Worst Time To Eat Curd

Question

I’ve been eating curd regularly for as long as I can remember. It’s my go-to comfort food, especially in the evenings or late at night when I want something light and cooling. But recently, I heard that there’s a worst time to eat curd, and I’m honestly confused and worried. Is this true? Why would there be a bad time to eat something as healthy as curd?

For the past few months, I’ve noticed that I feel a bit bloated or heavy after eating curd at night, especially if I eat it plain or with rice. I thought this was just because of overeating, but now I’m wondering if it’s because I’ve been eating curd at the wrong time. If there really is a worst time to eat curd, is it because of how it interacts with digestion or something else? Someone told me that curd increases mucus in the body and that eating it at night makes this worse. Is this an Ayurvedic principle?

I also love flavored curds and yogurt-based snacks. Do these have the same issues as plain curd? If there’s a worst time to eat curd, does it apply to sweetened or processed versions, or is it just about traditional curd? I’ve also heard that curd should be eaten with specific spices or herbs to reduce its negative effects. Is this true? If so, how should I prepare it to make it more suitable for digestion, especially if I’ve been eating it at night?

Another concern I have is related to weight gain and sluggishness. Could eating curd at the wrong time lead to weight issues or energy imbalances? If there is a worst time to eat curd, how do I know when to avoid it? Should I stop eating it at night altogether, or are there exceptions? I feel so attached to having curd daily that it’s hard to imagine my meals without it.

Can you explain why Ayurveda recommends avoiding curd at certain times? What makes it unsuitable for nighttime? And if I switch to having it in the morning or afternoon, are there other precautions I should take? If there’s truly a worst time to eat curd, I want to understand how it affects digestion, mucus production, and overall energy levels. Are there any alternatives for someone who loves curd as much as I do?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, curd is considered a cooling and heavy food, which can be beneficial when consumed at the right time, but it can also cause issues if eaten improperly. Eating curd at night, especially with rice or in large quantities, is generally discouraged because it can increase the kapha dosha, which governs moisture, mucus, and heaviness in the body. At night, when digestion is slower, curd can be harder to digest, leading to bloating, sluggishness, and an increase in mucus production, which can worsen congestion and digestive discomfort. Sweetened or flavored curd, especially in processed forms, may exacerbate these issues, as added sugars can aggravate kapha and pitta doshas, leading to energy imbalances and weight gain. To make curd easier to digest, it is recommended to add spices like cumin, black pepper, or ginger, which help balance its cooling nature. Ideally, curd should be consumed earlier in the day—morning or afternoon—when your digestive fire (agni) is stronger. If you continue to enjoy curd as part of your routine, consider having it in small quantities and avoid pairing it with heavy foods like rice at night. Alternatives like spiced buttermilk or lassi can be lighter and more digestible options that support better digestion while still allowing you to enjoy curd.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, curd, right? Such a classic comfort food! I totally get that you're worried about when's the best time for enjoying it. In Ayurveda, timings can totally affect how stuff interacts with your body. When it comes to curd, nighttime consumption could be a bit problematic.

Here's the thing: Ayurveda suggests avoiding curd at night 'cause it tends to increase Kapha dosha. Kapha's all about heaviness and mucus stuff, which kinda explains why you feel bloated after your evening curd fix. Eating it late can potentially lead to mucus buildup and heaviness 'cause your body's not as active at night to digest it well. Our agni, or digestive fire, naturally slows down then, too.

And those flavored or sweetened curds? Yeah, they can have similar effects, 'specially if they’re loaded with sugar or artificial stuff. The key might be more about when it's eaten rather than the specific type, though processed items might be harsher on digestion.

To make curd easier at night, you could add certain spices like cumin, black pepper, or turmeric, which aid digestion and balance things out. Pairing it with a pinch of these or having it with herbs like coriander can lighten its Kapha increasing properties.

As for weight gain or sluggishness, eating curd at night can contribute to these, especially since it can lead to an imbalance in energy and maybe affect your body's natural rhythms. Best to enjoy it during the day when your body’s more prepared to break it down.

So, switching to having your beloved curd in the morning or afternoon might be a good call! Or for a night-time alternative, maybe try buttermilk – super similar but way easier on the stomach at night.

And remember, moderation is key, right? Listening to your body and observing how you feel after eating it can help you understand better what works for you!

Worst Time To Eat Curd - #6209

Doctors’ responses

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews