Incompatible Foods (Viruddha ahara)

According to Ayurveda, certain dietary choices and their combinations can disrupt tissue metabolism, hinder tissue formation, and possess properties opposite to those required for tissue nourishment. These are termed as Viruddha Anna or incompatible diets. Foods become incompatible when they are improperly combined, processed incorrectly, consumed in excessive amounts, eaten at inappropriate times of day, or during unsuitable seasons.

Ayurveda identifies certain dietary combinations and cooking practices that are considered incompatible (Viruddha). For instance, mixing milk with fish or sour fruits, or consuming milk alongside fruits like bananas which contain certain allergens, can exacerbate conditions such as asthma. Reheating cow's milk with eggs, or consuming excessive sugar with saturated fats, may lead to various immunological disorders. Deep-frying potatoes can produce toxic substances like acrylamide, which are carcinogenic, illustrating an example of Samskara Viruddha in Ayurveda. Additionally, cooking proteins with sugars in dry conditions prevents proper binding and can lead to issues, highlighting another type of Viruddha combination in Ayurvedic principles.

Ayurveda categorizes 18 types of incompatible food combinations (Viruddha). In modern lifestyles, these principles are highly relevant as we often consume fast foods and processed foods containing various additives and oils. Such combinations can have detrimental effects on the immune system, cellular metabolism, and growth hormones, potentially causing harm to health. Type of viruddha are

Ayurveda outlines various types of incompatible food combinations (Viruddha):

·       Veerya Viruddha (potency incompatibility): Such as mixing fish and milk.

·       Samskar Viruddha (processing incompatibility): Examples include heating honey.

·       Matra Viruddha (dose incompatibility: Such as mixing honey and cow's ghee in equal proportions.

·       Kala Viruddha (time incompatibility): For instance, consuming pungent substances in summer and cold substances in winter.

·       Krama Viruddha (order incompatibility): Examples include consuming curd at night)

·       Samyoga Viruddha (combination incompatibility): Such as fruit salad or combining milk with bananas.

·       Parihar Viruddha (contraindication incompatibility): Examples include consuming cold water immediately after having hot tea or coffee.

These principles highlight how certain combinations, timings, processing methods, and doses of food can be incompatible according to Ayurvedic teachings, potentially affecting health adversely.

Consistent consumption of incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Ahara) can result in various health issues such as indigestion, skin diseases, intestinal disorders, swelling, gastritis, fever, rhinitis, and infertility. To counteract the effects of Viruddha Ahara, it is important to adopt a habit of consuming wholesome foods and avoiding combinations that are considered unwholesome. In cases where Viruddha Ahara significantly impacts the body, purification treatments may be necessary to eliminate toxins from the cellular level.