There are different schools of thought regarding when people should take milk products or dairy products. For example, the ayurvedic idea from India is quite specific about when milk products should be taken, while Western thought is more liberal about it.
Is It Better to Eat Yogurt Before or After a Meal?
Ayurvedic thought recommends eating yogurt after a meal so that it won’t cause digestive unrest.
Yogurt made from scratch contains a slew of good bacteria that aid digestion and ward off pathogens. Here, fresh yogurt is more critical than commercially available yogurt from the supermarket. Ayurveda practitioners believe that store-bought yogurt lacks the live, active bacteria found in fresh, homemade yogurt.
Cold, heavy, and difficult to digest, store-bought yogurt can clog the body’s Srotas. When yogurt is refrigerated, the friendly bacteria count decreases, reducing the health benefits. Additionally, it may contribute to weight gain from an ayurvedic standpoint because of its cold and heavy qualities.
Make sure to buy yogurt with live active cultures to reap the benefits of yogurt bacteria. If you’ve heated or pasteurized your yogurt at home, the bacteria are no longer alive and won’t do you any good. Fresh yogurt is especially beneficial for vegetarians because it adds 13 grams of protein and 450 milligrams of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and folic acid to a single cup of yogurt. Some doctors recommend that patients taking antibiotics (which can kill lactic flora) consume yogurt to replenish the good bacteria. Fresh yogurt takes one hour to digest, whereas milk can take up to three hours. Fresh yogurt may be an excellent alternative for people who have difficulty digesting milk due to lactose intolerance.
Additionally, fresh yogurt has been shown to reduce bloating and alleviate constipation and diarrhea, as well as a variety of other stomach ailments. Ayurveda advises consuming yogurt in the form of lassi, a beverage made from yogurt. This enhances the yogurt’s digestibility and eases the discomfort of a meal in the intestines. Making a batch of fresh yogurt every day is recommended by Ayurveda. Yogurt should not be mixed with milk or cream, according to Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers yogurt the only “fermented” food deemed to be sattvic by the system. It is suitable for people with Vata imbalances to eat a lot of yogurts, but people with Pitta or Kapha imbalances should limit their intake.
Is Yogurt Good First Thing in The Morning?
Unless you have a dairy allergy, Western medicine does not make any recommendations on when you should consume yogurt and other milk products.
Milk is thought by some to aid digestion, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
As a result, there is no optimal time to consume milk for optimal digestion. The only way to know for sure is to try it with meals and see what happens.
However, some fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, may aid digestion and bowel movement. This is because they contain probiotics or beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy microbiome in your digestive system.
What Is the Best Thing to Eat on An Empty Stomach?
There are no specific guidelines for what to eat when you have an empty stomach. However, if you have a condition like gastroparesis or other conditions that prevent the regular emptying of the stomach, then there may be some steps that can help you.
Gastroparesis means a person’s stomach doesn’t empty after eating. It may be referred to as delayed gastric emptying by your doctor. You may vomit or feel sick because of it. In addition, after eating a small amount of food, your stomach may hurt or feel bloated. It may be challenging to consume the recommended daily allowance of calories, vitamins, and minerals.
A doctor doesn’t prescribe a gastroparesis diet. However, altering your diet and eating habits may help you feel better. Your physician may recommend registered dietitians. They can assist you in determining which foods are most beneficial. Achieving symptom relief while also meeting your nutritional needs is the ultimate goal. Therefore, your doctor or dietitian may recommend that you:
- Increase the frequency of small meals. Try to eat more frequently throughout the day. 4-6 meals a day is a good rule of thumb to follow. If you don’t overfill your stomach, it will shrink and empty more quickly. In this context, one to 112 cups of food is considered a “small” meal.
- First and foremost, put yourself on a healthy diet. I was filling up on empty calories, such as those found in desserts or snacks.
- Preparation is vital when it comes to meal prep. Solids take longer to pass through your digestive system than liquids. Therefore, blend or process your ingredients with liquids such as water, juice, milk, or broth in a blender or food processor. Fish and chicken can also be incorporated into a dish.
- Reduce your intake of fiber and fat. These can slow stomach emptying. If you keep your fiber intake per meal to no more than 2-3 grams, you may be in the clear. You may want to aim for a fat intake of 30 to 50 grams per day or less.
- Consume fatty beverages. With liquid fat, your stomach may be able to handle it. That’s great news if you’re looking to up your caloric intake.
- Eat slowly and thoroughly. The stomach has a more difficult time breaking down solid food. You want to be able to swallow it without feeling like you’re eating mashed potatoes.
Which Fruits We Should Not Eat on an Empty Stomach?
If your stomach is easily irritated, some fruits may exacerbate this condition. Citrus fruits top our list as these contain acids that can cause reflux. The acidity of tomato sauce and citrus fruits can irritate the stomach lining and result in digestive issues. Many people are unaware of the acidity of carbonated beverages. When your stomach is upset, stay away from acidic foods.
