it’s better to avoid drinking milk immediately after karela. Instead, try drinking warm water or herbal teas like ginger tea after eating karela.
Drink milk separately: Ideally, consume milk at a different time than karela to prevent any digestive imbalance.
Conclusion:

In Ayurveda, individual body constitution (dosha) plays a crucial role in determining what combinations of foods are suitable. If you feel discomfort after consuming karela and milk together, it’s better to avoid this combination

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

So, you're trying to figure out the scoop on milk and karela, huh? Totally understandable, it's one of those things many people have different opinions on. In Ayurveda, food combining is kinda big deal, and you’re right, this combo can be tricky. Karela is indeed great for your digestion and can help balance blood sugar levels – you're on the right track there.

First off, Ayurveda does suggest we pay attention to the qualities (like taste, energy and post-digestive effect) of what we eat. Karela’s bitter, pungent, and kinda "warming," while milk is more "cooling" and sweet. They don't exactly make the best couple in Ayurvedic thought. It's like fire (karela) meeting water (milk) in your tummy, potentially leading to a digestive showdown.

If you're noticing bloating or discomfort, it could be your body's way of saying "nah, let's not mix these two." Each person's digestion (or agni) is one-of-a-kind, and it might not vibe with this combo, especially if your agni is more sensitive or if you’ve got a Vata or Kapha predominante constitution which might be more disrupted by such a heavy and mixed pairing.

So what could you try instead? Well, after the karela, something more digestively harmonious like ginger tea could be soothing and supportive for your digestion. Or even a light buttermilk with a pinch of rock salt, cumin and coriander. These options align better with the digestive process without causing a foodu fight.

Ultimately, Ayurveda is very much about personal balance and listening to your body. If this combo works for others well, doesn’t always mean it works for you, y'know? If you're keen to experiment, try spacing out the consumption—maybe have milk a couple hours after your karela. That way you're not giving them front-row seats to battle it out in your belly.

It's wise to stay attuned to how your body reacts. If the discomfort continues, might be good to bring it up with an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider who can give tailored feedback. Till then, trust your gut—in both the figurative and literal manner!

Can We Drink Milk After Eating Karela - #4060

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