What Are Some Bad Combinations of Food to Avoid for Better Digestion

Question

truggling with digestive issues like bloating and indigestion for a while, and I’m starting to wonder if my food combinations could be the problem. I tend to eat a lot of fruit with my meals, like having a banana after my lunch or mixing oranges with my salads, and I’m beginning to feel uncomfortable afterward. I’ve heard that some foods don’t mix well together, but I’m not sure what combinations to avoid.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Yes, your digestive issues might be linked to poor food combinations. In Ayurveda, certain foods can disrupt digestion when eaten together, leading to problems like bloating, gas, and indigestion. Here are some common combinations to avoid:

Fruits with Meals: Fruits, especially sweet ones like bananas or acidic ones like oranges, digest quickly. When combined with heavier foods (grains, dairy, or proteins), they can ferment in the stomach, causing bloating. It’s best to eat fruits alone, at least 30 minutes before meals.
Dairy with Citrus Fruits: Mixing milk or yogurt with citrus fruits (like oranges or lemons) can curdle the dairy, leading to indigestion and discomfort. Avoid adding citrus fruits to smoothies containing milk or yogurt.
Proteins with Starches: Combining high-protein foods (meat, beans) with starchy foods (bread, rice) can slow down digestion and cause heaviness. Try having proteins with non-starchy vegetables instead.
Milk with Banana: This is a common but problematic combination. It can create mucus and slow down digestion, leading to bloating.
Tips for Better Digestion:
Eat Fruits Separately: Have them as a snack between meals.
Mindful Eating: Chew thoroughly and eat slowly to support digestion.
Spices: Add ginger or cumin to meals to aid digestion.
These changes can help reduce bloating and improve overall digestion. If symptoms persist, consider an Ayurvedic consultation for a more tailored approach.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, you’re right on point! Food combinations do make a difference, especially from an Ayurvedic perspective. It's like playing a game of whack-a-mole, trying to beat those digestive issues. So, let’s dig into it.

Firstly, fruits. They’re complex! In Ayurveda, fruits are considered best when eaten alone or with other fruits. Mixing them with other foods, especially proteins and starches (like the banana after lunch), can lead to fermentation in the stomach, causing bloating and indigestion. So ideally, eat fruits like 30 minutes before meals or as a separate snack, not as a dessert.

Bananas and milk? Another no-go zone. Although often touted as a health food duo, Ayurveda warns against mixing bananas with milk. They have such different properties that together they can dampen the agni, or digestive fire, making you feel sluggish or bloated.

Oranges with salads, hmmm, it sounds like a good idea because of the freshness, but mixing citrus fruits with raw vegetables or grains can lead to a sour tummy. Instead, try having fruits like oranges separately, perhaps mid-morning or afternoon!

Next up, ever mix honey and ghee? In equal parts, it's said to cause an imbalance at the biological level (science talk there), so just a friendly heads-up: avoid that if it's been your habit.

Lastly, reach for slightly warm or room temp water rather than ice-cold drinks, especially with meals. Cold water can cool down your digestive fire and slow things down significantly. And there you have it. These lil’ tweaks along with mindful eating may smooth out those nagging digestive woes. If things don’t get better, though, please consult a healthcare provider—never hurts to check in with a pro on persistent issues!

What Are Some Bad Combinations of Food to Avoid for Better Digestion - #1819

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