When it comes to choosing between milk and curd, both have their unique benefits, and the “better” option often depends on your personal constitution, current health state, and individual needs according to Ayurvedic principles. Milk is revered in Ayurveda for its nourishing qualities and soothing effect on the vata and pitta doshas. It’s packed with calcium and other nutrients essential for bone health. If you’re accustomed to having warm milk at night, it can indeed offer a calming effect and can help ensure you’re getting enough calcium – something that remains important even in your 30s and beyond.
On the other hand, curd (yogurt) is beneficial primarily for its probiotic properties, which support digestion and enhance gut health. This is possibly why you found it helpful during your stomach upset. In Siddha-Ayurveda, curd is said to increase the kapha dosha but can balance vata when taken in moderation. It might be especially useful as you age, given its ability to keep the digestive system robust and support the assimilation of nutrients.
It’s crucial to consider your digestive fire, or agni. If you tend to have a slower digestive system, curd could be more appropriate as it helps digest food more effectively. Conversely, if you have an overly intense metabolism, milk might be better to calm pitta tendencies. Ideally, consuming curd during the day in moderation and warm milk at night could strike a balance. However, avoid mixing them directly, as it can lead to digestive conflicts.
Ultimately, listen to how your body responds to each and adjust accordingly. Incorporating both into your diet in moderation can help serve different needs without missing out on essential nutrients. If your diet improves with this knowledge, remember it’s about balance — if one day favors curd and the next milk, that’s fine too.
