Dadhi Much

Question

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this weird issue with eating yogurt—it makes me feel super congested and phlegmy afterward. I recently came across the term dadhi much, which seems to describe this exact reaction. I didn’t realize there was an actual Ayurvedic explanation for it!

From what I understand, dadhi much happens when yogurt is consumed at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Is this true? I usually eat yogurt with my lunch or as a snack in the evening. Could this timing be the problem? Also, is it because yogurt is considered heavy and increases kapha dosha?

What’s the best way to avoid dadhi much while still enjoying yogurt? Should I add spices like ginger or black pepper to balance its effects? Or is it better to just switch to buttermilk instead? I also want to know if certain types of yogurt, like homemade versus store-bought, make a difference.

If anyone else has dealt with dadhi much, how did you manage it? Did eliminating yogurt completely improve your symptoms, or is there a better way to include it in the diet without triggering congestion?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, dadhi much refers to the condition where consuming yogurt leads to congestion, phlegm, or a feeling of heaviness, often due to its effect on increasing Kapha dosha. Yogurt, being heavy, sour, and cooling in nature, can aggravate Kapha and Vata when consumed at the wrong time or in the wrong combination. If you consume yogurt at night or with dinner, it can be harder for your digestive system to process it properly, leading to mucus formation and congestion. Similarly, consuming yogurt with cold, oily, or heavy foods can also trigger this issue.

To avoid dadhi much while still enjoying yogurt, you can make a few adjustments:

Timing: Try to eat yogurt during the day, preferably at lunchtime when your digestive fire (Agni) is strongest. Avoid eating it in the evening or late at night.

Spices: Adding digestive spices like ginger, black pepper, cumin, or ajwain to yogurt can help balance its cooling and heavy effects. These spices stimulate digestion and help prevent the buildup of mucus.

Switch to buttermilk: Buttermilk, which is lighter and less mucous-forming than yogurt, can be a better option for you. You can make buttermilk at home by diluting yogurt with water and adding spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger.

Homemade vs. store-bought: Homemade yogurt is often easier to digest than store-bought varieties, which may contain preservatives and additives. Fresh, organic, homemade yogurt can be gentler on your system.

If you've already experienced congestion and phlegm after eating yogurt, eliminating it temporarily may provide relief. However, with some of these adjustments, you might still be able to incorporate it into your diet without triggering your symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and experiment with timing, combinations, and other adjustments to find what works best for you.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Yes, dadhi much occurs when yogurt is consumed in a way that increases kapha dosha, leading to congestion and phlegm. This is common when yogurt is eaten during the evening or with heavy meals. Yogurt can be considered heavy and cooling, which can aggravate kapha when eaten at the wrong time.

To avoid this, try eating yogurt in moderation during the day, preferably with spices like ginger, black pepper, or cumin to balance its cooling effect. Buttermilk is a lighter option and can be easier on digestion. Homemade yogurt may also be easier to digest than store-bought, as it often lacks additives.

If you've had trouble with yogurt, reducing its intake or adjusting how it's consumed can help manage the symptoms without eliminating it completely.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Okay, you're totally onto something with this dadhi much situation. In Ayurveda, yogurt's known to increase kapha dosha due to its heavy, cold, and sticky nature - which might explain the congestion and phlegm thing you're feeling. The timing of when you eat yogurt can seriously affect how it impacts your body. Eating it in the evening or with meals, especially if they're heavy, tends to aggravate kapha even more, causing that mucus-y sensation. Ayurveda recommends avoiding yogurt at night for this very reason.

Now, adding warming spices like ginger or black pepper is a smart move—they help counteract that kapha-boosting effect. Why not try mixing a pinch of those into your yogurt as you eat? This can improve digestion and lessen the likelihood of feeling phlegmy. On the other hand, switching over to buttermilk, with a touch of cumin or rock salt, is another great option. Buttermilk's lighter and generally easier on digestion, making it a fantastic alternative to yogurt.

Also, about homemade vs. store-bought yogurt—definitely lean towards homemade if you can. It’s less processed, often less acidic, and somehow just fresher. Different milk sources and fermentation times in commercial yogurts can sometimes mess with your digestion more than the simple, homemade stuff.

Others who dealt with similar issues found that cutting down on yogurt or tweaking how they consumed it made a big difference. Some folks stick to only having it during lunchtime (not when it's cold though!), and with those spices I mentioned earlier. If eliminating yogurt entirely improved your symptoms, then maybe you found the best solution for you. Then again, if you adapt how you approach it, you might discover a way to include yogurt without trouble.. It’s truly about balance and what works for your unique constitution!

Dadhi Much - #7405

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