does curd cause acidity - #42827
I am having some really bothersome digestive issues lately, and I’m trying to figure out if maybe my diet is a factor. For a while now, I’ve been loving curd, like having it with almost every meal because I thought it was healthy! But then, out of nowhere, I started feeling this weird burning sensation in my stomach, especially after meals, and I cant help but wonder, does curd cause acidity? I read that dairy can sometimes be a trigger for some people, but others say it’s soothing for the gut. Like, just the other day, I decided to try a big bowl of curd with some fruits, and oh man, within like an hour, I was feeling that familiar discomfort again. 🙁 It’s so confusing, though, because I also heard curd is good for digestion so I'm stuck. If curd does cause acidity for some, does that mean it’s a bad choice for me, or is it just a temporary thing? Maybe my stomach is just acting up for another reason? I also sometimes feel bloated, but I’m not sure if that ties back to the curd or if it’s something else in my diet. Have anyone else experienced this? I really want to figure this out without every meal becoming a source of worry! Any advice or experience would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Curd can have different effects on each individual, often depending on one’s dosha balance and overall constitution. In Ayurveda, curd is considered warming and may aggravate Pitta dosha, as it can enhance some qualities associated with heat — such as a burning sensation. If you’ve been enjoying curd frequently, and you’re noticing this discomfort, it might be the Pitta dosha becoming imbalanced. Meanwhile, they also known to aid digestion, being a good source of probiotics, they could sooth Vata dosha conditions.
Yet in your case, especially since experiencing burning after consuming curd, it is worth considering reducing your intake for a period to see if you notice any improvements. You might find that curd is causing an imbalance and thus contributing to acidity and related symptoms. To effectively figure this out, try keeping a food diary. Note how you feel after eating different foods and particularly after meals containing curd, this can help in identifying any pattern in your digestive upset.
Ayurveda suggests certain guidelines while consuming curd. It should ideally be consumed fresh, preferably during the day, and in moderate amounts. Consuming it at night, or in large amounts, might indeed upset the digestive fire or ‘agni’, especially in those prone to acidity. Also, avoid adding sour fruits to curd, as the combination can aggravate acidity.
Consider replacing curd temporarily with buttermilk, which is advised for its lighter property and often less likely to provoke Pitta. Alternatively, you could look into incorporating gut-soothing alternatives such as Ayurveda-recommended herbal teas made from cumin, coriander and fennel, which can pacify acidity and promote digestion.
This exploration isn’t only about curd; it can also be worth examining other spicy, sour, fried, and overly processed foods in your diet known to disturb the Pitta dosha. Also, consider your lifestyle – managing stress through daily routines, adopting calming yoga or meditation practice as these might also help balance your overall digestive health.
Should you continue to experience discomfort or if you notice symptoms worsening, seeking personalized advice from an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner for a complete constitution analysis and treatment plan can be beneficial.
Curd, or yogurt, can indeed be a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to digestion. It’s generally beneficial for many people, thanks to probiotics that support gut health. However, in some individuals, especially those with an aggravated Pitta dosha, it may cause or increase acidity. This is particularly true if the curd is consumed at the wrong time of day or if your agni, or digestive fire, is imbalanced.
Curd is best consumed in moderation and ideally in the daytime when digestive activity is at its peak. Eating it at night or with incompatible foods like certain fruits might lead to fermentation issues in the gut, causing bloating and acidity. If curd is the culprit for your discomfort, try reducing your intake. Start by having it at lunch time only. Consider mixing it with rice or adding spices like cumin or coriander to help counterbalance its acidic properties.
Moreover, examine the quality of the curd your consuming. It should be fresh and made from cow’s milk, as overly sour curd can become troublesome. Transition to buttermilk if curd continues to be irritating. Buttermilk is less acidic, and when spiced mildly, it’s soothing to the stomach.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, re-evaluate your entire diet and identify other potential triggers, keeping track of what you eat and when symptoms flare. It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out deeper issues and fine-tune your diet for better comfort and health. Seek out ayurvedic consultation for personalized dietary advice tailored to your dosha and lifestyle.

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