Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Food)
“Healthy eating isn’t about counting fat grams, dieting, cleanses and antioxidants; It is about eating food untouched from the way we find it in nature, in a balanced way.”
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Ayurveda is widely focused on maintaining a clean and balanced lifestyle, which promotes development of an individual spiritually and physically. In accordance with Chakara Samhita (Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Scripture), following a lifestyle which includes having a healthy balanced diet along with channeling pure thoughts through our system and promoting and practicing generous behavior shields an individual from disease.
“Ahara” or Food is defined as one of the three pillars of supporting our body. Ayurveda deeply signifies combinations in food which can either promote a healthy and positive impact on our body or have a poisonous side effect which in the longer run can cause certain abnormalities. If you want to stay healthy and avoid combining food that can cause grave health related issues in the future, you are in the perfect spot. We will dive deep into the concept of Viruddha Ahara or Incompatible Food. This blog will be your one stop solution to all the misconceptions and will also provide examples to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What is Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Food)?
Viruddha Ahara refers to the interaction between two food items we consume together. Besides this, it also signifies the consumption of food during a particular time or season. Consumption of food in the inaccurate proportion can also have adverse effects on our body. We can simply define Viruddha Ahara as the “toxicity that is produced in the tissues of our body due to antagonism which further leads to disease”.
WHY and HOW is it relevant in today’s world?
Balanced and Healthy Lifestyle
Following dietary principles that avoid eating irregular meals helps prevent metabolic imbalances and supports good health. Ayurveda mentions the importance of a healthy diet as a key to healthy and disease-free lifestyle.
Toxin (Ama) Production
Incompatible meals can cause the formation of toxins (Ama) in the frame. Ama is assumed to be the root cause of various illnesses in Ayurveda. Following nutritional recommendations will decrease the Ama production.
Supporting digestion
Eating foods that match the digestive capacity ensures that the digestive system remains strong and efficient. This aids in proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Longevity
By understanding and following dietary guidelines for imbalances, Ayurveda aims to support long-term health ( hitayu ) and prevent chronic diseases.
Uniqueness
Every individual is unique in terms of their dietary incompatibilities and therefore needs a personalized approach in nutrition that considers the persons Doshas and Prakriti into account.
Allergies
The popularity of dietary incompatibilities can assist individuals in perceiving and keeping away from ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities, providing health.
Imbalanced nutrients
Imbalanced nutrients can upset the balance of the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) in the body. Imbalanced doshas are at the root of many health issues in Ayurveda. Avoiding irregular diets helps prevent dosha imbalances and associated health problems.
Types of Viruddha Ahara specified in Chakara Samhita
- Desha Viruddha – Desha Viruddha encompasses dietary choices that contradict the environmental characteristics of a specific region.
Example – In parched or arid areas one must avoid the consumption of Ruksha Ahara (dry and dehydrating food like millets and pulses). - Kala Viruddha – Kala Viruddha pertains to the incompatibility of food choices with the changing seasons and the time of day.
Example – Incorporating warm food in one’s diet during the winters is advised while refraining from dry and cold (Sheeta) food which disrupts the body balance. - Agni Viruddha – Agni Viruddha focuses on the harmony between one’s digestive capacity and the foods consumed.
Example – one should not consume heavy, oily or junk food when one is sick and “agni is manda or low digestive fire”. - Matra Viruddha – Matra Viruddha addresses the importance of consuming food in appropriate quantities. Example- Overindulgence or consuming foods in incorrect
proportions can lead to digestive disturbances. - Satmya Viruddha – Satmya Viruddha centers on adhering to one’s accustomed dietary preferences.
Example – Deviating from one’s customary eating habits can disrupt the body’s equilibrium.
6. Dosha Viruddha – Dosha Viruddha involves consuming foods with qualities like one’s dosha constitution but incompatible with the individual.
Example – Individuals with a predominant Pitta dosha should avoid consuming foods
that are excessively hot and spicy, as this can exacerbate the Pitta imbalance within their bodies.
7. Sanskar Viruddha – Samskara Viruddha mentions the importance of proper food preparation methods. Certain food preparations, when done incorrectly, can render them toxic or harmful.
Example – Overheating honey can have adverse effects on health.
8. Virya Viruddha – Virya Viruddha warns against consuming foods with opposing potencies simultaneously.
Example – The combination of foods with contrasting properties, such as the pairing of cold (fish) and hot (milk) items, can disturb the body’s equilibrium and should be avoided.
9. Samyoga Viruddha – Samyoga Viruddha warns against the consumption of food combinations that are incompatible.
Example – combining sour substances with milk can lead to digestive disturbances and should be avoided.
Common Examples of incompatible food
Eating Bananas with Milk (Smoothies)
Contrary to the common belief that smoothies are healthy. According to ayurveda, consuming milk and banana together can diminish your body heat (Agni), produce toxins, or give rise to allergies.
Milk with Curd (Yogurt)
Dishes organized with milk or with the aid of curd ought to by no means be taken collectively. Because, curd will precipitate or curdle up the milk and preclude its digestion. This worsens the stomach and produces gastric disturbances.
Fish & Milk
Impairs the blood and hinders the strotas(body channels), causing constipation and toxin in blood. Hence it is advised to never consume fish with milk. A very common occurance with the Alfredo sauce in the Italian cuisines. Avoid this if you are particularly sufering from a skin disease.
Milk intake after Radish or Garlic
Avoid this combination. This often leads to skin diseases or aggravating any skin conditions. Ayurveda related this to diseases like leprosy.
Consuming Hot honey
One of the most lethal ways of consuming honey is by heating it. It is extremely toxic and lethal. *Myth – lukewarm water mixed with honey and lemon is good for health. ** Fact – honey should never be mixed with lukewarm water whatsoever. It produces ama(toxins); which is injurious to health.
Milk and Melon
Melon are sour when it comes to classifying food items, the stomach acid which helps in digesting the melon can have adverse effects on milk if consumed together or right after. It is advised against having sour foods and milk in succession as it tends to curdle up the milk.
Ghee & Honey
Ghee (Clarified Butter) should never be consumed in a 1:1 ratio by weight with honey. This combination is considered toxic and has also been tested via several examinations. But the important fact to be noted is that a 2:1 ratio of Ghee and Honey is not toxic, but healthy for your body.
Fruit Custard
You heard it right; fruit custards can be harmful for your body. Even though it is a treat to your taste buds. In the longer run, it damages the balance of your health. The sour fruits cause the milk to curdle which has a bad effect on our body.
Honey in Hot Water
As soon as you wake up do you have hot water with lemon and honey? Although warm water, lemon and honey is considered healthy, do not mix honey with hot water. Honey when heated or mixed with hot water becomes harmful to the body.
Milk & Eggs
Protein is found in both milk and eggs. Eggs are also known as a protein reference. Both should never be taken together as they are heavy to digest. It causes indigestion, leading to various types of constipation or incompatibility. Adding milk and eggs or milk and eggs to baked goods such as breads, cakes and muffins is an example of a no-go. It is widely used in modern, daily life especially for breakfast and snacks.
| # | Food | Compatible | InCompatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice | Vegetables, Meat, Milk, Curd | Vinegar |
| 2 | Milk | Rice, Oats, Dates | Fruits, Curd, Dairy, Fish, Meat |
| 3 | Fruit | Fruits, Dates | Milk, Grains |
| 4 | Grains | Fruits, Tapioca | |
| 5 | Vegetables | Vegetables, Meat, Yogurt | Fruits and Milk |
| 6 | Eggs | Grains, Vegetables | Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Fruits |
Conclusion
Perceptions of disordered eating are complex and subjective which may vary depending on cultural beliefs, traditional practices, personal experiences. Although there are guidelines and recommendations as to the consumption of certain food items together. These assumptions are often based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than universally accepted scientific principles. It is crucial to rely on evidence-based information by physicians, health professionals or dietitians and registered healthcare providers. Food incompatibilities, as commonly observed, may not be a major concern in most people’s eating routines. However, one should focus on eating a balanced diet which is healthy and nutritious. Also the one that supports your personal health and wellness goals figuratively.
As quoted by the famous Hippocrates – “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
“Health requires healthy food” – Roger Williams
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