does curd cause cough - #44625
I am in a bit of a panic and really need some advice from you all. A few weeks ago, I started noticing this pesky cough that just wouldn’t go away. At first, I thought it was just a cold or something, but then my friend said, “Maybe it’s the curd you're eating?” I've been eating curd a lot—like, every day with my meals. I love the taste, especially with rice, but she mentioned that curd can cause cough and it got me thinking. I’m not sure if that’s true or if it's just a myth? Last week, I went to the doc, and he said my throat is a bit inflamed but didn’t really give me a straight answer on the curd thing. It's frustrating, you know? I mean, I’ve always thought curd is healthy and helps with digestion and stuff. But now I’m wondering, does curd actually cause a cough like she said? I’ve also been coughing quite a bit at night, which is really annoying, and I am kinda worried it could turn into something worse! Anyone else had this issue? Should I cut down on curd or find something else to deal with my cough? What do you all think about this whole does curd cause cough thing? I just want to feel better and enjoy my meals without second-guessing everything! 😩🤔
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Doctors' responses
Curd, or yogurt as its known in Ayurveda, is generally considered healthy and beneficial for digestion, but whether it can cause a cough? The answer is, yes, it could. According to Ayurvedic principles, curd is considered to be heaving and can increase Kapha dosha in body. Kapha is associated with qualities such as cold, heaviness, and liquidity. When Kapha is imbalanced, it can lead to issues like increased mucus production and respiratory problems.
Your cough might be linked to the overconsumption of curd, especially if you consume it at wrong time or in large quantities. Ayurveda recommends consuming curd in moderation and ideally during the day when agni (digestive fire) is stronger. Curd should be avoided at night, as it can increase mucus production while you sleep. If your cough worsens at night, it might be exacerbated by this habit.
Here’s what you could do: Try reducing or temporarily eliminating curd from your diet to see if there’s improvement in your symptoms. Switch the curd for buttermilk, which is a lighter option and is known to balance the Kapha dosha better. You can make buttermilk by diluting curd with water and adding spices like cumin and coriander to taste.
Additionally, to help balance Kapha and alleviate your cough, consider consuming warm, easily digestible foods and drinks. Herbal teas like ginger tea or tulsi (holy basil) would be excellent choices. Include warming spices in your meals—like black pepper, ginger, and turmeric—that can help alleviate the Kapha imbalance.
However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to follow-up with your doctor. Occasional coughs can sometimes be the indicator of an underlying condition, and addressing it in time can prevent complications. By paying attention to these suggestions and listening to your, body you can better manage the symptoms and return to enjoying your meals without worry.

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