After a tasty meal, your server approaches. “Would like anything else…Dessert? Coffee? Mango lassi?” You cast a glance at the table next to you and spy a tall, frosty glass…

But before you put in that order, consider this…While your mind may relish the idea of a cool, fruity treat, your digestion may disagree.

According to Ayurveda, the benefits of some foods are diminished or even detrimental to your constitution when consumed in certain combinations. So, for those for whom this is a new topic…. Incompatible Foods 101: Avoid mixing dairy and fruit.

But don’t fret, you can enjoy this cooling treat AND show your body a little probiotic love with just a few minor tweaks!

Tuck away the glorious mango for a snack and instead experiment with savory tastes like cilantro, pepper, or cumin, or for something sweet, mix in some mint, cardamom, or rose. The result (savory takra or sweet lassi) may be just what you need to soothe your indigestion, flatulence, heartburn, or other digestive woes. Below is my go-to recipe for Takra—read more about it in Recipe 73 in Soma: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care ebook or get the hard copy here.

Takra [Probiotic Drink for Digestion]

Ingredients:
2 oz Yogurt (whole or fat-free)
8 oz Water
2 pinches Black Pepper
1 pinch Cumin Seed (roasted, powder)
Rock Salt (to taste)

Mix the yogurt well, so that there are no lumps, until it is a smooth, creamy texture. Add water, rock salt, roasted cumin seed powder, and black pepper powder to it. Churn/blend until bubbles surface.

It is ready to drink!