
The benefits (and drawbacks) of consuming kadhi-chawal
Social media can leave you feeling bemused, one post at a time. That's exactly how we felt when we chanced upon a video by Sugandha Sharma, an ayurveda consultant, claiming that kadhi made with curd instead of buttermilk can lead to joint pains and aches later in life.
'Curd and gram flour (besan) combination is not good for health. Both these items increase inflammation in the body. Moreover, curd should not be heated. Instead, prepare kadhi authentically from buttermilk derived from butter rather than curd. It is more tasty and is better for health,' said Sharma.
Since we could not digest this piece of information, we immediately reached out to Fauziya Ansari, dietitian, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, who said 'more concrete research' is needed to prove that having kadhi made with curd can potentially lead to joint and knee pain.
'There is no proven link between eating kadhi — an Indian delicacy — and knee pain. While it might cause discomfort for those with lactose intolerance or sensitive stomachs, it isn't always the case,' said Ansari.
Instead of relying on social media, consult a nutritionist or dietician to weigh the possible consequences and benefits of different dishes for overall health, asserted Ansari.
Concurring, Dr Haricharan G, senior consultant physician, HoD, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, added that while it has no relation to knee pain, kadhi is 'rich in protein and probiotics due to its yogurt content, which supports gut health. However, it is often prepared with significant amounts of oil, which can increase its calorie content and make it less suitable for those managing weight or cholesterol levels,' he added.
'The addition of deep-fried pakoras in some versions further adds to the unhealthy fat content,' he continued.
Should you have buttermilk-made kadhi? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Kadhi is usually paired with a type of rice with a high glycemic index, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. 'This may not be ideal for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels,' stressed Dr Haricharan.
For a healthier version, consider using less oil, avoiding deep-fried additions, and pairing the kadhi with brown or smaller portion of white rice. 'Including plenty of vegetables and balancing your overall diet with fibre-rich foods can help mitigate some of the less healthy aspects of this dish,' said Dr Haricharan.
If you suffer from joint pain for an extended period, consider consulting an expert.
'After closely examining your lifestyle and dietary choices, your dietician may suggest a customised diet plan that meets your daily intake of essential nutrients and vitamins to strengthen your bones and joints,' said Ansari.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sugandha Sharma (@dr.sugandha07)
This can effectively help combat knee pain while alleviating the symptoms. While it is natural to be curious about various health tips you see online it's vital to approach them with critical thinking.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Hepatologist says ‘8 glasses of water a day' is a myth: Here's how much you should drink to stay hydrated
For decades, the recommendation to drink eight glasses of water a day has been ingrained in our minds as a golden rule for good health. However, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a certified hepatologist popularly known as The Liver Doc, says this advice is more myth than medicine. In his May 8 Instagram post, he explains why the "8 glasses a day" rule doesn't hold up and what you really need to know about staying properly hydrated. (Also read: Liver Doc reveals the best and worst teas for your liver: 'Just because it's herbal doesn't mean it's safe' ) "I cannot believe I'm making a post for adults about how and when to drink water in 2025. But I guess this is important because people have lost critical thinking skills and keep asking me this question in the messages. So here goes," Dr Abby wrote in the caption. Let's take a closer look at what he recommends: Our bodies lose water constantly, even when we're resting. Here's Dr Abby's breakdown of daily fluid loss for a healthy adult in a comfortable environment (20-25°C): Put together, that's roughly 1.3 to 1.5 litres of water lost every day, even if you're sedentary and in mild weather. A post shared by The Liver Doc (Cyriac Abby Philips) (@theliverdr) To avoid dehydration, you need to replace at least what you lose daily. For a healthy adult at rest: Healthy kidneys can clear about 0.8 to 1 litre of dilute urine per hour, up to roughly 24 litres a day. Drinking more than 1 litre per hour for several hours can overwhelm this capacity, diluting blood sodium and risking a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, which can cause brain swelling and seizures. -Your urine should be clear or pale yellow. -Your body weight should remain stable. - You should be able to remember the last time you felt genuinely thirsty. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Can Masturbation Actually Improve Your Relationship?
Last Updated: Masturbation, a topic frequently shrouded in privacy, holds potential beyond solitary pleasure Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, is running this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance. In this article, we will explain how personal desires might not only enrich your individual well-being but also strengthen your relationship. In the intricate tapestry of human relationships, intimacy often emerges as a cornerstone of connectivity and fulfilment. As you navigate the complexities of partnership, you may wonder about the role personal habits play in enhancing mutual satisfaction. Masturbation, a topic frequently shrouded in privacy, holds potential beyond solitary pleasure. Engaging in masturbation triggers the release of several hormones, including dopamine and oxytocin, often referred to as the 'feel-good" hormones. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in the brain's reward system, enhancing pleasure and motivation. Meanwhile, oxytocin, sometimes called the 'cuddle hormone", is associated with social bonding and relaxation. These hormones can lead to enhanced mood and reduced stress, potentially fostering a more positive outlook in your relationship. Masturbation also has notable physical benefits. It can increase blood flow, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. The endorphins released during masturbation act as natural pain relievers, potentially alleviating minor aches and discomforts. Furthermore, the relaxation induced by hormonal release during orgasm can lead to better sleep quality. Adequate rest is fundamental in maintaining emotional balance, which is crucial for healthy interpersonal relationships. advetisement Through masturbation, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies and sexual preferences. This self-awareness can translate into more confident and satisfying intimate experiences with partners. Knowing what brings you pleasure allows for more open and effective communication, ultimately enhancing mutual satisfaction within the relationship. By exercising sexual autonomy, individuals can nurture self-confidence, which often reflects positively in their interactions with partners. In an era where stress and anxiety are prevalent, masturbation serves as a natural stress-relief mechanism. The process helps in reducing cortisol levels, the stress hormone, thereby calming the mind and promoting relaxation. This stress reduction can lead to improved interactions with your partner, as you are likely to be more present and patient. Incorporating masturbation into a self-care routine can act as a proactive measure to maintain mental well-being, positively impacting the dynamics of your relationship. Masturbation and Relationship Satisfaction Masturbation is often viewed merely as a personal activity, yet its potential impact on relationship satisfaction is increasingly being recognized. Engaging in self-pleasure can help individuals better understand their own bodies, leading to improved sexual self-awareness. By discovering personal preferences and what brings physical pleasure, individuals can communicate these insights to their partners more effectively. This open dialogue fosters intimacy and mutual satisfaction, forming a foundation for a more fulfilling sexual relationship. One of the key pillars of a healthy relationship is communication. When partners are open about their solo sexual activities, it can demystify the subject of masturbation, reducing shame or taboo. This transparency encourages an open-minded approach toward sexual exploration within the relationship. Discussing masturbation can also break down barriers, leading to more candid conversations about sexual needs and desires. Such openness not only enhances trust but also aligns sexual expectations between partners, contributing to overall relationship harmony. Surprisingly, engaging in regular masturbation might actually increase your desire for partnered sexual activities. This is because masturbation aids in maintaining sexual health by keeping sexual organs active, boosting libido, and releasing sexual tension. When partners feel sexually satisfied individually, they are more likely to bring that energy into shared experiences. This creates a positive cycle where self-pleasure complements rather than competes with partnered intimacy, potentially leading to an enriched sexual relationship. Can Masturbation Improve Your Relationship? Masturbation, can surprisingly contribute to strengthening relationships in various ways. By engaging in self-exploration, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies and desires. This personal insight can be a powerful tool for enhancing intimacy with a partner. When you know what brings you pleasure, you are better equipped to communicate these preferences, fostering a more fulfilling and open sexual relationship. advetisement Moreover, masturbation can release stress and tension, which can positively impact your overall mood and behaviour. Being more relaxed and content enables you to be more present and emotionally available to your partner, enhancing the quality of your interactions. Such stress-relief benefits can significantly contribute to a harmonious relationship dynamic. Lastly, maintaining personal sexual health can contribute to individual well-being, which inevitably benefits the relationship as a whole. Masturbation offers a safe outlet for sexual expression, reducing anxiety and promoting self-awareness. A healthier, happier individual is more likely to contribute positively to a relationship, creating a balanced and supportive partnership. By normalizing conversations around masturbation, couples can break down barriers that often lead to dissatisfaction or misunderstandings. This transparency nurtures a climate of mutual respect and acceptance, essential components of any healthy relationship. Conclusion top videos View All In conclusion, embracing masturbation as a natural and beneficial aspect of your relationship can lead to enhanced mutual understanding and satisfaction. By breaking the stigma and openly discussing individual needs and preferences, you foster a more intimate, honest connection with your partner. Self-exploration not only supports personal well-being but also enriches your shared sexual experiences, creating a more fulfilling partnership. As you navigate the complexities of intimacy, remember that recognizing and respecting each other's sexuality in all its forms can be a powerful tool in strengthening your bond, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient relationship. About the Author Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : lets talk sex Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 19:42 IST News lifestyle Let's Talk Sex | Can Masturbation Actually Improve Your Relationship?


Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
AIIMS, Harvard gastroenterologist ranks 6 common foods for gut health: Fermented foods score highest
Maintaining good gut health is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. What you eat plays a huge role in keeping your digestive system happy and balanced. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, recently shared an Instagram post ranking common foods that support gut health and promote optimal digestion. Let's take a look: A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ Leading the list, fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics which is a beneficial bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome. These bananas are high in resistant starch, a type of prebiotic fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. It promotes a healthy gut lining and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Slightly green bananas offer more gut benefits than their ripe counterparts. A great source of soluble fibre, oats help keep your digestive system running smoothly. Fibre promotes regular bowel movements and provides nourishment for healthy gut bacteria, reducing the risk of constipation and inflammation. While still beneficial, ripe bananas contain less resistant starch but provide important nutrients and some fibre. They are gentle on the stomach and can help soothe digestive issues, though they rank lower than green bananas for gut benefits. White bread is low in fibre and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives. It offers minimal support for gut health and digestion and can sometimes contribute to blood sugar spikes, making it a less ideal choice for maintaining a healthy gut. At the bottom of the list, bacon's high saturated fat and preservative content can negatively affect the gut microbiome. Processed meats like bacon may increase inflammation and disrupt digestion, making them detrimental to gut health when consumed frequently. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.