can we eat curd after drinking alcohol - #40745
I am really confused about something that keeps bugging me. Last weekend, I went out with friends and had a bit more wine than I usually do. You know how it goes, right? Anyway, later that night, I felt super hungry and I had this strong urge to have some curd because it’s my go-to for settling my stomach. But then, I started wondering, can we eat curd after drinking alcohol? I mean, I've heard people say mixing dairy and alcohol can be bad, but then other folks say it’s fine and that the probiotics in curd can actually help. I wasn’t sure what to believe. I read somewhere that alcohol can mess with digestion and taking curd might make it even worse? I’d hate to make my hangover worse, if that even makes sense? Plus, I’ve always had a soft spot for curd; it’s like my comfort food! So, after that wild night, I woke up feeling iffy and all I wanted was some curd to help with my stomach. Should I have just avoided it? Help me out here, is there a right answer to the question of can we eat curd after drinking alcohol? Would love some input from you all, thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Eating curd after drinking alcool may seem like a comforting choice, but from an Ayurvedic perspective, it’s not the ideal combination. Alcohol is heating in nature, aggravating the pitta dosha, while curd is also considered heating, as it turns sour on digestion. Consuming these together might further disturb the balance, especially if your constitution naturally favors pitta or if you’ve been experiencing acidic discomfort.
Curd can indeed offer probiotics so typically beneficial for digestion, but when the agni (digestive fire) is compromised by alcohol, curd’s heavy nature might strain it more. Essentially, you’ll be adding an extra load on an already burdened system. This may result in fermentation and potential toxins (ama) formation, which isn’t pleasant.
For future hangovers, you might want to try lighter probiotic sources, like buttermilk. Dilute with water take a pinch of rock salt and cumin for added balance. Buttermilk is easier to digest, possessing some of the probiotic benefits without the same heaviness as curd.
When alcohol has already impaired digestion, sipping on warm water with ginger or having a light vegetable soup can be soothing and enhance digestion without further aggravating internal heat.
Timing would be significant too. If truly craving curd, avoid it immediately after drinking. Gap is important, wait until digestion has somewhat normalized. A few hours at least, or preferably, until the next day when the system comes back to normalcy. It’s a common misconception that immediate cravings post-alcohol consumption are the best guide for what your body needs.
Remember, while curd might be your go-to, your body is often at its most vulnerable after drinking so choose wisely to ensure you tackle discomforts effectively, without adding further stress. Drink plenty of water and if uneasy persists, chamomile tea can soothe more than just.
Consuming curd after drinking alcohol can be favorable under certain circumstances, but it’s essential to consider a few key aspects from the Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective. Alcohol is known to increase the pitta dosha in the body. This might disturb your digestive fire, or agni, which can lead to imbalances and discomfort.
Curd, naturally having a sour taste, can further increase pitta but it may also carry cooling and soothing properties that could counter the heat from alcohol. Its probiotics might assist in maintaining gut flora balance, which alcohol could disrupt. Yet, curd can be a bit heavy for digestion, especially if agni is already weakened.
If your constitution is predominantly pitta or if you’re experiencing increased acidity, it might be better to err on the side of caution. In such cases, opting for buttermilk instead could be a wiser choice. It’s lighter, easier to digest, and still provides some beneficial microbes.
However, if you decide to eat curd, take it in moderation; consider mixing it with a pinch of cumin and coriander powder, which might aid digestion. Timing is another vital point—ensure your stomach has had some rest post-alcohol consumption, ideally a few hours. This lapse helps your body regain a bit of balance.
If you notice persistent discomfort or any allergic reactions, or systemic symptoms like severe nausea, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical advice. While consuming curd isn’t the most common culprit of worsening hangovers, every individual’s body responds differently. Being attentive to your body’s signals and reactions will guide you to make the best choice for your unique situation.

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