Say Goodbye to Constipation: Is Curd Good for Constipation Relief?

Curd is an indispensable dairy product found across cultures and diets worldwide, particularly in India. Ayurveda (an ancient system of Indian medicine) recognises its many health benefits, particularly regarding curd's nutritional profile, which supports body balance among Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. Diet plays a major role in Ayurvedic remedies for any health issue. Curd is good for constipation – undoubtedly. If you are looking for the best ayurvedic medicine for constipation,  

Ayurvedic Benefits of Curd

Ayurveda emphasises the significance of diet for overall well-being. Yoghurt (curd) is recognised as an adequate food that aids digestion, boosts immunity and enhances skin health. It even contains essential nutrients like riboflavin, vitamins A, B6, B12 & pantothenic acid, plus beneficial bacteria that support gut health. The best ayurvedic medicine for constipation consists of various kitchen ingredients.  

1. Digestive Health 

Curd is full of probiotics, which support healthy gut bacteria. These bacteria aid digestive processes by aiding digestion, preventing constipation, and increasing nutrient absorption. 

2. Strengthen Immunity

Regular consumption of curd helps strengthen the immune system through its fermentation process, which adds beneficial bacteria that combat harmful pathogens.  

3. Skin Health

Curd's moisturising properties keep skin hydrated and contribute towards radiant complexions. 

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4. Weight Management

Curd can aid weight management by creating an increased sense of fullness and supporting metabolic processes. 

Dosha Considerations 

In Ayurveda, foods are categorised based on their effects on the body. The curd is known for its sour taste and warming properties that increase Kapha and Pitta doshas while decreasing Vata levels.  

Thus, it should only be consumed by those with predominant Vata doshas as it could increase Kapha and Pitta levels while simultaneously reducing Vata levels, therefore, curd can benefit Vata types who consume it responsibly. 

Guidelines for Consuming Curd 

Though curd has many health benefits, it should be consumed mindfully to maximise both experience and health benefits when enjoying it. Here are some Ayurvedic guidelines designed to make this easier and enhance the enjoyment of curd. 

1. Stay Away From Certain Combinations

• Fruits and Curd: Curd should not be mixed with fruits that contain acid or moisture, as this combination can lead to digestive discomfort and stomach fermentation.
• Meat and Fish: In Ayurveda, combining curd with meat or fish is considered incompatible and may lead to toxin formation and digestive problems.
• Hot and Spicy Foods: Curd should not be combined with extremely spicy dishes, as the combination's heating properties could overpower its cooling effect.
• Mixing curd with honey should also be avoided as this combination may produce harmful toxins in the body through fermentation.

2. Make It Digestible 

• To enhance the digestibility of curd, consider including spices like black pepper, which provide additional digestive support and reduce the weightiness of curd consumption.
• Cumin: Well-known for its digestive benefits, cumin can enhance flavour while supporting gut health.
• Rock Salt: Not only adds flavour but aids digestion, making curd more appetising.

3. Alternatives and Variations 

• If you enjoy curd's many healthful benefits but want something lighter or cooling instead alternative preparation methods could include:
• Buttermilk: A light alternative that's easier to digest and great for clearing mucus. It also aids in clearing mucus from your system.
• Churned Buttermilk: Packed with spices for flavour, this variant can be consumed daily without the heavy effects of regular curd.

Who Should Avoid Curd?

1. Individuals Suffering from Bleeding Disorders

Those experiencing heavy menstrual flow or other forms of bleeding should avoid curd.  

2. People With an Excess of Kapha and Pitta Imbalances

For those suffering from an imbalance of Kapha or Pitta in their bodies, heavy forms of curd should be restricted from consumption. 

What About Greek Yogurt?

While not explicitly mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts, Greek yoghurt's high protein content and tart taste make it an appealing option for many consumers, provided they consume it sensibly and avoid pairing it with potentially clashing foods. 

Significance of Dairy in Ayurveda 

Dairy, known in Sanskrit as Dugdha or Ksheera, is considered an essential food group in Ayurveda due to its abundance of essential nutrients and the many health advantages it provides.  

Dairy products contain several critical elements needed for overall wellness, such as protein and calcium, and many health advantages abound from its consumption - these benefits being: 

1. Ojas Strengthening

Dairy products such as milk and ghee are often considered supportive in building Ojas(Immunity).  

2. Digestive Strength 

Milk can also provide grounding support, making these products beneficial to those with Vata dosha imbalance. 

3. Therapeutic Applications 

Dairy products can be utilised as part of various Ayurvedic remedies and formulations to increase their efficacy and increase effectiveness. 

Read More: What are the Best Medicines for Constipation? 

Meal Timing in Ayurveda 

In Ayurveda, meal timing plays an essential part in optimising digestion and overall well-being. Individual factors like constitution (Prakriti), digestive capacity and lifestyle will ultimately influence when it is best to consume curd (yoghurt). 

1. Morning Consumption

For optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients by the body, curd should ideally be eaten first thing in the morning as part of breakfast. This is due to Agni being at its strongest during morning hours, allowing easier absorption by your digestive tract. 

2. Nighttime Intake

According to Ayurveda, it's generally advised against eating curd or heavy foods late at night or just before sleep, as doing so can disturb digestion and interfere with rest. Lighter options that are easily digestible would be more appropriate instead. 

3. Incompatible Combinations 

Curd should not be combined with certain foods such as fruits, fish, meat or salt as this could impede digestion and lead to the build-up of ama in your body. 

Making Curd at Home

Making curd at home is straightforward and involves simply fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria. Here's a step-by-step guide -  

1. Pour Your Milk: Pour the desired amount of milk into a clean saucepan and set over medium heat, stirring periodically, until it reaches a boil.  

2. Warm Up Milk: Heat milk over medium heat until it reaches boiling point before taking it off heat to allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or discarding. 

3. Add the Starter: Once your milk has cooled down, mix in one to two tablespoons of store-bought curd per quart of milk.  

4. Incubate Your Curd: Pour your mixture into an airtight container and cover it to keep warm temperatures inside it. 

5. Allow Fermentation: Leave for 6-8 hours until it thickens, depending on temperature and desired sourness. 

6. Check Set: Gently tilt the container; it should now contain thick and creamy curd. 

7. Save Starter: Save some curd to use as the basis of a starter for future batches of curd. 

So, is curd good for constipation? We have a positive answer now after the analysis.  

Conclusion

Curd can be an enriching and delicious addition to your diet when enjoyed mindfully, in accordance with Ayurvedic principles. By adhering to its recommended timing, combinations, and moderation, its multiple health benefits will become readily apparent while helping maintain balance in your body.  

From delicious dishes like curd pudding or crepes to delectable snacks or even refreshing beverages made of curd milk. Curd is genuinely a nutritional ally in the path toward wellness. 

At HealthyBazar, Dr Ruchi Tyagi offers valuable insights for holistic approaches to constipation management. She recommends diet adjustments, herbal remedies and lifestyle practices that promote digestive health in expectant mothers. Hence, they experience comfort and peace during their pregnancies.