Why Shouldn’t We Eat Curd At Night

Question

I’ve always loved eating curd, and it’s a regular part of my meals. However, I recently heard that it’s not good to eat curd at night. This has left me wondering why shouldn’t we eat curd at night, especially when it feels soothing and helps with digestion during the day.

I usually have curd with my dinner, either plain or mixed with rice. While I’ve never noticed any immediate issues, some people say eating curd at night can cause mucus buildup or lead to digestion problems. Is this why we shouldn’t eat curd at night?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether this applies to everyone or only certain body types. For example, does Ayurveda suggest avoiding curd at night for people with a Kapha-dominant constitution, or is it generally bad for everyone?

I’ve also heard that warming curd slightly or adding spices like black pepper can make it easier to digest. If that’s true, does this mean curd is acceptable at night if prepared this way? Or should it still be avoided?

If you knows why shouldn’t we eat curd at night or has had personal experiences with this, please share your insights. Should I completely stop eating curd at night, or are there exceptions to the rule?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, it is generally advised to avoid eating curd at night, especially for individuals with a Kapha dosha or a tendency toward excess mucus, as it is believed to increase mucus production and aggravate digestion problems. Curd is considered heavy and can be difficult to digest at night, leading to a feeling of sluggishness and potential digestive discomfort. Kapha-dominant individuals may experience more pronounced effects, such as sinus congestion or lethargy, due to curd's cooling and moist qualities. However, it may not have the same impact on everyone—people with a Pitta or Vata constitution might not experience the same issues but should still be mindful of their overall digestion and body constitution.

To make curd easier to digest, some people recommend warming it or adding spices like black pepper, cumin, or ginger. This can help reduce its cooling effect and support digestion. Additionally, curd can be more suitable for daytime meals rather than at night when digestion tends to slow down. If you enjoy curd with your dinner, you might consider having it earlier in the evening or as part of a balanced meal with warming foods, depending on your dosha and digestion. Always pay attention to how your body responds—if you feel comfortable and don't experience issues, you may continue enjoying curd at night, but it's generally advisable to follow Ayurvedic guidelines for better health.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

In Ayurveda, it’s generally recommended to avoid eating curd at night, especially for people with a Kapha constitution or those prone to digestive issues. Curd is considered heavy and can increase mucus production, potentially leading to digestive discomfort or congestion when consumed at night. This is because curd is thought to be cooling and may disrupt the body’s natural balance, especially during the evening when digestion tends to slow down.

However, for Vata or Pitta individuals, curd might not cause such issues. If you enjoy curd at night, you can warm it slightly and add digestive spices like black pepper or ginger to help balance its cooling effect, making it easier to digest.

If curd doesn’t cause you any immediate discomfort, you may still consume it in moderation, but it’s best to experiment and see how your body responds.

Why Shouldn’t We Eat Curd At Night - #5114

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