Worst Food Combinations In India

Question

I’ve been trying to eat healthier and follow more traditional Indian meals, but I recently came across some discussions about the worst food combinations in India according to Ayurveda. It made me realize that I might be eating some combinations that are actually bad for digestion without even knowing it. Can someone explain what these worst food combinations in India are and why they are harmful?

For example, I’ve always enjoyed eating curd with parathas or adding fruit like bananas to curd. But now I’ve heard this might be one of the worst food combinations in India because it can cause toxins to build up in the body. Is this true? If so, what is the reason behind it? I haven’t experienced any major problems, but sometimes I feel bloated or sluggish after meals like this. Could it be because of these combinations?

Another combination I eat a lot is milk with salty snacks, like biscuits or namkeen. I didn’t know this could be harmful until someone mentioned it. Is it true that mixing salty and dairy products is one of the worst food combinations in India, and if so, what kind of issues does it cause? Should I avoid chai and salty snacks together too?

I’ve also heard that eating milk and fish together is a big no-no, but why is this considered one of the worst food combinations in India? Are there other seafood and dairy combinations that should be avoided? I sometimes cook butterfish in a creamy sauce, and I wonder if that could be causing the mild stomach discomfort I’ve been feeling recently.

For those who follow Ayurvedic principles, how do you identify the worst food combinations in India? Is it about immediate effects like gas and bloating, or are there long-term health impacts I should be worried about? I’m also curious about fruits—can I mix citrus fruits with milk or curd, or does that fall under harmful combinations too?

If anyone knows more about these combinations, please share which common Indian foods to avoid mixing and why. Should I completely stop eating these combinations, or are they okay in moderation? It’s confusing because these combinations are so common in our diet, and I don’t want to give them up unless it’s necessary.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, food combinations are crucial for maintaining healthy digestion, as certain pairings can disrupt the digestive fire (Agni) and lead to the formation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Some of the worst food combinations in India include curd with parathas and fruit with curd, as both can lead to fermentation and sluggish digestion, resulting in bloating, sluggishness, and the buildup of toxins. Milk with salty snacks like biscuits or namkeen is also discouraged, as milk is a cooling food, and salty foods increase heat and dryness, which can lead to digestive disturbances and the creation of toxins. Milk and fish is another problematic combination, as it’s believed to create a heavy, toxic substance in the body that can disturb the balance of Vata dosha, leading to skin problems or digestive issues. Citrus fruits with milk or curd are also avoided because the acidity of citrus can curdle milk, causing digestive discomfort and potentially leading to fermentation in the stomach. While these combinations might not cause immediate severe symptoms for everyone, they are considered harmful in the long term, especially for people with sensitive digestive systems or imbalanced doshas. To avoid these issues, it’s best to either separate these foods or consume them in moderation, and pay attention to how your body reacts. In Ayurveda, food combinations are seen as part of a holistic approach to health, where the goal is to maintain balance and ease in digestion to prevent long-term health problems.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, you're diving into a really interesting part of Ayurveda! So, yeah, some common food combinations in India are viewed as harmful by Ayurveda, mainly because they can mess with your digestion or agni (digestive fire). Your bloating or sluggishness could definitely be related to some of these combos.

Alright, about curd with parathas or bananas: Ayurveda cautions against mixing curd with fruit because it can increase ama, which is kind of like toxins in your body. Curd, especially when consumed with fruits like bananas, can slow digestion and cause imbalances. The properties of curd (heavy and sour) and bananas (sweet and heavy) don't get along too well. So maybe try enjoying them separately? Like have your curd an hour away from fruits.

As for milk with salty snacks, yep, that's another one. Milk is sweet and heavy by nature, while salty stuff can lead to fermentation and putrefaction in the gut, not a great mix. The resulting imbalance could lead to doshic disturbances—sometimes it’s about immediate effects like bloating, other times it's about long-term impacts. Black tea or chai with salty snacks can also be problematic, especially if you're sensitive to digestive issues.

Now, mixing milk and fish is quite the taboo in Ayurveda because of their opposing natures. Milk is cooling, and fish is heating. Combining them could interfere with digestion, leading to skin issues or affecting blood plasma.

When it comes to citrus fruits with milk or curd, it's another no-go. The acid in citrus fruits can curdle milk (or worsen the sour nature of curd) and again, it's about digestion problems, sometimes causing heartburn or more ama build-up.

In terms of whether you should avoid these combos, yeah, Ayurveda typically advises steering clear especially if it's causing discomfort. But moderation could be okay if your digestion is strong. Observing your body's reactions is key here. It's all about balance and listening to your body. Explore alternatives—have milk separately, enjoy a herbal tea with your salty snacks, or try lightly cooking fruits with spices if you want them with curd.

Ayurveda's goal is harmony, both in what we eat and how it makes us feel, so it's less about strict rules and more about observing how it affects you and adjusting accordingly. You got this!

Worst Food Combinations In India - #3991

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