Feeding Yogurt Before Travel: Tradition or Science?

In Nepali culture, the tradition of feeding yogurt before traveling is both ancient and widely practiced. It is believed to bring good luck, ensure a successful journey, and help achieve one’s goals. However, in addition to these beliefs, scientific foundations also play an important role.

Yogurt’s Qualities According to Classical Ayurvedic Texts

In Ayurveda, yogurt is referred to as ‘Dadhi’ and its characteristics are extensively described. The importance of yogurt in travel can be understood through the following points:

1. Ushnaveerya (Warm potency)

Although many feel yogurt is cooling, Ayurveda states yogurt has warm energy. It kindles the digestive fire (Jatharagni), protecting against indigestion during travel.

2. Ruchikar (Appetizing)

Classical texts describe yogurt as ‘Ruchya’, meaning it increases the desire to eat and improves taste. When travel stress suppresses appetite, yogurt helps stimulate hunger.

3. Grahi (Absorptive)

Yogurt’s absorptive quality helps reduce excess water in the intestine and binds stools. This is especially beneficial for preventing diarrhea or digestive upset during journeys.

4. Vata Nashak (Balances Vata Dosha)

Travel often aggravates Vata dosha causing body aches, gas, and fatigue. Yogurt pacifies Vata, making travel more comfortable.

5. Pushtivardhak (Nourishing)

Ayurveda holds that yogurt nourishes bodily tissues and enhances Ojas (immunity), providing physical strength needed for travel.

Ayurveda also categorizes different types of yogurt based on the proportion of water added and churning methods, which change its properties. Understanding these types helps select the right yogurt for travel or daily life.

Main Types of Yogurt According to Proportion of Water and Preparation Method:

1. Takra

Considered the nectar of digestion, Ayurveda states “Bhojanante pibet takram” meaning one should drink Takra (buttermilk) after meals. Made by mixing one part yogurt with one-fourth part water, Takra is light and easy to digest. It helps with acidity, piles, and bloating. For heavy stomach during travel, Takra is considered ideal.

2. Ghol

Prepared by simply whisking yogurt, Ghol is a bit thick and helps pacify Vata and Pitta doshas, though it takes longer to digest.

3. Chhachhika

Made by adding plenty of water to yogurt and then whisking, Chhachhika is very thin and consumed as a drink. It provides instant hydration, preventing dehydration during long walks or strenuous work.

Precautions

Ayurveda recommends some rules for yogurt consumption. It suggests reducing yogurt intake at night. Yogurt is traditionally consumed mixed with sugar, honey, ghee, or mung dal, which enhances benefits. Mixing sugar in yogurt before travel is a common custom.

Modern medical science also recognizes yogurt as a “superfood” due to its nutrients and probiotics, making it very beneficial for health.

Benefits of Yogurt According to Modern Medicine:

1. Probiotics and Gut Health

Yogurt contains live cultures known as probiotics that maintain gut microbiome balance and reduce issues like gas, constipation, and diarrhea. This also boosts the body’s immune defense.

2. Nutrient Reservoir

Yogurt provides nearly all essential nutrients. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones and teeth; vitamin B12 and riboflavin protect the heart and nervous system; potassium and magnesium help regulate blood pressure.

3. Excellent Protein Source

Yogurt contains easily digestible protein that aids muscle repair and keeps the stomach full longer, assisting in weight management.

4. Helpful for Lactose Intolerance

While many have difficulty digesting milk, yogurt bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid during fermentation, making it safe and suitable even for lactose-intolerant individuals.

5. Mental Health and Gut-Brain Axis

Recent studies reveal a strong connection between gut health and mental well-being. Probiotics in yogurt help reduce symptoms of stress and depression.

(The author Dr. Devaraj Kshetri is an Associate Professor at the Central Ayurvedic Institute, Nepal Sanskrit University, Dang)