Is Lassi Good For Stomach Upset

Question

I’ve been dealing with stomach upset for a while now, and recently I’ve heard people recommending lassi to help with digestion and soothe the stomach. I’m a little skeptical though, and I’m wondering if lassi is actually good for stomach upset, or if it could make things worse. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had more frequent stomach aches, bloating, and occasional nausea, and it’s been hard to find something that works to calm my stomach down. After trying antacids and some over-the-counter medications with little success, I decided to give lassi a try.

A friend suggested that drinking lassi might help, especially because it contains yogurt and is known for its probiotic properties. I’ve had lassi before, but only as a refreshing drink during meals, and I never really thought much of it. However, when I started drinking it more regularly, I began to wonder if it actually helps or if I’m just making my stomach upset worse. So, I’m really curious, is lassi good for stomach upset? Does it have any benefits, or could it aggravate my digestive problems?

I’ve heard that lassi is supposed to have a cooling effect on the stomach and can aid in digestion, but I’m not sure if that’s true for everyone. For me, it seems to work for a little while, but after a few hours, I often experience the same bloating and discomfort again. Could it be that lassi is only effective for certain types of stomach issues, or is there something I’m missing in how I’m drinking it? I’ve tried both plain lassi and sweet lassi, but I can’t tell if either is better for my stomach upset.

Is it possible that lassi is good for stomach upset only when consumed at the right time or in the right way? I usually drink it after meals, but I’ve heard that it might be better to have it on an empty stomach to really see its effects. Or should I avoid having it too frequently if I’m dealing with issues like bloating and indigestion?

Also, I’ve read that there are different types of lassi, and some can be heavy or greasy, especially when made with too much cream or sugar. Could those versions of lassi be the cause of my discomfort, or should I stick with a more traditional, light lassi to help with my stomach upset?

Finally, I wonder if there are any specific ingredients in lassi that are more helpful for calming the stomach. I’ve seen recipes that include spices like cumin or ginger, which are said to help digestion. If I’m making lassi at home, would adding these spices make it more effective for stomach upset? Or should I just stick to the plain, traditional version?

I’d really appreciate any advice on whether lassi is good for stomach upset or if I should be looking for other solutions to my digestive issues. I’m hoping to find something natural that can help without causing any side effects or further discomfort.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Lassi, especially when made with yogurt, is often recommended for digestive issues due to its probiotic content. It can soothe the stomach and help balance digestion, but its effects can vary depending on the individual and the type of lassi consumed.

Effectiveness: Plain or salted lassi is usually easier on the stomach and aids in digestion. Sweet lassi might not be as effective for digestive discomfort and could even aggravate bloating if consumed in excess. Some people find that drinking lassi on an empty stomach is more beneficial, as it promotes digestion before meals.

Considerations: If you're experiencing bloating or nausea, ensure that you're drinking a light, unsweetened version of lassi, preferably with digestive spices like cumin, ginger, or fennel. If you're sensitive to dairy, this might not be helpful, and you may want to consider alternatives like buttermilk or probiotic supplements.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Lassi can actually be pretty great for stomach upset, but let's dive into the nitty-gritty so you really get how it works and where it might fall short. The thing is, lassi, made from yogurt, contains probiotics, which are good bacteria known to aid digestion. These can help balance your gut flora and may reduce bloating and other symptoms. Plus, lassi has natural cooling properties which can soothe the digestive tract. Might sound simple but often it’s a matter of finding the right balance to really benefit from it.

That being said, it's true not every stomach reacts the same way. Sometimes, dairy can trigger discomfort if you’re a bit lactose intolerant or sensitive, even if it's in fermented form like yogurt. So, it's worth making sure that's not part of what's going on with your digestion. Switching to dairy-free options or cutting down on quantity might help if that’s the case.

When and how you drink lassi can also affect its impact. Drinking it with meals can enhance digestion but having it immediately after a heavy meal could lead to further bloating. You mentioned having it after meals—try sipping it about 20-30 minutes before a lighter meal to see if there’s an improvement. Consistency matters, so don’t overdo it; start with a small cup.

You might find that sticking to plain lassi, with minimal or gradual sugar, yields better results than sweetened versions. Adding spices can certainly kick its digestive benefits up a notch. Cumin and ginger, both excellent for digestion, can indeed be good additions. Cumin aids in soothing gas, while ginger helps with nausea. Just be careful—too much spice might irritate some stomaches, so start light.

Traditional lassi, without heavy cream or excess sugar, is likely the best approach for calming your stomach. Greasy or overly creamy versions defeat the purpose and could exacerbate bloating and discomfort, just as you suspected.

If you're experimenting at home, keep it simple: yogurt, water, a pinch of cumin or ginger, and maybe a touch of salt or mint for flavor. Drinking it at room temperature or slightly warm can also be gentler on your stomach than straight from the fridge.

In the broader context of Ayurveda, it's important to look at your overall lifestyle and diet. Agni, your digestive fire, plays a big role; avoiding cold, heavy foods and embracing lighter, warm meals might seem trivial but can make a huge difference. If symptoms persist, it might be worth consulting someone skilled in Ayurveda to tailor advice specifically to your dosha and condition.

Remember, every digestive issue is unique, so sometimes it's about trying things out to see what works for your body. If your condition worsens or fails to improve, especially if there's significant discomfort, seeking professional medical advice can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Is Lassi Good For Stomach Upset - #4067

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