Why Curd Is Not Good For You In The Rainy Season

Curd, also known as yogurt, is a widely consumed staple food in many Indian homes. It is a very creamy, healthy, nutritious, and tasty curd is good for your stomach and for consuming while eating because it is full of healthy bacteria(known as probiotics). While it is good to consume during most of the time, eating curd in the rainy season may not be such a good idea. The ancient healthy way of living called Ayurveda cautioned against eating curd when the outside weather was rainy. Curd is typically great for your health unless you are in the rainy season in which it could lead to you getting sick. We can see why eating curd does not mix well with monsoon rains and how to enjoy curd in a safe way.

Curd and Rainy Days do not always Mix
Ayurveda systems have as their bases the understanding that our body contains three kinds of energy “doshas”: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas help maintain health in our body, but can all become out of balance during the rainy season when the environmental conditions turn rainy and cooler, accompanying the new high humidity environment. Eating curd does not help to balance the systems during the rainy season and can exacerbate their imbalances and cause health issues. We can appreciate why Ayurveda warns against consuming curd when it is raining and which related health issues could arise from eating it during the monsoon.

1. It keeps the tummy confused.
One special thing about curd is its cooling effect on the body which sounds like a pleasant thing, right? However, during the rainy season when it is murky and cold, this cooling affects your digestion. As noted in ayurveda, heavy cold foods are considered to lessen your “digestive fire” (Agni), which is weaker, as well when wet/damp/chilly weather. Once digestion is weak, you may experience:

—Bloating or puffiness

—Gas

—Abdominal discomfort

—Poor digestion of food

To make curd a little easier on your digestive system, you can add warming spices. This could include adding a tiny amount of black pepper, simmer-roasted cumin powder, or even a tad of honey. Even these spices will lessen the cooling and ease the digestion of curd into your tummy.

2. It is possible to weaken your Immunity
The rainy season can be treacherous for your body’s defense against sickness. The dampness, less sunlight, and changing temperatures and dampness during rain can predispose you for catching colds, allergies, infections, etc. Curd can also increase this risk since it can increase Kapha, one of 3 doshas, which is related to our bodies mucus. Too much mucus can weaken both your gut and your immune system. And weakened body defenses can translate to a greater chance of you getting sick.

Eating curd carelessly can add to the strain on your body while the monsoon season is with us.

3. It Can Worsen Respiratory Issues
One major problem with curd in the rainy season is that mucous is produced in the body causing respiratory issues. This additional mucous will add to breathing issues if you have a cold or sinus problem or if you have asthmatic tendencies. The increased humidity of the season, in addition to curd’s cold quality, worsens the spread of infections during the rainy season. Breathing issues in this season resulting from excessive curd intake might cause:

Stuffy nose
Chest tightness
Coughs or sore throats
Worsening of asthma symptoms for some

If you are prone to coughs or sinus problems during the rainy season then curd consumption could be an issue of concern.

How to Still Enjoy Curd during the Rainy Season
The good news is you do not have to quit curd altogether if you enjoy eating it! You are allowed to eat curd during the rainy season, provided you are being responsible. There are a few simple things to follow to eat curd without respiratory challenges to your body:

Don’t Eat Curd at Night: The digestive fire is stronger during the day.
Allow it to Experience its Environment: Don’t eat curd cold from the fridge. Leave it out a little so it is not too cold. This allows your body to adjust better.
Add Warming Spices: Add a pinch of black pepper, roasted cumin powder, or black salt. Adding a little honey will make the curd easier to digest.
Do not Mix with Fruits: According to Ayurvedic teachings, eating fruits with curd can change the natural process of digestion and cause a bellyache. Instead, eat plain curd or add spices only.
Eat Smaller Amounts: Don’t eat curd as part of your meal as the main food. Have only a small bowl of curd as a side dish, to have the right balance in your meal.

Curd is a great food because it is full of health benefits, but the rainy season alters the way your body operates. Your digestion slows down, and your immune system becomes weaker during the monsoon. Because curd is a food which your body has to process differently, it is easy to consume curd mindlessly, which can lead to tummy aches, cold symptoms, or breathing difficulties. However, by being careful and using some caution, you can continue consuming curd without compromising your health.

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