Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the importance of food combinations. Though they might seem harmless, certain combinations can actually be harmful to our health. These combinations are believed to cause digestive issues, toxin buildup, and other health problems.
Let's look at some of the worst food combinations, according to Ayurveda, that you should avoid for better health.
Why Avoid Some Food Combinations?
As per Ayurveda, viruddha ahara, or bad food combinations, can disrupt the Agni (fire) in your body and lead to the formation of Ama, or toxic waste. This can cause digestive issues and affect your overall well-being.
Ayurveda expert Dr. Rekha Radhamony says, "According to Ayurveda, the wrong combination of foods can cause Ama (toxic waste that affects digestion) in your system. In Ayurveda, every food has its own specific quality, taste, potency, post-digestive effect, and so on." [1]
Worst Food Combination According to Ayurveda
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Milk and Fruit
Mixing milk with fruits, especially sour ones like strawberries, oranges, or pineapples, is a big no-no in Ayurveda. Milk is considered a complete food, and combining it with fruits can disrupt digestion. It's believed that this combination can cause sour stomach, bloating, and even lead to skin issues like acne.
However, pairing milk with sweet fruits like mangoes, raisins, or dates can be helpful.
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Yogurt and Fruit
Though yogurt and fruit seem like a healthy combo, Ayurveda advises against it. The natural acidity of fruits combined with the cooling and mucus-forming properties of yogurt can lead to congestion and allergies.
It's particularly problematic when combined with sour fruits, as it can increase the body's acidity and cause digestive discomfort.
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Milk and Salt
While pasta is a popular dish consumed by many, in Ayurveda, combining milk with salty foods is an incompatible food combination.
Milk is sweet and cooling, while salt is heating and can disturb the natural balance of milk, leading to digestive issues. This combination is believed to cause toxin buildup and skin problems and may aggravate conditions like eczema. To maintain better digestive health, it's best to avoid mixing milk with salty foods.
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Honey and Hot Water
Many of us have been told that honey in warm water is a great way to start the day. However, Ayurveda warns that heating honey can turn it toxic. When honey is heated, it creates "ama" or toxins in the body, which can lead to digestive problems and other health issues. Always consume honey at room temperature or mixed with lukewarm water.
Dr. Sunil Arya, MD Ayurveda, explains, 'You can understand it like this: where does honey come from? Honeybees collect the juice from many flowers, and honey is made from them. In such a situation, these honeybees sometimes bring juice from poisonous flowers as well. In such a situation, whenever you take honey with hot water, such poisonous nature can become active in it.'[2]
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Cheese and Beans
Cheese and beans are both heavy foods that require a lot of energy to digest. According to Ayurveda, combining these two can overload your digestive system, leading to bloating, gas, and indigestion. It's better to enjoy these foods separately, allowing your digestive fire (Agni) to process them more easily.
Also, beans should be avoided with fruits, eggs, fish, milk, meat, and yogurt.
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Banana and Milk
Banana milkshakes might be famous, but Ayurveda considers this combination harmful. Bananas and milk are heavy and can create heaviness and toxins in the body when combined. This duo can slow down digestion and lead to issues like sinus congestion, colds, and coughs.
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Eggs and Dairy
Ayurveda discourages combining eggs with dairy products like cheese or milk. Both eggs and dairy are rich in proteins and fats, and their combination can be too heavy for digestion. This can lead to a slow digestive system, causing bloating, discomfort, and gas. It's best to consume eggs and dairy separately.
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Fish and Milk
Fish and milk are two foods that should never be eaten together, according to Ayurveda. While fish has heating properties, on the other hand, milk has a cooling effect on the body.
Combining these opposites can cause an imbalance, leading to health issues like skin disorders, especially if consumed regularly.
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Radish and Milk
Radish is known for its solid and pungent qualities, while milk is cooling and sweet. Ayurveda suggests that combining these two can disturb your digestion, leading to issues like acidity and heartburn. To keep your digestive system in check, enjoy radishes and milk at different meals.
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Melon and Any Other Food
Melons are best enjoyed on their own. Ayurveda considers them water-rich and fast-digesting. When combined with other foods, especially heavy ones, they can sit in the stomach and ferment, leading to indigestion and bloating. For the best digestion, eat melons as a snack between meals.
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Tomatoes and Starch
Tomatoes, though technically a fruit, are often cooked with starchy foods like potatoes or rice. Ayurveda suggests avoiding this combination because the acids in tomatoes can interfere with the digestion of starches, leading to bloating and indigestion. It's better to eat tomatoes with non-starchy vegetables.
Conclusion
Ayurveda teaches that how we combine our foods is just as important as what we eat. By avoiding these worst food combinations, you can improve your digestion, prevent toxin buildup, and support your overall health.
This blog is only for educational purposes and should not be replaced by professional medical advice.
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