The age-old wisdom of Viruddha Ahara – incompatible food – is gaining importance in today’s world of dietary dos and don’ts. As we become more conscious of what we put into our bodies, we are also becoming more aware that certain foods just don’t mix well.

So, look no further if you want to be aware of the common incompatible food combinations! But let’s get to know why to avoid these foods in the first place:

What if you continue with Viruddha Ahara?

Various diseases can be caused by consuming incompatible foods. The most common ones are:

Indigestion

This is the number one problem caused by incompatible foods. When we eat incompatible foods, our digestive system has to work overtime to break them down, which may lead to indigestion, gas, bloating, and all sorts of other unpleasantness.

Acidity

Another major problem caused by incompatible foods is acidity. When our digestive system cannot properly break down certain foods, they start to ferment and produce gas. This gas puts pressure on the stomach walls, leading to acidity and heartburn.

Allergies

In some cases, consuming incompatible foods can also lead to allergies. This is because our body may not be able to tolerate certain foods that it’s not used to, and this can lead to an allergic reaction.

Food incompatibilities and their alternatives

Several common food combinations are incompatible. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their alternatives:

Milk and citrus fruits

Milk and citrus fruits are classic examples of incompatible food combinations. When these two are consumed together, they can cause indigestion and gas. The best way to avoid this problem is to eat citrus fruits on their own or drink milk separately from other foods.

Fried foods and sugar

Fried foods and sugar are other problematic combinations. Fried foods are difficult to digest, and when combined with sugar, they can cause indigestion, acidity, and gas. If you must eat these foods together, it’s best to do so in small quantities and spread them throughout the day.

Milk and yogurt

Consuming both together can precipitate milk inside the stomach which may irritate and induce vomiting. So avoid milk and yogurt together.

Salt and Milk

Due to the antagonistic qualities of the two, salt and milk should undoubtedly be avoided.

Equal quantities of honey and ghee

Mixing equal quantities of ghee and honey should be avoided as they have opposite bodily reactions. Honey has heating, scraping, and drying action. Ghee has a cooling and moisturizing quality. However, one can consume ghee and honey together by mixing a larger quantity of one or the other.

Cheese and Yogurt

Those with weak digestion should avoid consuming cheese and yogurt as cheese takes a long time to digest and may cause constipation. So mindfully avoid consuming the two together, no matter what season.

Final Thoughts

Viruddha Ahara is a critical aspect of today’s improper dietary habits. According to Ayurveda, every food item possesses a distinct taste, energy, and effect on the body. Hence, you need to be careful while consuming some food items together.

As it is rightly said, “You are what you eat. “So keep the above tips in mind and be mindful while eating, since certain food combinations can lead to several health problems and disturb the gut.