Who Should Not Eat Curd? Health Facts Every Indian Must Know

Published on 06/09/25

(Updated on 06/09/25)

Who Should Not Eat Curd? Health Facts Every Indian Must Know

Curd is loved across India — from the creamy dahi in Punjab to the tangy curd rice in Tamil Nadu, it’s in millions of households every day. We’ve grown up being told that curd is healthy, good for digestion, and a cooling agent for the body. But is it always good for everyone?

Surprisingly, no. While curd has many health benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone in all situations. Some people actually find their health issues getting worse with regular curd intake — things like gas, bloating, acidity, or even sinus troubles. Ayurveda also warns against certain ways of eating curd (like at night). So... who exactly should avoid it?

Let’s break it down — from the science behind curd’s digestion effects to who should think twice before having that second spoonful.

Understanding Curd and Its Health Benefits

Curd is basically fermented milk — simple, right? When milk is mixed with a small amount of already set curd and left to rest in a warm place, it turns thick, slightly sour, and full of good bacteria. That’s your classic Indian dahi.

One of the biggest perks of curd is its probiotic content. These are live bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your gut. A good gut means better digestion, stronger immunity, and even clearer skin. No wonder curd is often called a “natural probiotic.”

It’s also rich in:

Calcium: Good for bones
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function
Protein: Especially helpful for vegetarians
Phosphorus: Supports energy production

So yes — curd can be super beneficial. But that doesn't mean it works great for everyone, or in every form. That brings us to the next point...

Can Curd Be Harmful for Some People?

This may sound odd — but yes, curd can cause trouble for certain folks.

1. Does Curd Cause Acidity or Acid Reflux?

Some people feel a burning sensation or bloating after eating curd. This is often due to acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. Though curd is mildly acidic, in some cases it can increase the symptoms — especially if eaten at the wrong time (like late at night).

2. Does Sour Curd Cause Health Problems?

The more fermented curd becomes, the more acidic it gets. Sour curd might trigger gas, acidity, or even lead to discomfort in people who already have digestive problems. It can also worsen conditions like uric acid buildup, especially in those who are prone to it.

3. Can Curd Rice Cause Acidity?

This might come as a shocker to South Indians! But while curd rice is generally soothing, combining warm rice with cold curd — or eating it late at night — might not be ideal for those with sensitive stomachs. The mix can be heavy to digest for some.

Who Should Avoid Eating Curd?

Even though curd is considered healthy by default, it’s not suitable for everyone — and eating it without considering your health conditions can sometimes do more harm than good.

Let’s look at the people who should probably say “no” (or at least “maybe not now”) to curd.

1. People with Lactose Intolerance

This one’s a bit tricky. Technically, curd has less lactose than milk — the fermentation process breaks down some of it. So, many people with mild lactose intolerance can still enjoy curd in small amounts. But if you're highly sensitive, even curd can cause bloating, cramps, or gas.

A friend of mine thought she was totally fine eating dahi with lunch — but later realized her daily bloating was actually tied to that habit. Once she cut back, poof! No more gas trouble.

2. Those Suffering from Sinusitis or Frequent Colds

In Ayurveda, curd is seen as a "Kapha"-increasing food. That means it can increase mucus formation. So if you already have a cold, cough, or sinus-related issues, curd might make things worse — especially if you eat it at night or straight from the fridge.

Many grandmothers will tell you not to eat curd after sundown. Turns out, that advice isn’t all superstition after all.

3. People with IBS, Gastritis, or Chronic Acidity

If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or gastritis, your gut is already sensitive. While curd is often promoted as gut-friendly, it can cause more acidity or bloating in these cases — especially when sour.

Also, if you’ve noticed that you burp more or feel a bit uncomfortable after eating curd, you’re not alone. It’s one of the more common complaints with daily curd eaters.

4. Individuals with High Uric Acid Levels

Sour curd, in particular, is believed to increase uric acid levels, although scientific research is still exploring the full link. Still, doctors often advise patients with high uric acid or gout to limit fermented and acidic foods, including curd, especially if it’s sour or old.

Common Myths vs. Facts About Curd

Let’s quickly bust some common misconceptions floating around:

Myth 1: “Curd always cools the stomach”

Fact: Not true for everyone. For some, it actually increases gas or burning sensations.

Myth 2: “Everyone can eat curd at night”

Fact: Ayurveda strictly advises against this. Cold and sour foods at night can imbalance your doshas and lead to mucus build-up, especially during winter.

Myth 3: “Packaged curd is just as good as homemade”

Fact: Nope. Packaged curd often contains stabilizers and doesn’t have the same probiotic value as freshly made dahi at home. Plus, taste and freshness — no comparison.

How to Eat Curd Safely if You’re at Risk

So you’ve figured curd isn’t the perfect match for your system — but does that mean you need to give it up completely?

Not necessarily.

How to Eat Curd Safely (Even If You're Sensitive to It)

If you love curd but it doesn’t always love you back, don’t worry — there are a few tricks that can help.

1. Best Time to Eat Curd

Morning or lunchtime is generally the safest. Curd digests better during the day when your metabolism is more active. Avoid eating curd at night, especially in colder months — it can increase mucus, aggravate sinus problems, and disrupt digestion.

Ayurveda even suggests skipping curd during monsoon or winter altogether. If you must have it, mix it with warm spices like black pepper or cumin to balance the effects.

2. Avoid Sour or Refrigerated Curd

Fresh curd is always better. The more it ferments, the more acidic it gets — and that means more chances of gas, bloating, or even heartburn. If your curd smells overly sour or has a sharp taste, it’s best to skip it.

Also, don’t eat it straight out of the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit so it doesn’t shock your system.

3. Combine It Wisely

What you eat with curd matters a lot. Some good combinations include:

Curd with rice (during the day)
Curd with sugar (a traditional Indian cooling combo)
Buttermilk spiced with jeera and hing (great for digestion)

Avoid eating curd with:

Fish (as per Ayurveda, this combo may cause skin issues)
Fruits (fermentation + sugar = gas)
Spicy or fried foods (can trigger acidity)

Does Curd Cause Other Digestive Issues?

Let’s look at a few more common concerns.

Can Eating Curd Cause Gas or Bloating?

Yes — for some people. This is especially true if you're lactose intolerant, eating curd that’s too sour, or pairing it poorly. If curd makes you burp a lot or feel heavy, that’s your body hinting you to take it easy.

Switching to homemade curd, eating smaller portions, and avoiding cold curd can often help.

Does Curd Cause Constipation?

This one’s a bit confusing. Curd can either relieve or worsen constipation, depending on your body type and how it’s consumed. For some, the probiotics help smooth things along. But for others — especially when eaten at night or in cold weather — it might slow digestion.

Drink plenty of water, and add fiber to your diet if you feel constipated.

Conclusion

Curd is deeply rooted in Indian cuisine and culture. It can be a powerful probiotic, a refreshing summer treat, and a versatile ingredient in countless recipes. But like everything, it isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you’re among those who deal with digestive trouble, sinus issues, or other sensitivities, it’s okay to be cautious with curd — or skip it entirely. The key is to listen to your body, understand what works for you, and not just follow what “works for everyone else.”

And remember — curd isn’t the only way to be healthy. If it doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of other gut-friendly options out there.

So the next time someone hands you a bowl of dahi, you’ll know whether to say yes, no… or maybe later.

FAQs

Is curd good for acidity?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. For many, it soothes the stomach. But for those with acid reflux, especially if curd is sour or eaten at night, it may trigger symptoms.