is curd hot or cold according to ayurveda - #41636
I am really confused about something and hope someone can help me out. I’ve been trying to incorporate more Ayurvedic practices into my diet, but there's this debate among my friends about whether curd is hot or cold according to ayurveda. Last week, I made this big batch of yogurt thinking it would cool down my body after all the spicy food I had during the week. But then I read somewhere that curd can actually generate heat in the body, which totally threw me off! Like, last summer, I had terrible acid reflux and ended up eating a ton of curd to "cool myself off," but I was also having more digestion issues. Now, I’m wondering, if curd is hot or cold according to Ayurveda really matters? Is it okay to consume it regularly, or should I maybe balance it out with something else? I mean, are there specific signs I should watch for to know if it's affecting me more like... burning me up inside or helping with the heat? I would love some insight from you guys and maybe some gut-friendly recipe ideas too! I don’t want to just blindly eat curd thinking it’s good when it could be causing me problems. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
In Ayurveda, curd (or yogurt) is generally considered to have a heating quality, despite it’s refreshing nature. This might seem contradictory at first because, physically, it feels cool. However, Ayurveda assesses foods not just by their immediate temperature, but by how they affect our body’s doshas after digestion, known as vipaka. Curd can increase Pitta dosha because it has an ushna virya — a heating potency after digestion.
Given your concern about acid reflux, which is typically a Pitta-related issue, consuming too much curd may not be ideal as it can exacerbate the heat. Instead, consuming curd in moderation, avoiding it completely at night, and pairing it with cooling spices like cumin or coriander can be beneficial. A good practice is to dilute it with water to make a buttermilk-like drink called takra, which aids in digestion without the excessive heat.
Look out for signs like increased heartburn, excessive thirst, or general feeling of warmth indicating too much internal heat. If you notice these signs, reducing the intake of pure curd may help. You can balance it with cooling foods like cucumbers, mint, or sweet fruits to help mitigate the heating effects.
For recipes, you might want to try a simple cucumber raita: mix grated cucumber with a small amount of yogurt (preferably low-fat), add a pinch of cumin powder and a few coriander leaves. It’s refreshing and balances the heat without overloading your digestive system.
If digestion issues persist, consider consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to assess your unique needs and potential dosha imbalances. They can recommend personalized dietary adjustments and herbal supplements if needed. Remember that Ayurveda is about balance and customization, so what works for one might not be suitable for all.

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