Curd With Fish Side Effects - #6144
Last week, I had dinner at a friend’s place, and we had fish curry followed by curd rice. I didn’t think much of it until the next day when I woke up with a bad stomach ache. A neighbor of mine later said that eating curd with fish is not good for health and can cause side effects like indigestion or allergies. I started looking this up online, and there’s a lot of mixed opinions. Some people say that curd with fish is harmful because it creates a reaction in the body, while others say it’s just a myth. Now I’m confused! Is there a specific Ayurvedic reason why curd with fish is considered bad? I’ve also noticed that my skin has been itchy and irritated since that meal, and I don’t know if it’s related to eating curd with fish or if it’s just a coincidence. Are skin problems a common side effect of this combination? I’ve always enjoyed curd with other foods and never had an issue before. I’m wondering if it’s something about mixing it with fish that caused the problem. Is it true that this combo disturbs digestion or doshas in Ayurveda? How can I know if I had a reaction because of curd with fish or something else in the meal? Should I avoid these combinations in the future completely? If I did have side effects, how can I balance my system again?
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
In Ayurveda, combining curd (yogurt) with fish is generally discouraged because it can create an imbalance in the doshas, particularly the Kapha and Pitta doshas. Fish is considered Tamasik (heavy and cooling), while curd is Kaphakrit (increases mucus and congestion) and also Pittakrit (can aggravate Pitta in certain situations). This combination is believed to disrupt digestion, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems or a predominance of Pitta or Kapha doshas. The stomach ache and skin irritation you experienced may be a result of this imbalance, leading to indigestion and the build-up of toxins (ama) in the body, which can manifest as skin issues. Since you’ve enjoyed curd with other foods without problems, it seems likely that the combination with fish triggered a reaction. To balance your system, you may want to avoid this combination in the future and focus on foods that align better with your digestive constitution. To restore balance, you can consume triphala, drink warm water, or try soothing herbs like ashwagandha or ginger to help calm the digestion and clear any excess heat or toxins.
Ah, the classic question about mixing curd with fish! I get where the confusion comes from, especially with all the internet chatter. In Ayurveda, which you might already know having some experience with it, certain food combinations, known as “viruddha ahara” or incompatible foods, are considered to cause imbalance in our system.
Curd and fish, specifically, are seen as a challenging combo. The reason is linked to the inherent qualities of these foods. Fish, being a source of protein, has a heating property, while curd typically is viewed as cooling and heavy on the tummy. When you mix ‘em up, it can cause digestive fire (agni) to become imbalanced, potentially leading to the woes you’ve described like indigestion or an upset stomach. This is not just an old wives’ tale—it’s something that can have practical effects depending on your constitution (prakriti) and current state of health.
As for the skin itchiness, yes, that’s often related to what’s happening inside. When the doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha, go out of balance due to incompatible foods, skin issues like irritation could pop up. It’s like your body signaling that something didn’t quite sit right.
To know if this combo is the culprit, think back to any other unusual foods or environmental changes around that time. If other housemates had the same meal and didn’t experience anything, it might hint it’s specific to your body’s response.
Moving forward, you might want to avoid this combination. Aim for simpler meals with well-matched ingredients until your system feels settled. To balance your digestion, indulge in light, warming spices. Think ginger or cumin, maybe a little honey. Staying hydrated and sipping on mint tea can soothe the skin and stomach. Kind of like hitting a reset button.
Give your body time to adjust and see how it responds to leaving out the combo. You don’t have to fear it absolutely—but pay attention to what your body tells you when you decide to try it again, if at all.

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.