Eating curd at night isn’t necessarily harmful, but its effects can vary based on your dosha balance and overall health. In Siddha-Ayurvedic terms, curd is considered to have a kapha-increasing effect, potentially leading to mucus build-up, especially when consumed in the evening or during colder months. Since dinner is often the last meal of the day, the body’s digestive strength, or agni, may not be at its peak. This can sometimes make curd more difficult to digest, possibly contributing to bloating.
If you notice bloating or any heaviness in your digestion, it may be wise to observe for a week or two how your body responds when you avoid curd at night. You could try replacing it with buttermilk, as it is often easier to digest and recommended for its lightness and ability to balance doshas. Buttermilk can provide similar digestive benefits without potentially increasing kapha dosha as much.
Regarding your sleep, dairy products can affect different individuals uniquely, but curd specifically isn’t known to disturb sleep patterns per se unless your digestive discomfort could be indirectly keeping you wake.
If you’re still worried about mucus build-up or any respiratory issues, you might dilute curd in some warm water and add spices like ginger or cumin powder to balance its cooling, heavy nature. Alternatively, just having it during lunch instead of dinner may alleviate some of your concerns.
Ultimately, it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly, considering your specific prakriti, the season, and your lifestyle. If digestive issues persist, it might be beneficial to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice that takes your unique condition into account.
