Curd, as a cooling food, can indeed influence the symptoms of a cough, especially in the context of Ayurveda and Siddha. In these traditions, coughs are often related to an imbalance in the kapha dosha—characterized by excess phlegm or mucus—and consuming curd, especially if it’s not fresh or taken at the wrong time, might aggravate the condition. Your friend’s notion that dairy may increase mucus isn’t completely off the mark. If your cough gets worse after consuming curd, your body might be indicating an excess kapha condition.
To get back on track, consider moderating your curd intake or even pausing it for a bit. When consumed at night, curd can especially enhance kapha, promoting cough. Try introducing more warming foods into your diet instead, like ginger tea, turmeric milk (avoiding the milk base if you feel it aggravates mucus), or hot soups to counterbalance and soothe your throat. Also, including spices such as black pepper and long pepper (pippali) can help alleviate cough by boosting your digestive fire and breaking down mucus.
Maintain hydration with warm water, and maybe avoid cold or refrigerated foods. If cough persists despite taking these steps, reaching out to a healthcare provider would be wise, especially to ensure there’s not an underlying issue. Your instinct is valid, and listening to how your body reacts is a crucial part of navigating health and diet. Keep observing and adjusting to find a balance that works for your individual constitution.
