What are the side effects of Gond katira in milk?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite its many benefits, excessive consumption of gond katira has been linked to potential side effects, including digestive discomfort. While generally considered safe in moderation, combining gond katira with milk requires proper preparation to avoid adverse reactions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential side effects of combining gond katira with milk, including digestive problems like bloating and diarrhea, the risk of choking if not properly soaked, and potential allergic reactions. It outlines important precautions, ideal dosages, and who should exercise caution when consuming this herbal remedy.

Key Points

Digestive Issues: Excessive consumption of gond katira, due to its high fiber, can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Choking Hazard: The crystals must be fully soaked for several hours to swell into a soft jelly; otherwise, they pose a choking risk.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the tragacanth gum, experiencing symptoms like rashes or itching.
Blood Sugar Impacts: Gond katira can affect blood sugar levels, requiring caution for those with diabetes or hypoglycemia.
Ideal Dosage: Start with a small amount (½-1 teaspoon) and soak it properly before adding to milk to avoid side effects.
Who Should Avoid: Underweight individuals and those with specific health conditions should use caution or avoid it entirely.
Monitor for Signs: Pay attention to your body's reaction and reduce intake if you experience any adverse effects.
Hydration is Crucial: Always drink plenty of water when consuming high-fiber foods like gond katira to aid digestion and prevent dehydration.

Understanding Gond Katira and Its Effects

Gond katira, also known as tragacanth gum, is a natural, odorless, and tasteless gum derived from the sap of plants in the Astragalus genus. It is known for its incredible cooling properties and is a popular ingredient in many summer drinks and desserts. When soaked in water, the crystal-like gum swells to form a soft, jelly-like substance. Combining this hydrated gum with milk is a common practice, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, especially with incorrect preparation or excessive consumption.

Digestive Issues from High Fiber Content

One of the most common side effects of gond katira, whether consumed with milk or water, is digestive discomfort. The gum is extremely high in soluble fiber, which can have an overwhelming effect on the digestive system if consumed in large quantities or if your body is not accustomed to it.

Bloating and Gas: The fermentation of soluble fiber in the gut can lead to increased gas production, causing uncomfortable bloating.
Diarrhea: For some individuals, a large intake of fiber can have a laxative effect, leading to loose stools or diarrhea.
Upset Stomach: Those with a sensitive digestive system might experience general stomach upset and discomfort.

To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake, allowing your body to adjust to the increased fiber.

Choking Hazard from Improper Hydration

This is a critical safety consideration when consuming gond katira, and it holds true regardless of whether it's mixed with milk or any other liquid. The crystals must be fully and properly soaked and hydrated before consumption to prevent a choking hazard.

Proper Soaking: Gond katira should be soaked in water for several hours, typically 6-8 hours or overnight, until it swells into a jelly-like consistency.
Insufficient Soaking: If not soaked long enough, the hard crystals can expand in the throat or esophagus, posing a serious choking risk.

Potential Allergic Reactions

While rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to tragacanth gum. The Astragalus plant family contains various compounds, and some people may be susceptible to an allergy, even when it is consumed with milk.

Symptoms: Allergic reactions can manifest as rashes, itching, or, in more severe cases, gastrointestinal distress or difficulty breathing.
Precaution: If you have a history of allergies, especially to other plant-based gums, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet.

Impact on Blood Sugar Levels

Gond katira can influence blood sugar levels, and while this is often considered a benefit for those managing their sugar intake, it can be a risk for others.

Risk for Diabetics: Individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia should exercise caution, as gond katira may lower blood sugar levels, which could interact with their medication.
Consult a Doctor: It is essential for those with blood sugar concerns to consult their doctor before regular use.

Potential to Lower Blood Pressure

Due to its cooling properties, excessive intake of gond katira may potentially cause a drop in blood pressure. This could lead to dizziness or lightheadedness in some people, particularly those already managing low blood pressure.

Contraindications and Cautions

There are certain individuals who should be more cautious or avoid gond katira entirely.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: There is limited research on the effects of gond katira during pregnancy, so it is best to consult a doctor first.
Underweight Individuals: Because of its high fiber content and appetite-suppressing effects, it is not recommended for those looking to gain weight.
Individuals with Respiratory Issues: Some people may find that the gum exacerbates breathing problems, and it should be avoided in such cases.

Gond Katira vs. Other Gums


Feature	Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)	Guar Gum	Xanthan Gum
Source	Natural gum from Astragalus plant sap	Derived from guar beans	Produced by bacterial fermentation
Preparation	Soaked in water for hours to form a jelly	Dissolves easily in hot or cold water	Requires whisking or blending to mix
Primary Use	Cooling agent in drinks; traditional medicine	Thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer	Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
Side Effects	Digestive issues, choking hazard, allergies	Digestive issues (gas, bloating) if consumed in large amounts	Can cause digestive issues in high doses
Texture	Firm, jelly-like consistency	Smooth, non-gritty texture	Slimy or gel-like texture

Conclusion: Safe Consumption is Key

Consuming gond katira with milk, while a traditional and potentially beneficial practice, comes with a set of considerations. The most critical factor is proper preparation, ensuring the gum is fully hydrated to eliminate the choking risk. Moderation is also essential to prevent digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea, which are common with the high fiber content. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or allergies, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consult a healthcare professional before regular use. By understanding and respecting these precautions, you can enjoy the cooling and health benefits of gond katira in your milk safely. For more detailed information on herbal remedies, consult the authoritative guide by Healthians on their blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can have gond katira with milk daily, but only in moderation. A typical daily dose is about 1-2 teaspoons of the pre-soaked gel. It is important to listen to your body and ensure you are not experiencing any digestive discomfort.

No, gond katira is not known to cause weight gain. In fact, due to its high fiber content, it can promote a feeling of fullness and help with weight management. However, adding high-calorie ingredients to your milk, such as excessive sugar, can contribute to weight gain.

There is limited research on the effects of gond katira during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should always consult with a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.

Yes, excessive consumption of gond katira may cause a drop in blood pressure due to its cooling properties. Individuals with pre-existing low blood pressure should be especially cautious and monitor their body's reaction.

You should soak gond katira in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight to ensure it is fully hydrated. The crystals must expand completely into a gel-like substance to prevent a choking hazard.

If you experience symptoms like rashes, itching, or breathing difficulties after consuming gond katira, stop immediately. Consult a healthcare professional to address the allergic reaction and confirm if it is the cause.

While there is no specific 'antidote,' if you experience digestive discomfort from too much gond katira, simply reduce your intake or stop consuming it for a few days. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial to aid digestion.