Why Curd And Fish Is A Wrong Combination

Question

I grew up hearing my mom say curd and fish is a wrong combination, but I never really understood why. Can someone explain why curd and fish is a wrong combination in Ayurveda? I recently had fish curry with some curd on the side, and later, my stomach felt super weird. Is this just an old myth, or is there actual science behind why curd and fish is a wrong combination?

If it’s really bad, does it mess with digestion or doshas? I didn’t see any major issues except for the weird stomach feeling, but maybe it causes problems over time? Should curd and fish always be avoided, or are there exceptions?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, combining curd (yogurt) and fish is often considered problematic due to their contrasting qualities. According to Ayurvedic principles, curd is considered a "heavy," "cool," and "moist" food, while fish is regarded as "hot," "dry," and "protein-rich." When consumed together, these foods can create a disruption in digestion (Agni), as they are thought to conflict in their energetic properties. This imbalance can lead to improper digestion, causing symptoms like bloating, heaviness, or an upset stomach. Ayurveda suggests that such combinations may disturb the doshas—especially Pitta and Kapha—leading to imbalances over time, particularly in people with sensitive digestive systems.

While some people may not experience immediate adverse effects, the long-term impact could include digestive issues such as gas, acidity, or sluggishness. The concept behind avoiding curd and fish together stems from the belief that they may produce toxins (Ama) in the digestive system by interfering with the body’s natural digestive processes. It's important to note that this is not a strict "rule" but a guideline based on traditional Ayurvedic wisdom.

However, there can be exceptions, depending on an individual’s dosha, digestion, and constitution. If you are someone with a strong digestive system and don’t experience any discomfort, it may be fine occasionally. It's always advisable to listen to your body and observe how it reacts to such combinations. If you felt discomfort after eating curd with fish, this might be an indication that this combination doesn’t suit your digestion, and it may be best to avoid it in the future.

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