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.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Alright, let's dive into this. You've been enjoying raita with curd and onion, but now you’re worried it might be causing digestion issues. It's actually a pretty common question in Ayurveda about whether these two should be eaten together. From an Ayurvedic perspective, certain food combinations can indeed create agni (digestive fire) problems or even build up ama, which is basically toxins in the body.

Curd is heavy and cooling — which could slow down digestion, especially if someone has a tendency toward Kapha type, which it sounds like you might be experiencing. Onion, on the other hand, has a heating quality that also carries a kind of stimulating nature. It's true, these qualities might conflict and lead to imbalances, like you’ve heard. For someone with weaker digestion, sluggishness or bloating as you mentioned, this mix might not be ideal.

However, let’s not put all folks in the same boat. Ayurveda always encourages us to consider the individual's prakriti (natural constitution). What’s a poor combination for one dosha might be okay for another, though curd with onion isn't typically advised for consistent consumption, regardless of dosha.

But for those who can't part with this combo, there are some tweaks you can try. Adding spices like cumin, black pepper, or ginger could help balance and support your digestive fire. They provide that bit of warmth and pungency that could counteract the heaviness. But even that varies from person to person. Monitor how you feel after eating these adjusted combinations, and go from there.

If these digestion problems continue, it could be a sign that you’d benefit from revisiting your overall diet. Perhaps exploring an elimination diet could also help pinpoint other possible culprits, especially if the issue goes beyond just this food pairing.

And remember, if digestion does not improve with small adjustments like foods and spices, seeking personalized advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner or another healthcare professional may be key to getting things back on track.

Can We Eat Curd And Onion Together - #5450

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