Milk With Fish Side Effects

Question

There’s been this ongoing debate in my family about whether eating milk and fish together is bad for your health. My mom says it’s a strict no because it can cause all sorts of issues, especially skin problems like discoloration or rashes. But I’ve had fish curries made with milk or yogurt plenty of times before, and I’ve never noticed anything weird. So, are there really serious milk with fish side effects that I need to worry about?

I’m starting to think the milk with fish side effects might depend on the type of fish or milk you’re using. For example, is it just as harmful if you use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy? What about the timing—does it make a difference if you eat them hours apart instead of together in the same dish?

I’ve also read conflicting opinions online. Some people say the combination can lead to digestive problems, while others say it’s fine in moderation. If the milk with fish side effects are real, how do they show up? Are they immediate, or do they cause issues over time? And is there any scientific or Ayurvedic explanation for why this combination is considered harmful?

It’s hard to know what to believe, but if there are real risks, I’d like to avoid them. Does it matter if the fish is fresh, frozen, or canned? And are there any specific dishes or recipes that should definitely be avoided?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

The belief that eating milk and fish together is harmful is largely based on traditional or cultural perspectives, including Ayurvedic principles. Here's a quick breakdown:

Ayurvedic View:
Ayurveda considers milk and fish as incompatible (a "viruddha" combination) because milk is cooling (sweet and heavy), while fish is heating (sharp and light). Together, they may disrupt digestion and balance, potentially causing skin issues like rashes or discoloration in sensitive individuals.
Scientific Perspective:
There’s no strong scientific evidence showing that combining milk and fish causes harm in healthy individuals. If you’ve consumed dishes like fish curry with yogurt or milk without issues, it’s likely fine for you.
Types of Milk:
Non-dairy milk (e.g., almond or coconut) is generally not seen as problematic since they don't have the same properties as dairy.
Timing:
Eating fish and dairy hours apart is generally considered less likely to cause any issues if you’re sensitive.
Possible Side Effects:
For those sensitive to the combination, effects like indigestion or mild skin reactions may occur.
Such reactions are usually immediate rather than long-term.
Freshness Matters:
Always prioritize fresh fish and milk for safety. Spoiled products can lead to digestive issues regardless of combinations.
If you’re comfortable eating dishes with both ingredients and notice no adverse effects, it’s likely fine for you. When in doubt, consult a doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner if you suspect sensitivity.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, this is a classic topic in Ayurveda. Mixing milk and fish has been debated for ages in different cultures and philosophies, including Ayurveda. Your mom's concern does hold some weight. In Ayurveda, both milk and fish are nutritious, but they come from different sources. Milk has sweet and cooling qualities, whereas fish is usually considered heating and salty. When these opposing characteristics are combined, it can cause an imbalance in 'agni,' or digestive fire, leading to improper digestion. This can result in accumulation of 'ama,' or toxins. Skin issues like discoloration and rashes may appear because of this imbalance.

You're right, sometimes it doesn't cause any problems, at least immediately, and that’s probably why you've eaten fish curry without trouble. Some folks do have stronger digestion or favorable combinations of foods. Having dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk instead might lessen these effects. They tend to be more neutral than traditional dairy, though ayurvedically speaking they still carry different qualities.

Timing does matter. Eating them apart by hours might help your digestion manage both separately, dodging potential digestive upsets. However, if you're prone to digestive issues, mixing isn’t a great idea.

Scientifically, not much evidence directly supports adverse effects of this combo, so it's more about how it feels for you, also traditional ayurvedic views weigh heavily on centuries of observational practice. If any issues occur, they’re usually mild but noticeable if your digestive system is sensitive.

Quality and type of fish might make a difference too, like fresh vs. canned. Fresh generally aligns better with holistic approaches as canned often involves preservatives that might complicate digestion further when combined with milk.

So if you're having strong fish dishes, maybe ease off the milk for a while after, or test how you feel when you try both together with different fish or milks. And always listen to your body—if you notice any discomfort, it might be worth rethinking the combo!

Milk With Fish Side Effects - #5909

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