In this article, we will explore the concept of Viruddha Ahara, which refers to incompatible food combination or opposite food combinations or wrong food combinations and their negative impact on our health. In Ayurveda, the term “Virudh Ahar” refers to opposite food, where “Viruddh” means opposite, and Ahar” means food. According to Ayurveda, regularly consuming these incompatible food combinations disturbs the balance of the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—as well as the seven dhatus (body tissues). This imbalance can lead to digestive problems, metabolic disruptions, and various health issues, including skin disorders, infertility, IBS and acidity. While an occasional intake of these combinations may not cause harm, frequent consumption can result in serious health problems.
Ayurveda elaborates on ten specific food combinations that should be avoided. This article also covers the importance of understanding digestive fire (Agni) and how different food combinations affect it. Practical advice is given for better digestion, such as consuming fruits at appropriate times to avoid Kapha aggravation or avoiding the consumption of heated curd. This article concludes with a warning against ignoring dietary advice during illness, which Ayurveda terms Upachara Viruddha (treatment opposition), and encourages the readers to adopt the right food habits for better health. It means ignoring dietary restrictions during illness worsens the condition and hinders Ayurvedic treatment effectiveness.
1. Consuming honey with hot substances is dangerous:
Nowadays, it is common to consume honey mixed with hot water in the morning on an empty stomach for weight loss. However, according to Ayurveda, consuming honey with hot water goes against traditional practices of Ayurveda. The correct method of consuming honey with water is to first boil the water and then allow it to cool to a normal temperature before mixing in the honey. By following this Ayurvedic recommendation, one can obtain the full benefits of honey.
Additionally, many people combine honey with hot milk, which is not advisable. It is always best to avoid adding honey when preparing any recipes, as boiling honey can be dangerous. Consistently consuming honey in hot substances over a long period can damage your health. Honey is classified as Viruddha, or incompatible food, when heated, as heating diminishes its beneficial properties and can produce toxins in the body. This is important since honey’s natural qualities help reduce Kapha disorders and promote weight loss. However, heating can reverse these advantages and may lead to aggravation of doshas and digestive issues. This insight from Ayurveda stresses the significance of food processing methods in preserving health benefits.
2. The combination of an equal quantity of honey and ghee is prohibited:
In Ayurveda, there is a complete ban on consuming honey and ghee in equal quantities, as this combination will be harmful. It is advisable to take them in unequal proportions instead. For individuals suffering from Vata and Pitta disorders, it is recommended to increase the quantity of ghee while reducing the amount of honey. For example, one spoonful of ghee combined with half a spoonful of honey is recommended, as ghee helps to reduce Vata and Pitta doshas or problems in the body.
Conversely, for those experiencing Kapha disorders, it is better to have more honey and less ghee. A suggested ratio is one spoon of honey with half a spoon of ghee since honey helps to reduce the Kapha dosha or problems in the body. It can be concluded that honey and ghee should be consumed together in unequal quantities, but not in equal amounts. This personalised dietary advice emphasises Ayurveda’s focus on individualised treatment rather than one-size-fits-all recommendations.
3. The combination of Milk with fresh fruits is prohibited:
The third incompatible food combination is milk and fresh fruits. Milk and fruits should never be consumed together. This includes not consuming any fruit, even in a milkshake or smoothie, as blending milk and fruit might cause health problems. You should decide to have either milk or fruit, not both at the same time.
One must exercise prudence even when eating fruits. People with a dominant Kapha constitution or those suffering from Kapha-related illnesses such as regular cough and cold should refrain from eating fruits in the morning, especially between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Kapha energy rules this time; eating fruits at this point can worsen cough and cold, other Kapha-related problems.
It is preferable for those with a Kapha tendency to eat fruits in the afternoon around 3 or 4 p.m., when the sun is out. Furthermore, a pinch of cumin powder or pippali powder on the fruits can help in reducing the Kapha aggravating properties of these fruits.
4. The combination of Milk with salty food items should be avoided:
In Ayurveda, any salty food combined with milk is deemed Sanyog Viruddha, or an incompatible food combination. Under Ayurvedic precepts, eating salty foods like bakery items or snacks with tea or milk is not recommended. Using milk with tea creates a conflict; hence, this combination is categorised as Viruddha Aahara. If you're drinking tea or coffee without milk, then you can safely enjoy salty foods. However, some people tend to consume salty foods during breakfast and then drink milk or tea afterwards. This practice is also considered Viruddha Aahar because all these components will finally combine in the stomach and create problems.
The combination of milk and fish is also considered "Virya Viruddh" in Ayurveda, meaning it is an incompatible food pairing. It is not advisable for your health to consume milk or coffee, or tea in combination with any dish prepared with fish. Under Ayurvedic precepts, eating salty foods like bakery products or snacks with tea or milk is not recommended. You may eat salty foods without risk if you're sipping coffee or tea devoid of milk. Some people enjoy salty foods for breakfast and then sip milk or tea afterwards. Because all of these components will finally combine in the stomach, this approach is also called Viruddha Aahar. This wrong food combination often causes heaviness, indigestion, or skin issues when consumed regularly. This advice is supported by the thorough knowledge of Ayurveda as to how meals combine biochemically and energetically. This insight reflects Ayurveda’s holistic approach, which integrates timing, environment, and individual constitution into dietary practices.
5. Heating curd(yoghurt) or mixing it with hot items is considered harmful:
Ayurveda defines curd (yoghurt) as heating or mixing it with other hot ingredients, incompatible food, or "Sanskar viruddh." Consuming heated curd or these combinations can cause digestive problems, increase Pitta, and aggravate inflammation and acidity. This guidance serves as a warning against common cooking practices that may inadvertently impair digestion and general health.
When preparing gravy or any other recipe, it is advisable not to heat curd. Curd is classified as "Ushnavirya," which means it is hot. Therefore, it is also not recommended to consume curd during the summer season. Individuals experiencing Pitha disorders should avoid curd in their daily diet. Additionally, Ayurveda advises against consuming curd at night and recommends having it during the daytime, preferably fresh curd rather than sour curd.
6. Combination of curd with black gram or black lentil (urad dal) is precluded:
It is advisable not to consume black gram (urad dal) along with curd. Both curd and urad dal are considered to be hot, and combining them can lead to a wrong food combination. Ayurveda prescribes certain combinations with curd, which are acceptable, including curd with sugar candy or in combination with rock salt. Additionally, individuals who experience issues like a cold or a cough after eating curd may find it beneficial if they consume curd with the combination of honey, as this combination of food is safe and can support their overall health.
Another Combination of curd with banana and a combination of curd with milk is injurious to health, as it acts as a wrong food combination. According to Ayurveda, combining curd with non-vegetarian dishes, such as dahi-mutton or dahi-chicken, is also considered an incompatible food combination. Adding curd while preparing these non-veg dishes or consuming curd alongside them is prohibited. This incompatible food pairing can negatively impact the Mans dhatu, which is one of the seven dhatus. The result may be the formation of lumps in the body.
7. Avoiding the Combination of Hot and Cold Foods is good for health:
Some people are in the habit of eating hot and cold foods together. For example, consuming fried food or spicy snacks with a combination of a cold drink is discouraged in Ayurveda, as this combination is known as Virya Viruddha.
Additionally, there are considerations regarding timing, referred to as Kal Aviruddha. In the summer season, eating spicy food while experiencing intense heat is considered Kal Aviruddha. Similarly, eating ice cream during the winter season also falls under this category. It’s best to avoid these combinations for overall wellness.
8. Avoiding the Wrong Diet or Viruddha, Depending on Individual Body Constitution:
If someone does too much hard work or exercises, then eats food which aggravates vata-related ailments, or if he eats food in very little quantity, it is called Avastha Viruddha. Contrary to this, those people who are leading a sedentary lifestyle, are overweight or obese, and are already suffering from Kapha-related ailments should be cautious about their diet. If they consume food that is likely to cause weight gain, such as a lot of oily food or fatty food, then this also comes under Avastha Viruddha in Ayurveda. So, in practical life, we have to avoid this kind of Viruddha diet.
9. Food diets that contradict agni (Digestive Fire):
Many opposite food combinations disturb Agni, the digestive fire, which can lead to incomplete digestion and the formation of toxins (Ama) in the body. For those with Pitta Prakriti, when their digestive power (Jatharagni), which includes hunger and thirst, is strong but they are not consuming an adequate amount of food, perhaps due to fasting or intermittent fasting, it is called Agni Viruddha. Conversely, individuals with Kapha Prakriti who either lack hunger or eat without feeling hungry will also be considered as Agni Viruddha. Maintaining health and avoiding disease depends on knowing one's dosha-specific digestive capacity and adjusting food consumption accordingly.
10. Upachara Viruddha (Opposition to Treatment) and Dietary Considerations During Illness:
There is another concept in Ayurveda known as "Upachar Viruddh," which refers to not following a proper diet while undergoing Ayurvedic treatment. For example, if you consume excessive spicy or sour foods while suffering from acidity or if you are suffering from piles and continue to eat foods that exacerbate your condition, you are not following the recommended dietary guidelines, despite knowing that they will worsen your condition. Additionally, if you have a skin condition like urticaria and you are aware that certain food combinations will aggravate it, but you choose to ignore this and continue consuming them, your health issues are unlikely to improve. This situation is referred to as “Upachar Viruddh”, which means “against the treatment” in Ayurveda. This concept of Upachara Viruddha highlights the importance of dietary discipline in recovery and the synergy between treatment and nutrition in Ayurveda. Ignoring this principle results in prolonged illness or worsening symptoms.
This article is a comprehensive overview of Viruddha Ahara and practical Ayurvedic wisdom to optimise diet and health by avoiding opposite food combinations and respecting the body’s natural rhythms and constitution.