why curd should not be eaten at night - #42514
I am really confused about something that's been bothering me. My grandma always taught me that I shouldn’t eat curd at night, but I never really understood why that is. Last week I had a big dinner and then decided to have some curd afterward as it’s my favorite. But then I was up all night feeling kinda off, like my stomach was just churning.😩 I remember her saying something about how curd can disturb digestion or something like that, but she didn't explain it clearly. I even talked to a friend who told me they heard something about why curd should not be eaten at night affecting sleep and causing bad dreams?! That sounded really weird to me, but now I can't shake it off. Also, I sometimes add curd to my salads and have it for lunch without any problems. Why is night different? Like, could it just be an old wives' tale? I kinda feel queasy about it and would love to hear from you guys. Is there a real reason why curd should not be eaten at night, or is this just a superstition? How does it impact digestion or sleep? 😬 I wanna enjoy my food without worrying.
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Doctors' responses
In Ayurveda, the advice against consuming curd at night is deeply rooted in traditional understanding of digestion and body balance. According to Ayurvedic principles, curd is considered to be of a sour taste, heavy and hot in nature. It increases kapha dosha, which governs the structure and fluid balance in our bodies. Consuming curd at night can aggravate kapha leading to an imbalance that may result in phlegm, heaviness, or even indigestion, as the digestive fire, or agni, is lower during this time.
Nighttime is seen as a period of kapha predominance, so consuming kapha-increasing foods like curd can disrupt the natural balance, potentially affecting your sleep and leading to digestive discomfort, like the symptoms you felt after your big dinner. This doesn’t mean it’s just an old wives’ tale; there’s a rationale based on our bodies’ natural rhythms and the qualities of the food. Worse yet, curd can become ama (a toxic substance in Ayurveda) if not properly digested, causing further discomfort or bloating.
Curd is generally better digested during lunch due to the peak digestive capacity then. If you really like having curd in the evening, opt for buttermilk instead. It’s lighter, and less likely to upset your digestion. Simply dilute the curd with water, add a pinch of cumin or black salt, and whisk it well. An ideal balance!
Also, ensure you’re having a light dinner, as heavy meals can overload your digestive system, especially with the addition of curd. It’s definitely, something to keep in mind when planning your meals. These tips are practical and should help you feel more comfortable and avoid those pesky digestion issues. While it’s good to enjoy your food, being aware of how certain items can impact your system ensures you maintain your health and well-being!

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