is khichdi good for acidity - #42721
I am on this journey to figure out what to eat that won’t mess with my tummy. Lately, I’ve been dealing with a lot of acidity issues. Like, one minute I’m totally fine, and the next I'm feeling this awful burning sensation. It's just so annoying, ugh! 😖 Most foods seem to irritate me, and it’s really hard to find something soothing. I heard that khichdi might be a good option but I’m not entirely sure. Is khichdi good for acidity? Like, will it actually help calm things down? My friend swears by it, saying it’s easy to digest and like magical for soothing upset stomachs. But I’m worried it might not work for me. My doctor suggested avoiding heavy or oily foods—totally makes sense—but I have these cravings for comfort food that I just can’t shake! I tried khichdi a few times, and it was decent. I cooked it with a mix of lentils and rice, added some spices, but I'm still unsure if it’s really helping me. Is khichdi good for acidity? Can I have it regularly or should I limit it? Would love some expert thoughts on this, especially since I feel like I’m going in circles trying to figure it out!
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Doctors' responses
Khichdi can indeed be a suitable choice for those struggling with acidity, primarily because of its lightness and digestibility. As per Ayurvedic principles, it balances the doshas, especially when the digestive fire, or agni, is disturbed. The combination of rice and lentils in khichdi creates a complete protein that’s easy on the stomach and less likely to cause excess acid production. In situations where acidity is constant, foods like khichdi can help in soothing the lining of the stomach and promoting nutritious absorption without overstimulating the digestive system.
To make khichdi more effective for as acidity relief, consider turning down on spicy ingredients. It’s important to avoid heating spices like chili peppers or excess mustard seeds, as these can aggravate pitta dosha, which is often associated with acid reflux. Instead, opt for milder spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and dried ginger in moderation, which can aid digestion without flaring up acidity. A dollop of ghee could also be added at the end of cooking; ghee has sattvic qualities that help calm inflamed tissues.
Try preparing khichdi with well-cooked white rice instead of brown rice, as white rice is easier to digest. You might want to use split moong dal, which is soothing and doesn’t produce much gas or acidity. Keeping your khichdi moist with enough water or broth makes it gentler on the stomach.
It’s absolutely okay to have khichdi regularly if it feels good and doesn’t upset your stomach. However, if you notice discomfort despite these adjustments, it may be worth reconsidering your intake. It’s also important to eat mindfully: consuming smaller portions, chewing thoroughly, and maintaining a calm environment while eating can aid digestion significantly.
Make sure that alongside dietary adjustments, you incorporate lifestyle practices that support digestive health, like maintaining a regular meal schedule, avoiding late-night meals, and stress-management techniques such as pranayama or gentle yoga. If symptoms persist or worsen despite these changes, it might be worthwhile to seek further medical advice to address any underlying issues.
Khichdi is often considered a comforting and balancing food in Ayurveda, especially when you’re dealing with acidity. Its simplicity and easily digestible nature makes it a practical choice, as it stabilizes the digestive system without putting undue stress on it. It provides a balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates, thanks to the rice and lentils, which can help soothe hyperacidity and regulate your digestive fire, or agni, by calming down Pitta dosha, often responsible for such acidic flare-ups.
To make khichdi even more beneficial, consider tweaking the recipe slightly to better align with your current condition. Use overcooked rice and skinned mung dal (green gram) in a 2:1 ratio as these are lighter and easier to digest. Avoid or minimize the usage of spicy, tangy condiments that could irritate the stomach lining. Instead, incorporate mild spices like cumin or fennel—excellent for reducing acidity. Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) can help enhance digestion without inflaming your symptoms.
Including ghee may also settle your stomach, as it helps rejuvenate your gastric mucosa, but use it sparingly. If you use vegetables, opt for those that’s less likely to disturb, like carrots or zucchinis, which are gentle on the stomach.
You’ll want to gradually increase khichdi consumption rather than leaping into a regular habit, to monitor how your system responds. While khichdi itself is generally soothing, its effectiveness depends on its preparation and your body’s current state. So, regular consumption could be beneficial for you, ensuring that you assess any reactions and adjust accordingly.
Should acidity symptoms persist or worsen, though, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions, and dont let dietary changes delay any necessary treatments.

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