In Ayurvedic science food and eating habits are described in detail. Unknowingly we tend to ingest food items that are wrongly combined according to Ayurveda.

Viruddha Aahara or incompatible diet are the foods items that should not be eaten together or that should not be ingested in certain given conditions.

Here are some incompatible food combinations:

1. Combination incompatibility – consuming fruit salad or milk with banana.

2. Potency-related incompatibility – Having fish and milk together.

3. Time-related incompatibility – Eating curd at night.

4. Dose incompatibility – Consuming an equal amount of cow’s ghee and honey mixed.

5. Contradiction-related incompatibility – Having cold water after hot tea.

6. Cooking incompatibility – Overcooked or over-roasted rice.

Here are a few examples of Incompatible food that we consume regularly-

• Black tea with milk.

• Milk and yogurt together.

• Pomegranate and grape juice.

• Unripe tomatoes with alcohol.

• Tea and garlic together.

• Lemon is incompatible with yogurt, and milk.

• Starches are incompatible with eggs, milk, and banana.

• Radish and fish together.

• Horse gram with milk.

• Milk after consuming green leafy vegetables.

Harmful effects of consuming incompatible foods –

Incompatible foods when consumed regularly, may lead to metabolic disorders.

This may affect the digestive system, cause abdominal distension, allergy issues like rhinitis, fever, intestinal problems, skin diseases etc.

Consuming incompatible food for many years can also lead to disorders of the immune system, endocrine system, reproductive system, circulatory system etc.

Reference –

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665091/ (cited on 19 July 2024)

https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1790/2048 (cited on 19 July 2024)

International Journal of Ayurveda And Pharma Research- Review Article

VIRUDDHA AHARA– THE UNIQUE CONCEPT OF AYURVEDA (cited on 19 July 2024)

By Dr. Rutika Mehetre