12 Buttermilk Benefits You Didn't Know (6 Surprising Health Benefits + How to Use Them)

2. How to Use Buttermilk for Digestion: Timing and recipes

Use buttermilk at modest times for best results. Drink a small glass 20–30 minutes after a heavy meal to soothe the stomach, or have it during the hottest part of the day when appetite is low. Popular home recipes include plain takra (diluted yogurt strained with water) or spiced chaas with roasted cumin, a pinch of salt, and chopped coriander. Adding grated ginger or a pinch of hing (asafoetida) can help with gas for some people. If making takra at home, prepare it fresh and keep it chilled; homemade versions may have variable probiotics depending on fermentation time. For convenience, many stores now sell cultured buttermilk — check labels for additives and salt. People with lactose intolerance might tolerate small, fermented servings better than milk, but individual tolerance varies. Start with a small amount and watch how you feel.