why shouldn't we eat curd at night - #44158
I am dealing with some digestive issues lately, and I'm really confused about certain foods. A friend recently mentioned to me, “Why shouldn’t we eat curd at night?” and it stuck with me. I love yogurt, but I’ve been experiencing bloating and acidity, especially when I snack on it in the evening. Last week, I had a pretty bad episode after having some curd with my dinner—like, really uncomfortable. I thought maybe it was just bad luck, but this isn't the first time it happened. Tried to look it up, but every article says something different! Some say that curd is good for digestion, but then others mention how it can cause imbalances at night. Like, what gives? Do you guys have any insights on why shouldn't we eat curd at night? Is there an Ayurvedic perspective I’m missing? Or maybe it's just me being sensitive? Sometimes, I feel like I'm overthinking it but I can't help it, I just want to feel normal again! Would really appreciate any thoughts or experiences you all might’ve had. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Eating curd at night can indeed be problematic from an Ayurvedic perspective. Ayurveda, which emphasizes the balance of doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—considers both the timing and characteristics of foods in maintaining harmony. Curd, by nature is heavy and has a sour taste. At night, Kapha dosha naturally becomes dominant, so consuming foods which are heavy, like curd, can aggravate this dosha, leading to imbalances. This may manifest as digestive issues such as bloating or acidity, which you’re currently experiencing.
One of the takeaways from classical Ayurvedic texts is that curd has a ‘heating’ effect on the body. Its sourness can increase Pitta (heat) and diminish the digestive fire (Agni) necessary for processing food eaten during the evenings—when our digestion is at its weakest. Consequently, this can lead to discomfort and further contribute to those unpleasant episodes after evening meals like you’ve described.
If curd plays a meaningful role in your diet, try consuming it during lunch, when digestive strength peaks. For a night-time substitute, consider buttermilk or lassi, which is thinner and lighter, more cooling, promoting ease in digestion. Always opt for fresh curd and mix it with a pinch of cumin or coriander to aid digestion and balance its sour nature.
If your goal is to mitigate evening digestive discomfort, consider adhering to a light dinner of easily digestible foods—vegetables and grains that suit your constitution—and eat at least 2 to 3 hours before bed to allow proper digestion. Sipping on warm water with ginger can also be grounding, easing any bloating or heaviness before bedtime. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional familiar with your health background and personal needs.

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