Curd or Yogurt is a common item used across India and well known for its cooling and digestive effects. But a lot of dieticians advise that you should not have curd at night. Healthy in moderation, the bedtime banana can also pose certain problems related to digestion, immunity and respiratory health.
Curd, also known as Dahi, is one of the healthiest fermented foods which is packed with probiotics, calcium and protein. It’s all the rage for gut health, skin glow and immunity. But in all its positives, the time at which you consume it has a lot to say if curd is good for your health or not.
Ayurveda while modern Nutritionists too have a similar say on why, how eating curd during late evening or night times can be harmful. Your body’s metabolism slows down at nighttime, and therefore it becomes more difficult to digest fermented foods correctly. Additionally, curd being a cold food can lead to mucus formation, disturb sleep and could also affect respiratory health if eaten before bed.
“Eating curd at the right time is very beneficial for your body indeed — especially, if you have had it during the day,” said Dr. Radhika Sharma, a renowned Indian dietician and holistic nutritionist based in Delhi. “But at night, it can cause indigestion and congestion — even ruin your skin for some people.” Here are some of the reasons why experts advise against curd consumption at night.
Slows Down Digestion
Curds can be particularly difficult to digest through the night because the body's metabolism reduces at that time. That creates gas, which can leave you bloated or stuffed after eating.
May Cause Cold and Cough
Curd has cooling properties, and having it at night can result in the production of mucus which can be an obstacle when you have a cold and cough.
May Cause Over-Production Of Mucus
Curd at night If you have asthma or dust allergy, it is advisable to avoid eating curd at night as it can solidify mucus appendages in our system leading to problems such as cough and cold, throat irritation, runny nose and blocked nasal passages.
Exceeds Kapha Dosha (According to Ayurveda)
As per Ayurveda, curd tends to increase the Kapha quotient of the body during night leading to sluggishness, indigestion and disturbance in natural rhythms.
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May Disrupt Sleep Quality
Spicy or fermented meals in the nighttime provokes mild acidity and discomfort for sleep. An unsettled stomach might be disturbing your REM stage sleep.
Induces Acid Reflux In Few cases
If eaten at bedtime, when the lactic acid in curd may muck up our gastric lining especially if you have an active stomach that already produces pepsin (an enzyme) to digest food.
Not Suitable for Sinusitis Patients
People suffering from sinus have also reported worsening of symptoms after eating curd at night because they tend to produce more mucus.
Affects Skin for Some People
For people who have oily or acne-prone skin, having curd at night can interfere with proper digestion and hormone balance leading to breakouts.
Can gain weight if overeaten
Curd is full of calories and having it after dinner without any physical activity increases your possibility of gaining weight over time.
Curd is undoubtedly an extremely nutritious and versatile food, but timing is everything.
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FAQs on harmful effects of having curd at night:
1. Is it harmful to eat curd at night?
According to Ayurveda and some nutrition experts, eating curd at night may increase mucus formation and aggravate cold or cough, especially in people prone to respiratory issues.
2. Does curd cause digestion problems if eaten at night?
Curd is naturally cooling and may slow down digestion when eaten late in the day. Some people may experience bloating or acidity if they consume curd close to bedtime.
3. Can eating curd at night cause colds or congestion?
Yes, in some individuals, the cooling nature of curd can increase mucus production and lead to nasal congestion, sore throat, or cold symptoms—especially during winter or in humid climates.
4. Are there people who should avoid curd at night completely?
Those with asthma, sinusitis, frequent colds, or joint pain are generally advised to avoid curd at night, as it may worsen their symptoms.
5. Is there a safe way to eat curd at night?
If you like having curd at night, try it at room temperature and add a pinch of black pepper or a little jaggery. This helps reduce its cooling effect and aids digestion.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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