can we eat curd in food poisoning - #42660
I am really worried about my stomach issues right now. Couple of days ago, I had this really bad episode after eating some street food that I thought was fine at the time. I came down with severe cramps, nausea, and I couldn't keep anything down. After a day of feeling miserable, I finally went to the doc who said it’s probably food poisoning. Now, I’ve been trying to figure out what to eat to recover, and I keep hearing about how curd can be good for digestion. People say that curd has probiotics and can maybe help restore gut health, but I’m not sure. Like, can we eat curd in food poisoning? I’ve been really hesitant to try it because of my recent experience and just worrying it might make things worse. I tried plain khichdi yesterday, and it felt okay, but I just really miss having something creamy or tangy like curd. Is there a risk with eating curd in food poisoning? Or do I have to wait till I feel better? I just don’t wanna mess things up even more. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition


Doctors' responses
In the case of food poisoning, it’s important to approach dietary choices with caution. Curd, known for its probiotic properties, aids in digestive health, and normally supports the gut’s microbial balance. However, its consumption depends on your current condition and symptoms.
When dealing with food poisoning, your digestive fire, or agni, may be compromised. If you’re experiencing a lot of nausea or vomiting, it’s best to give your stomach some rest before introducing dairy products like curd. Introduce foods that are easy to digest first. Khichdi, which you tried, was indeed a wise choice. It’s easy on the stomach and also provides mild nourishment.
If your symptoms have started to subside—particularly if you’re no longer vomiting—it may be safe to introduce curd into your diet again, just in small amounts. It should be fresh and ideally served at room temperature. Start with a tablespoon or two all by itself or mix it in with your khichdi. Monitor how your stomach reacts. If you feel comfortable after a few hours without any worsening of symptoms, it could be a sign that your digestive system is ready to handle it. If symptoms persist, hold off on eating curd further and consult back with your doctor for guidance.
Remember, everyone’s body responds differently, especially after an illness like food poisoning. Listen to your body’s cues, stay hydrated, and if ur symptoms escalate at any point, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to strike a balance between nourishing your body and respecting its current limitations, allowing healing to occur gradually.
In the case of food poisoning, it is essential to be careful about what you eat while your body is recovering. The advice about eating curd can be a bit tricky. Curd is indeed known for its probiotics, which can help in maintaining gut health and aiding digestion by boosting the good bacteria in your intestines. However, when it comes to food poisoning, it might not always be the best initial choice.
During the acute phase, when your stomach is still sensitive, consuming even the easily digestible forms of fermented dairy can potentially upset your gastric environment. Curd might lead to further irritation if your digestive system is still inflamed. In Siddha-Ayurvedic terms, an imbalance in your doshas, particularly vata and pitta, can be a factor here, with the digestive fire (agni) being disrupted.
Once the intense gastric symptoms like nausea and cramping have subsided, gradually introducing curd into your diet could be beneficial. Start by incorporating small amounts, perhaps diluted with a bit of water, to make buttermilk which can be milder and gentler on the stomach. Adding cumin and a pinch of rock salt can enhance its soothing properties.
Continue consuming light, easily digestible foods like plain rice or khichdi as you’ve already started. Stay hydrated with warm water or herbal teas like ginger tea to help pacify the residual symptoms and balance the doshas involved. Gradation based on how you feel is key here. If your symptoms persist or worsen, prioritise consulting a Ayurvedic practitioner or allopathic doctor.

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