Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Bhindi And Karela Side Effects
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Nutrition
Question #5125
266 days ago
646

Bhindi And Karela Side Effects - #5125

Levi

I’ve been adding more vegetables to my diet, and two of my favorites are bhindi (okra) and karela (bitter gourd). I know they’re highly nutritious, but I recently heard that consuming them too often might have some downsides. Can someone explain the potential bhindi and karela side effects and how to avoid them? I eat bhindi regularly because it’s rich in fiber and great for digestion, but I’ve read that excessive consumption might lead to kidney stones due to its oxalate content. Is this true? Are there other bhindi side effects I should be aware of, especially for someone prone to digestive issues? As for karela, I love its benefits for blood sugar control, but I’ve heard it can cause hypoglycemia if consumed in large quantities. Are there other karela side effects, like impacting liver health or causing gastrointestinal discomfort? Another thing I’m curious about is whether combining bhindi and karela in meals can intensify any side effects. Are there specific ways to cook or prepare these vegetables to reduce their potential risks?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
265 days ago
4.83

Bhindi (okra) and karela (bitter gourd) are both highly nutritious vegetables with many health benefits, but they do come with some considerations when consumed frequently.

Bhindi (Okra): It’s rich in fiber, which is great for digestion, but excessive consumption can lead to some side effects, especially for those with kidney issues. Bhindi contains oxalates, which in large amounts can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, especially for individuals prone to oxalate buildup. Additionally, overconsumption of bhindi may cause gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating or gas in some people, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems. To mitigate these risks, it’s important to consume bhindi in moderation and ensure it’s part of a balanced diet. Cooking bhindi well can help reduce its oxalate content, as steaming or boiling can help lower the oxalate levels.

Karela (Bitter Gourd): While karela is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels, it can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if consumed in large quantities, especially for individuals who are already on medications to manage blood sugar. It’s also known to cause gastrointestinal discomfort like stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhea, particularly if eaten in excess. Additionally, karela is bitter and has a strong effect on the digestive system, which may not suit everyone, particularly those with a weak digestive fire (Agni). In rare cases, karela may also affect liver health due to its detoxifying properties, but this usually occurs with excessive or prolonged use.

Combining Bhindi and Karela: While both vegetables are beneficial, combining them in large quantities may intensify their digestive side effects, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or digestive issues. The combination may cause bloating or gas for some people.

Tips for Safe Consumption: To minimize risks, consume bhindi and karela in moderation, and avoid eating them excessively on a daily basis. When preparing karela, scraping off the bitter skin and soaking it in salt water before cooking can help reduce its bitterness and make it gentler on the stomach. As for bhindi, ensure it’s well-cooked, and avoid pairing it with high-oxalate foods like spinach to minimize the potential for kidney stones. Always listen to your body’s response, and if you experience discomfort, consider reducing intake or adjusting preparation methods.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Both bhindi (okra) and karela (bitter gourd) are nutritious, but overconsumption can have some side effects. Bhindi contains oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones if consumed in excess, especially for those prone to them. It can also cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals. To reduce oxalates, cooking bhindi thoroughly can help.

Karela is great for managing blood sugar, but excessive intake can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you’re already on diabetes medication. It may also cause gastrointestinal irritation, like bloating or cramps, if consumed too often.

Combining both in moderation is generally safe, but it’s best to avoid large amounts in a single meal. Cooking them together should not intensify side effects, but ensure proper preparation (e.g., cooking karela well to reduce bitterness and digestive discomfort). Moderation is key!

11913 answered questions
78% best answers

0 replies

Bhindi and karela are indeed fantastic vegetables with numerous health benefits. But like anything, moderation is key. You’re spot on about bhindi and its oxalate content. If you consume it in large quantities, it might increase the risk of kidney stones, especially if you’re already prone to them. Try balancing with other veggies lower in oxalates like cauliflower or zucchini to keep things in check.

Now, for someone with digestive issues, okra’s sliminess might either help or exacerbate things. While its mucilage can soothe the gut lining, some folks might find it aggravates bloating or gas. Test your own tolerance, and steam rather than fry to make it easier on the stomach.

Karela’s a powerhouse when it comes to managing blood sugar. But yes, overdoing it could lead to hypoglycemia, especially if you’re already on medication for diabetes. Always listen to your body and consider checking your blood sugar levels if you feel shaky or lightheaded. There’s, however, no strong evidence linking karela with liver damage, but consuming it excessively may lead to upset stomach or diarrhea in some individuals.

Combining bhindi and karela in meals won’t typically intensify side effects beyond what they might individually cause. But the bitterness of karela might influence the digestive process. Cooking methods can definitely reduce risks: for bhindi, aim for steaming or light sautéing to retain nutritive value without too much oil. For karela, try soaking it in salt water or a little curcumin (turmeric) before cooking to tone down bitterness and make it more palatable.

Remember, balance is the heart of Ayurveda. Rotate your veggies, include a variety, and your meals will benefit your doshas well. If concerned about specific conditions like oxalates or blood sugar, consider consulting with a health professional who can personalize advice for you.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Manasi Gandhi
I am practicing Ayurveda on my own for around 20 years now and honestly, it’s hard to sum up what that feels like in just a line or two. Over these years, I’ve seen health problems change with time — lifestyle disorders becoming more common, stress showing up in ways people don’t even notice until it’s too late, and seasonal illnesses behaving a bit differently than before. My work is all about looking at the root of the problem, not just the part that’s hurting right now. Sometimes that means working with herbal formulations, sometimes with Panchakarma therapies, sometimes just changing how someone eats or sleeps. I’ve treated a mix of acute issues like fever, colds, stomach upsets, and chronic ones like arthritis, diabetes, skin diseases, and digestive troubles. Women’s health has also been a steady part of my practice, whether it’s menstrual irregularities, PCOD, or post-natal care. And I make time for children’s wellness too, especially through immunity-building practices like Suvarnaprashan. I guess what keeps me going is knowing that Ayurveda gives me so many tools to work with — it’s never just one formula for everyone. I like spending time understanding a person’s lifestyle, diet, and emotional state because without that, the treatment feels incomplete. Over two decades, I’ve learned that small, consistent changes can be more powerful than any single “big” remedy, and that’s something I always try to pass on to my patients!!
5
5 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
55 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
88 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
297 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.
5
103 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
39 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I am a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician practicing since 1990—feels strange saying “over three decades” sometimes, but yeah, that’s the journey. I’ve spent these years working closely with chronic conditions that don’t always have clear answers in quick fixes. My main work has been around skin disorders, hair fall, scalp issues, and long-standing lifestyle stuff like diabetes, arthritis, and stress that kinda lingers under everything else. When someone walks into my clinic, I don’t jump to treat the problem on the surface. I start by understanding their *prakriti* and *vikriti*—what they’re made of, and what’s currently out of sync. That lets me build treatment plans that actually *fit* their system—not just push a medicine and hope it works. I use a mix of classical formulations, panchakarma if needed, dietary corrections, and slow, practical lifestyle changes. No overnight miracle talk. Just steady support. Hair fall and skin issues often feel cosmetic from outside—but internally? It’s about digestion, stress, liver, hormones... I’ve seen patients try 10+ things before landing in front of me. And sometimes they just need someone to *listen* before throwing herbs at the problem. That’s something I never skip. With arthritis and diabetes too, I take the same root-cause path. I give Ayurvedic medicines, but also work with *dinacharya*, *ahar* rules, and ways to reduce the load modern life puts on the body. We discuss sleep, food timing, mental state, all of it. I’ve also worked a lot with people dealing with high stress—career burnout, anxiety patterns, overthinking—and my approach there includes Ayurvedic counseling, herbal mind support, breathing routines... depends what suits them. My foundation is built on classical *samhitas*, clinical observation, and actual time with patients—not theories alone. My goal has always been simple: to help people feel well—not just for a few weeks, but in a way that actually lasts. Healing that feels like *them*, not just protocol. That’s what I keep aiming for.
5
430 reviews
Dr. Ayush Bansal
I am an Ayurveda doctor with about 1 yr of hands on clinical practice, still learning everyday from patients and the science itself. My journey started as a VOPD doctor with Hiims Hospital under Jeena Sikho Lifecare Ltd. For 6 months I was into virtual consultations, understanding cases online, preparing treatment protocols and doing follow ups to track progress. That phase trained me well in quick patient assesment and also in explaining Ayurveda in a way that fit with modern expectations. I dealt with many chronic and acute cases during that time.. things like gastric issues, joint pain, stress related complaints, skin problems. The remote setting forced me to sharpen my diagnostic skill and rely more on careful history taking, prakriti analysis, and lifestyle understanding. After that, I moved to a Resident Doctor role at Chauhan Ayurved and Panchkarma Hospital, Udaipur. This was very different.. more practical, hands on, and really grounded me in classical Panchakarma. I was actively part of planning and performing therapies like Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and other detox and rejuvenation procedures. Many patients came with long standing spine issues, metabolic disorders, skin complaints, or hormonal imbalance and I got to see how tailored Panchakarma protocols and lifestyle advice together can bring changes that medicines alone couldn’t. Working closely with senior consultants gave me better clarity on safety, step by step planning and how to balance classical texts with practical hospital settings. Now, whether in OPD consultations or Panchkarma wards, I try to meet patients with empathy and patience. I focus on root cause correction, using herbs, diet, daily routine guidance, and therapy whenever needed. My belief is that Ayurveda should be accessible and authentic, not complicated or intimidating. My aim is simple—help people move towards long term wellness, not just temporary relief. I see health as balance of body, mind and routine.. and I want my practice to guide patients gently into that space.
5
141 reviews
Dr. Karthika
I am currently a PG 2nd yr student in the dept of Shalakya Tantra at Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, batch 2024. I joined right after UG—no break—straight into PG (regular batch). I did my undergrad from Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (2017 batch, CCRAS syllabus under Pondicherry Univ). Somehow managed to secure 2nd rank university-wide back then, which I didn’t totally expect. Right now, my core interest lies in the Ayurvedic and integrative management of eye disorders. I’ve got decent exposure to both classical texts and clinical practice. From anatomy to pathology, I try to stay grounded in both the traditional Ayurvedic view and also the modern opthalmic understanding, especially with conditions related to the cornea, retina, and anterior segment. During PG deputation in 2nd year, I handled like 200+ OPD patients daily within 1–2 hrs (felt crazy at first but got used to the pace). I’m also trained hands-on in cataract and cornea surgeries under supervision. Not calling myself a surgeon yet, but I did get a good amout of surgical exposure in the PG postings. In terms of academics, I got 82% in the first-year PG exams—distinction score—secured department 1st and university topper at Parul Institute. Sometimes I do wonder if all this speed actually lets me go deep into each case but I’m learning to balance efficiency with proper patient care. Honestly I think that’s the biggest challenge in clinical ayurveda today—staying rooted in shastra while also being practically useful in today's overloaded OPDs. Anyway, still got a lot to learn, but I try to show up with clarity, humility and the will to keep improving every day.
5
175 reviews

Latest reviews

Theodore
3 hours ago
Wow, this was so helpful! The advice was detailed and really addressed all my concerns about hair fall. Feeling relieved and hopeful now. Cheers!
Wow, this was so helpful! The advice was detailed and really addressed all my concerns about hair fall. Feeling relieved and hopeful now. Cheers!
Penelope
3 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed advice! Switching to Ayurvedic solutions now. Feeling hopeful after your clear steps. Much appreciated!
Thanks for the detailed advice! Switching to Ayurvedic solutions now. Feeling hopeful after your clear steps. Much appreciated!
Theodore
3 hours ago
Thanks doc! Your advice was just what I needed. The steps are so clear. Feeling hopeful about managing my hair fall now.
Thanks doc! Your advice was just what I needed. The steps are so clear. Feeling hopeful about managing my hair fall now.
Christopher
3 hours ago
Super helpful and insightful answer! Really appreciated the detailed breakdown of Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle tips. Feeling more hopeful now, thank you!
Super helpful and insightful answer! Really appreciated the detailed breakdown of Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle tips. Feeling more hopeful now, thank you!