I often come across people who complain about curd ‘not suiting them’ or causing a little discomfort. But did you know that the chilled curd you pull out of the fridge, thinking it’s the perfect accompaniment for your summer meals, actually has a warming effect on your gut? Sounds surprising, right? While curd feels refreshing, Ayurveda tells us that it generates heat in the body, making it less ideal when temperatures outside are high.

Curd, has its own powerful properties to help your gut bacteria, it’s packed with probiotics that help with digestion, boost immunity and keep your stomach at ease. It also is rich in calcium, protein and essential vitamins. That said, these benefits don’t quite align with what your body needs in summer.

One big issue with eating curd in summer is that it can trigger acidity. Its tangy, fermented nature can worsen acid reflux, cause bloating and lead to digestive issues, especially if you eat too much or have it at night. For someone already dealing with excessive body heat, skin rashes or inflammation, curd might just make things worse. It also tends to cause mucus buildup, leaving you feeling heavy and congested, especially if you’re eating it in its thick, creamy form.

So, does that mean you need to say goodbye to curd in summer? Ayurveda suggests tweaking it to make it more summer-friendly so you get the benefits without the drawbacks.

Here’s how to enjoy curd without overheating your system:
1. Buttermilk (Chaas): A diluted, more digestible form of curd, buttermilk is a perfect summer alternative. It cools the body, aids digestion, and prevents bloating. Adding roasted cumin, coriander, or mint enhances its soothing effect.
2. Raita: Whipping curd into a cooling raita by mixing in cucumber, mint, coriander or simply roasted jeera powder & black salt, not only does it taste amazing, but it also hydrates and balances digestion.
3. Sweetened Curd with Cooling Additions: If you still crave curd, have a small portion with a pinch of sugar or honey. Mixing in fennel seeds or soaked basil seeds and chopped fruits can counter its heat-producing nature.
4. Add Raisins when setting Curd: Setting curd at home is always ideal — it ensures purity, without coagulants or thickening agents. To enhance its benefits, try adding a few raisins while the curd is setting. This simple addition can subtly alter the curd’s properties, offering a natural cooling effect and added nourishment.

The things that matter about curd are, the time it is eaten and the way it is prepared. This summer, swap thick curd for buttermilk and raita to stay cool while keeping your gut happy and balanced.