In Siddha-Ayurveda, the concept of food combinations, or “viruddha ahara,” is quite significant in understanding digestion and overall health. Certain combinations can indeed impair digestion and lead to imbalances in your doshas, particularly if your agni, or digestive fire, is already weak. Let’s look at some key points to help you with those digestive issues.
Firstly, one common pairing that doesn’t sit well is fruit with dairy. The enzymes needed to digest these foods are different, which can cause fermentation and bloating. So, it’s best to enjoy fruits by themselves or with other fruits. Another combination to watch out for is the one involving proteins and starches, like having pasta with bread. Both require different digestive enzymes, leading to digestive strain.
Regarding salads with fruits and nuts, mixing fruits with other raw foods, like nuts in salads, can slow down digestion. Raw foods generally have a cooling effect, and if your digestive system is sensitive, it can indeed gurgle with discomfort. It’s better to have fruits as a separate snack to aid better digestion.
For proteins, combining them with veggies is usually safer than with heavy starches. If you love pasta, try it with a light sauce, avoiding heavy creams or cheeses which can be hard to process together. Or you could consider having lighter grains like rice with veggies and proteins separately.
Monitoring your own reactions to particular foods is important too. As everyone’s prakriti, or body constitution, is unique, what affects one person might not affect another in the same way. Keeping a food diary might help identify triggers. If symptoms persist though, it might be wise to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance.
