10 food combinations that should be avoided

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating in India, emphasizes the significance of maintaining balance in the body, mind, and spirit for overall well-being. According to Ayurveda, improper food combinations can disrupt digestion, create toxins (ama), and contribute to various health issues.

Dr. Ganesh Chaudhary, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from PHC, Darbhanga, Bihar, suggests avoiding certain food combinations for optimal digestion and health.

Produce and Dairy Items

According to Dr. Chaudhary, certain fruits like bananas, strawberries, pineapple, limes, and oranges generate heat during digestion, while milk acts as a coolant. When these fruits are digested, they can become acidic. Combining milk with these fruits, which have contrasting properties, can help soothe the digestive system. Dr. Chaudhary explained that mixing milk with such fruits may prevent the enzyme system from functioning properly, leading to the production of toxins. This imbalance in gut flora could result in symptoms like colds, coughing, phlegm, and allergies due to frequent consumption of milk and fruits.

Sour Fruits and Milk

According to Dr. Chaudhary, Ayurveda discourages consuming milk with sour fruits such as oranges, lemons, or strawberries due to their believed incompatibility, which may cause digestive disturbances.

Hot liquids and honey

According to Ayurveda, heating honey is strongly discouraged as it can generate toxins. Combining honey with hot beverages such as tea or coffee is believed to reduce its medicinal benefits and could potentially lead to the formation of harmful compounds.

Bananas and Dairy or Chilled Foods

According to Ayurveda, it’s recommended to avoid combining bananas with dairy or foods that are cold in nature. This pairing is thought to induce a sense of heaviness in the stomach and could potentially disrupt the digestive process.

Milk-Infused Radishes

According to Ayurveda, combining radishes with milk is discouraged due to concerns about potential digestive issues. Radishes are considered to have heating properties, whereas milk is cooling, and this combination might disrupt the balance, as per Ayurvedic principles.

It is recommended in Ayurveda to consume melons separately, without combining them with other foods. According to Ayurvedic principles, melons have a quick digestion process, and when combined with slower-digesting foods, they may cause fermentation and bloating.

Fish and Milk

In Ayurveda, it’s advised to avoid combining fish and milk due to the belief that these two protein sources possess distinct qualities and undergo different digestive processes. Consuming them together may result in digestive discomfort according to Ayurvedic principles.

Dairy in Combination with Nightshade Vegetables

It’s often recommended to avoid combining dairy with nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. This is believed to potentially disrupt digestion and create an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).

Combination of yogurt with sour fruits

According to Ayurveda, it is advised to avoid combining yogurt with sour fruits, as this combination may disrupt the digestive fire (agni) and potentially result in bloating and gas.

Combining radishes with honey

In Ayurveda, it’s discouraged to combine radishes with honey. The differing qualities of these two substances may upset the balance in the digestive system.

Ayurvedic Guidelines for Maintaining a Healthy Diet

• Principles of Mindful Eating: Create a tranquil dining atmosphere, savor each mouthful, and cultivate awareness of your food.

• Diverse Nutrition: Incorporate a spectrum of tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—to harmonize the body’s doshas.

• Harmony with Seasons: Opt for locally sourced, seasonal produce to enhance digestion and promote overall well-being.

• Optimized Food Combinations: Mindfully combine foods to facilitate efficient digestion and maximize nutrient absorption.

  Remember, Ayurvedic advice can differ depending on individual constitutions and imbalances. It’s prudent to seek personalized recommendations from an Ayurvedic expert or healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.