Is Fermented Porridge Meant for Everyone?
Actually, No — and Here’s Why.
Fermented foods, including fermented porridge (Pezh or Kanji), have gained popularity for their probiotic benefits.
While they can indeed aid digestion and improve gut flora in certain individuals, they are not suitable for all body types or health conditions—especially from an Ayurvedic perspective.
Why Can Fermented Porridge Be Harmful?
Fermentation increases the acidic nature (amla rasa) of food.
This, when consumed excessively or by those with certain imbalances, can aggravate pitta and kapha doshas, leading to inflammation and metabolic disturbances.
Instead of nourishing, it may contribute to the accumulation of ama (toxins), heat, and dampness in the body.
Who Should Avoid Fermented Porridge?
- Individuals with Pitta or Pitta-Kapha Dominance
– These individuals already have high internal heat and acidity.
Fermented foods further elevate pitta, leading to inflammatory symptoms.
- People Prone to:
- Frequent loose stools or diarrhoea
- Burning sensation in the stomach, acid belching, or hyperacidity
- Skin disorders like weeping eczema, psoriasis, or red, itchy rashes
- Joint pain with swelling or warmth
- Heat intolerance, photophobia (sensitivity to light), or frequent headaches
- Irritability, mood swings, or unexplained anger
- Chronic fatigue and a heavy, lethargic feeling after meals
- Mouth ulcers or sore tongue
- People with Autoimmune Disorders
– Especially those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or lupus, where inflammation is already a concern.
So, Is Fermented Porridge Bad?
Not at all — but it must be used judiciously, based on your prakriti (body constitution), vikriti (current imbalance), climate, season, and digestive strength (agni).
Safer Alternatives:
If you crave fermented foods, choose milder options like well-cooked kanji diluted with buttermilk and tempered with cumin in small amounts.
Or opt for freshly prepared gruels with digestive herbs like ginger, cumin, or ajwain.
As an Ayurvedic physician, my advice is simple:
What suits one person can aggravate another.
Always listen to your body, honor your constitution, and avoid the trap of blindly following food trends !!!
