In the Siddha-Ayurvedic system, food combinations are important for maintaining digestive health, and it often pays to mindful of certain pairings. Spinach and curd (or yogurt) can be a tricky combination to digest for some individuals. This is primarily due to their opposite qualities according to Ayurvedic principles. Spinach is known for its high iron and calcium content, and it contributes a cooling effect. On the other hand, curd is also cooling but quite heavy to digest, especially in excess.
Mixing these two may sometimes affect your digestive ‘agni’, or metabolic fire, which leads to a disturbed digestion. This can result in bloating or discomfort for individuals with aggravated Vata or Kapha doshas. For someone who experiences such issues, it’s advisable to either consume them at different meals or to combine them carefully and sparingly to see your body’s response.
If you wish to enjoy them together, doing so at midday when your digestive fire is strongest might help lessen any adverse effects. You can also add ginger or black pepper to the meal to aid digestion and boost metabolic fire. However, pay attention to your body’s signals—if you repeatedly notice discomfort, it might be best to consume them separately.
It’s essential to remember that the key lies in your constitution or 'prakriti’. What suits one person may not suit another. So if particular symptoms persist, a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner may provide personalized advice and therapeutic solutions. Always consider the body’s feedback when combining foods, as it is the best guide to what works for you.
