Why We Shouldn't Eat Curd At Night

Question

I’ve always loved eating curd with dinner, but recently someone told me it’s not good to have it at night. Could you explain why we shouldn’t eat curd at night, especially from an Ayurvedic perspective? I’ve been eating curd regularly for years and never thought it could be a problem.

Sometimes, I do feel a bit bloated after having curd at night, but I thought it was because of other foods. Does Ayurveda say why we shouldn’t eat curd at night—is it because it’s heavier to digest or does it disturb the doshas? If curd is bad for digestion at night, does that apply to all forms of curd, like raita or buttermilk, or are they okay in small amounts?

I also want to know if there’s a way to still enjoy curd at night safely. For example, does adding spices like cumin or black pepper make it more digestible? Or should I completely avoid it during dinner? I’m especially curious if this advice applies to certain body types or dosha imbalances, like Kapha or Vata.

Lastly, if curd is not ideal at night, are there any alternatives that provide similar cooling and probiotic benefits without the negative effects? I’d appreciate some practical tips to replace curd in my evening meals if necessary.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, eating curd at night is generally discouraged, especially for people with a Kapha or Vata imbalance, due to its cooling and heavy nature. Curd is considered guru (heavy) and sara (moist), which can lead to digestion issues when consumed in the evening. It can slow down the digestive fire (Agni), making it harder for the body to process and absorb nutrients overnight, potentially leading to bloating or mucus formation, particularly in Kapha types.

For Vata types, curd at night can aggravate the qualities of dryness and coldness, leading to bloating or gas. Pitta types can typically tolerate it better, but even for them, it may cause excess heat if not consumed in moderation.

To make curd more digestible at night, adding warming spices like cumin, ginger, or black pepper can help balance its cooling effects. Alternatively, you can switch to buttermilk or raita, which are lighter and less likely to cause digestive issues. If you still prefer a probiotic option, lactose-free yogurt or a plant-based yogurt may be gentler on digestion, especially if consumed earlier in the day.

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