Can We Eat Curd And Onion Together

Question

I’ve always loved raita made with curd and onion, but recently someone told me it’s not good for health. They said Ayurveda doesn’t recommend eating these two together, and now I’m wondering if it’s true. Can we eat curd and onion together, or is this really an unhealthy combination?

Here’s why I’m concerned: I’ve been having digestion issues for a while, like bloating and occasional stomach cramps. I didn’t connect it to food combinations before, but now I’m starting to think that eating curd and onion together could be part of the problem. Is there a reason why this combination might be bad for digestion? Does it create toxins or ama in the body, like I’ve heard Ayurveda talks about?

I’ve also read that can we eat curd and onion together is a common question because curd is cooling, and onion is heating. Does that mean they cancel each other out or cause some kind of imbalance in the doshas? I don’t know my dosha type, but I do tend to feel sluggish and heavy after meals, which might be related to Kapha or Pitta issues.

Another thing I’m curious about is whether this rule applies to everyone or just people with sensitive digestion. I know some food combinations in Ayurveda depend on individual body types, so does that mean some people can tolerate curd and onion together without any issues?

If it’s true that eating curd and onion together isn’t ideal, are there ways to make it safer? For example, does adding spices like cumin or black pepper help balance the effects? Or should I just avoid this combination altogether?
Is can we eat curd and onion together really a bad idea, or is it one of those myths that people just repeat without evidence?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, combining curd (yogurt) and onion is often considered problematic, especially for individuals with sensitive digestion. The reasoning is that curd is cooling, while onion is heating, and together they can create an imbalance in the digestive system. This imbalance may disrupt digestion, leading to issues like bloating, gas, or even the formation of ama (toxins) over time. For those with a sluggish digestive system (often associated with Kapha or Pitta imbalances), this combination could potentially worsen symptoms like heaviness or digestive discomfort.

However, Ayurveda also recognizes that food combinations depend on individual constitution (dosha type). Some people might tolerate curd and onion together without issue, while others, especially those with sensitive digestion, may experience problems. To make the combination easier on the digestive system, adding digestive spices like cumin, coriander, or black pepper can help balance the effects. But if you continue to experience digestive discomfort, it may be best to avoid this pairing altogether or experiment with more digestion-friendly alternatives. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your body’s unique needs.

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