Can We Eat Fish And Chicken Together

Question

I’ve always been a non-vegetarian and love experimenting with different recipes. Recently, I was curious about whether we can eat fish and chicken together in the same meal. Some people say it’s okay, while others strongly believe it’s not good for health. I’ve had meals before where both fish and chicken were served, and I didn’t notice any immediate issues, but now I’m wondering if there’s any long-term effect.

From what I’ve read about Ayurveda, combining certain foods can disturb digestion and lead to toxin buildup. Does this mean we can eat fish and chicken together without any problem, or should we avoid it completely? If it’s harmful, what kind of symptoms might show up over time?

Another thing I want to understand is whether the way these are cooked matters. For example, if we can eat fish and chicken together, would grilling them with light spices be better than having them in a rich curry? I’ve also heard that combining certain spices with these meats can make digestion easier, but I’m not sure how true that is.

Does anyone have experience with eating fish and chicken together and noticing any side effects like bloating, heaviness, or other discomforts? I’m planning a dinner soon and don’t want to serve something that could upset people’s stomachs or energy levels.

Would appreciate insights from Ayurvedic practitioners or anyone familiar with this concept. Is there any exception where we can eat fish and chicken together without disturbing our doshas?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, combining certain foods, especially animal proteins like fish and chicken, is generally discouraged as it can lead to digestive imbalance and the creation of toxins (ama) in the body. Fish and chicken have different digestive qualities and may require different enzymes to process, potentially putting stress on the digestive system when eaten together. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, heaviness, indigestion, or even sluggishness over time. The method of cooking, like grilling with light spices versus a rich curry, can affect digestion but won't fully negate the potential imbalance caused by combining these proteins. Using spices like ginger, cumin, or black pepper can aid digestion, but it’s still advisable to avoid mixing heavy animal proteins. As for exceptions, some people with very strong digestion (a robust agni) might tolerate this combination without noticeable issues, but it's generally better to avoid it to maintain digestive health and dosha balance. If you're planning a dinner, it’s safer to serve fish or chicken separately with easily digestible sides, like vegetables or grains, to promote smoother digestion and energy levels.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Fish and chicken have different digestive qualities and may require different enzymes to process, potentially putting stress on the digestive system when eaten together. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, heaviness, indigestion, or even sluggishness over time. The method of cooking, like grilling with light spices versus a rich curry, can affect digestion but won't fully negate the potential imbalance caused by combining these proteins. Using spices like ginger, cumin, or black pepper can aid digestion, but it’s still advisable to avoid mixing heavy animal proteins. As for exceptions, some people with very strong digestion (a robust agni) might tolerate this combination without noticeable issues, but it's generally better to avoid it to maintain digestive health and dosha balance. If you're planning a dinner, it’s safer to serve fish or chicken separately with easily digestible sides, like vegetables or grains, to promote smoother digestion and energy levels.

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