is curd good for stomach infection - #42876
I am really confused about my health lately. Been dealing with this awful stomach infection for over a week now. It started with terrible cramps and lots of bloating! I went to the doc and they pushed some antibiotics but didn’t feel much better. Somebody mentioned that curds might help, but now I’m unsure—is curd good for stomach infection or not? Cause I ate some the other day and while it tasted nice, I dunno if it really did anything for my gut. Like, I’ve read everywhere about probiotics being good for stomach health, but does that include curds specifically?? I’ve also been feeling a bit nauseous, and my stomach’s been making some weird noises, ugh. Just to clarify, I don't have a dairy allergy, so kinda curious if curd could introduce some "good bacteria"? I don't want to make this infection worse or anything! Should I eat more or avoid it? Really trying to figure this out before I ruin my healing process. Any thoughts? Would love some advice from you all!
Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

Doctors' responses
Curd can indeed be beneficial for stomach infections, but its effect depends on the specifics of your condition and what your body needs right now. In Ayurveda, curd is considered to have some heating qualities and can increase “kapha” and “pitta” doshas. This means in certain situations, like if there’s excess “pitta” or heat in your body, it might not always be the most suitable option. However, curd is rich in probiotics, which helps in stabilizing gut flora and promoting a healthy digestive environment, especially when combating harmful bacteria.
Since you’re dealing with symptoms like bloating and cramps, it might be crucial to understand if there’s an increase in pitta. If the infection is more “pitta” oriented, you might experience burning sensations, acidity or excessive heat in your digestive tract. In that particular scenario, curd might need moderation.
When considering incorporating curd, prefer to consume it at lunchtime when your digestion power (or agni) is at its strongest, allowing better digestion. You can add a pinch of rock salt or roasted cumin seeds to balance its qualities. In contrast, avoid consuming it at night as it could aggravate mucus production. Always consume fresh curd, as stale curd can disrupt your digestion further.
Additionally, ensure water intake is adequate as often infections may dehydrate you. Warm liquids or herbal teas like ginger or peppermint could soothe your stomach. If nausea persists, favor a light diet with easily digestible foods.
If your infection symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to touch base with your healthcare provider immediately to ensure no critical complications are present. Ayurveda is supportive to natural healing, but some situations might need more immediate interventions. While curd may not universally suit every case of stomach infection, added probiotics generally support the gut, however, carefully monitor how your body responds to it and adjust accordingly.
Curd, being a fermented dairy product, often contains beneficial probiotics that can support digestive health by introducing good bacteria to the gut. However, with a stomach infection marked by cramps, bloating, and nausea, it’s vital to consider whether your digestive system is ready to handle curd during this acute phase.
In Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, the balance of your digestive fire, or agni, is crucial. During an infection, your agni may be weak or imbalanced, making it difficult to digest even beneficial foods. If your stomach feels unsettled after consuming curd, it could be a sign that it’s not suitable for you at the moment. Instead of curd, consider a diluted buttermilk, which is easier to digest and still offers probiotic benefits. You can spice it slightly with roasted cumin or a pinch of rock salt which can aid digestion and relieve bloating.
Focus on meals that are light on the stomach, like kanji (rice gruel) or moong dal khichdi, which are gentle and nourishing. Consider sipping on warm water with ginger to soothe nausea and improve digestion. It’s also beneficial to consume herbal infusions such as peppermint or chamomile tea that can calm the stomach.
Keep track of your symptoms, if they persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional immediately as unresolved infections might need further evaluation or treatment. Prioritize your health and recovery, to ensure that your approach supports your body back to balance.

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