When it comes to having a meal at night, you should keep everything light. However, if you speak with a dietician to know which type of food stuffs you should eat, then you might come across many food myths. While some of these are not based on anything, there’s always some logic behind everything. For instance, a person should avoid eating sour food at night. If you relish curd when it’s dinner or lunch time, then you should surely know the reason why you should not.

About sour foods

Owing to the presence of citric acid, sour foods are actually acidic in nature. If you have to list down the food items, then these include lemons, grapefruits, limes and oranges. But, to a certain level, sour candy can be very much bitter because sugar is fermented with microorganisms. This eventually results in a sweet or a bitter compound.

As far as spoiled foodstuffs are considered, these can also be mentioned under sour foodstuffs. As the food item becomes stale, they can be detrimental to health because of germs and bacteria.

So, as we proceed further, lets ‘check out the cons of consuming sour foodstuffs.

Effect on Tridosha

According to Ayurveda, sour taste can considerably decrease Vata. On the contrary, it increases kapha Dosa and Pitta.

Basically, the sour taste that leaves behind a tingling sensation is composed of Pruthvi and Teja elements. Due to the earth element, it makes the system heavy and results into Kapha Dosha. The fire element may finally lead to Pitta Dosha. But, since air is not one of the elements, then it can always pacify Vata and disturb the entire digestive system.

Leads to cough & cold

A tingling sensation on the tongue can always intensify cough and cold. This eventually leads to formation of thick mucus in the nasal passage. In the end, the person might not be able to breathe properly as he starts experiencing fatigue and weakness.

Effect on the body and the mind

You would certainly face numerous effects once you nibble on sour foodstuffs.

Dantaharshakara – This effect refers to a tingling sensation in the teeth.

In case you drinking acidic beverages all the time, then the liquid can harm the tooth enamel. Over a period of time, such beverages can also be a cause for tooth decay. So, drink something that is naturally prepared rather than having a habit of enjoying acidic beverages.

Prasravana – Once you taste sour foodstuffs, it would lead to salivation and secretion from internal organs. This would make the person much more uncomfortable when he mingling within a group.

Svedana – This effect is referred to as excess sweating even when you haven’t been through a busy schedule. You may then need to sit beside an air conditioner or in an airy room.

Kanta Vidahakara – This effect refers to a burning sensation in your mouth and throat. The individual might have to rinse his mouth with water off and on till the sensation goes away.

Romanchana – This is nothing but an effect a condition associated with horripulation. As the person gets excited after consuming sour foodstuffs, it may finally lead to erection of hair present on the skin.

Ratkapittakara – Since sour foods have a negative impact on Pitta dosha, the person may have to deal with bleeding disorders. Traces of blood may be present in the excreta that the person expels.

Jihva uttejaka – Post consumption of sour foods, the burning sensation can excite the tongue. So, it’s always advisable not to eat sour foods when the person has mouth sores or lie bumps. It can affect the nerves present below the skin surface.

Mutrala – Sour foodstuffs can cause the kidneys to expel excessive urine. But, things might be difficult to deal with, especially when you are having sour food items in the winter season.

May interfere with fitness goals

If you are someone who has put on weight, then you shouldn’t eat sour foodstuffs. At night, such items can intrude and keep you away from meeting the weight loss goals. On the other hand, sour foods like vinegar, spicy curry, and sour soup can increase the water content in the body.

May lead to poor digestion

Whatever it might be; salty or sour foodstuffs, nutritionists say that these can affect the digestion process considerably. You may also have to deal with problems associated with the stomach.

Leads to a restless night

A person shouldn’t eat sour foodstuffs when he or she is about to fall asleep. As these increase the energy level when it’s not needed, you might not have a sound sleep. Eventually, the energy hike might bring in sleeping troubles even when you are trying to relax after a hectic day.

So, when you have the urge to eat sour foods, you shouldn’t consume it late in the evening. Moreover, it’s not a good idea to have something sour just before bedtime.