What is Viruddha Āhāra?
In Ayurveda, Viruddha Āhāra refers to food combinations that contradict each other—whether by nature, potency, timing, dose, or processing. These pairings weaken digestion (Agni), create toxins (Ama), and disturb the Doshas (Vāta, Pitta, Kapha). Over time, they can lead to Sickness, chronic illness and even death.
Is It a Myth or Backed by Science?
Though skeptics may ridicule these ideas on social media, modern research supports them. Studies confirm that incompatible combination, like milk with citrus or banana with milk will impair digestion, alter gut microbiota, promote inflammation, and can increase disease. The ancient Ayurvedic approach, prevailed over centuries, aligns with biochemical and nutritional science, validating its relevance today
Types of Viruddha Āhāra (Incompatible Foods)
- Desha – unsuited for climate
- Kala – untimely combinations
- Agni – too heavy for current digestion
- Matra – improper quantity (honey + ghee equal parts)
- Sanskara – wrong processing (heated honey)
- Veerya – opposite potency (fish + milk)
- Samyoga – incompatible mixture
- Krama – wrong sequence (hot water right after honey, Curd after milk)
Common Combinations Prevalent nowadays to Avoid
Fish & Dairy:
- Fish X Milk obstructs circulation, vitiates blood
- Fish with milk is contraindicated; curd doesn’t share this strict rule, but may cause issues for some
Milk:
- Milk or even Tea, cofee right after or before curd rice – increases Kapha, causes cold, indigestion
- Milk with radish, green leafy veg (e.g., spinach/drumstick leaves), oil cakes, mustard, holy basil, garlic, sour fruits (e.g., lemon, sour mango, pomegranate) – skin issues, weakened Agni (this is for consuming for cooking it is diffrent principle, milk goes with paneer, egg)
Honey & Fats:
- Honey X Ghee in equal quantities, or honey heated and mixed with water/ghee repeatedly – not good combination according to ayurveda toxic buildup and may cause inflammation.
Others:
- Spinach X Sesame seeds – diarrhea
- Radish X Black gram – digestion issues
- Banana X Buttermilk – fermentation, bloating
- Sheep meat X Safflower – Not Ideal
- Wild jackfruit leaves X Blackgram Soup – Toxin
- Germinated grains X Lotus stalk – toxins
- Mushroom (yellow cap) X Mustard oil – digestive upset
- Ghee stored in bronze vessel >10 days – toxic
- Milk X Beer X Corn flour drink – digestion issues
- Equal parts Honey + Meat/Fat/Sesame oil – toxin build-up
- Jaggery X Curd also milk if sour Jaggery (esp. at night) – cough, cold, weight gain
- Cucumber X Sweet Curd (in raita) good with buttermilk → mild cold symptoms
- Milk X Sour fruits, Milk + Salt (e.g., salty biscuits with tea/milk) → curdling, skin troubles
How to Prevent Damage from Viruddha Āhāra (Incompatible Foods)?
- Be Mindful: Know what you’re combining
- Improve Digestion: Use herbs like ginger, cumin, or Ayurvedic spices
- Detox: Periodic cleansing (Panchakarma)
- Gradual Weaning: Don’t stop all habits at once if you’re used to them
- Know Your Body Type (Prakriti): Not all combos affect everyone the same
A Note for Indians in UK
Many of us still follow Indian food routines while living in a completely different climate and culture.
As Ayurveda says: “Desha-Kala-Vihita Ahara” – Your food should suit your location and season.
Being in UK, the weather, food quality, and lifestyle are different. So just like the Roman proverb — “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – Ayurveda supports adapting food to your local environment.
Conclusion
Viruddha Āhāra is not just an ancient superstition—it’s a science-backed system of food intelligence. If you’re facing indigestion, fatigue, skin issues, or low immunity, review your daily food habits through this Ayurvedic lens.
You don’t need to be extreme – just be aware. Choose combinations that nourish you, and avoid those that harm.
AI Ayurveda Imma – Your Guide to Ayurvedic Living in the UK | Zen Wellness
Be slow in choosing, sure in living – Choose Ayurveda.
With Wellness
Imma Antonisamy
