Greek yogurt, which is strained and higher in protein, may improve satiety and blood sugar response when eaten as part of a meal. On blood sugar balance, Dr Munjal notes that going for plain, unsweetened options that have a low glycemic index is important.
Yogurt may also support bowel regularity. Because it contains beneficial bacteria, regular intake as part of a balanced, fibre-rich diet can help improve consistency over time.“The most commonly studied strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species,” Dr Munjal explains. “They have shown positive effects on gut function and immunity.” To experience probiotic benefits, she advises choosing products labelled “live and active cultures” and consuming them consistently.
Does yogurt affect women differently?
In women, gut health is closely linked with hormonal balance through the gut-hormone axis. Ayurvedic nutritionist, yoga scholar and co-founder of Lifeyoga, Dr Tanu Singh, brings in traditional beliefs. “In both yoga and Ayurveda, digestion or agni is central to hormonal balance,” she explains. “A healthy gut microbiome helps metabolise and regulate oestrogen so that excess hormones are properly processed and cleared. When digestion is weak, symptoms such as PMS, bloating, breast tenderness and mood fluctuations may feel more intense.”
However, during the luteal phase (the week before a period), when bloating and slower digestion are common, smaller portions of yogurt earlier in the day may feel more comfortable. “Yogurt is considered heavy and heating,” Dr Singh says. If consumed, she suggests having it in the afternoon, when digestive fire is strongest and combining it with roasted cumin or black pepper to make it lighter. She suggests traditional combinations such as lightly fermented rice with yogurt, enhanced with cucumber, dry ginger and roasted curry leaves that have long supported digestion.
Who should prioritise eating yogurt and when?
Yogurt can be especially helpful for people recovering from antibiotics (to help restore gut bacteria). Those with mild constipation can also benefit from it when paired with fibre-rich meals. Individuals needing higher protein intake and people with stable lactose tolerance looking for a probiotic food source may also consume it as a snack between meals.
Who should be cautious and what timings are the worst?
Yogurt may not suit people with active reflux or severe acidity, significant lactose intolerance, individuals with IBS triggered by dairy or anyone who consistently feels heavy and bloated after eating it, especially at night.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: vogue.in
