Fish Curd Not Eaten Together

Question

I’ve often heard that fish curd not eaten together is a strict Ayurvedic rule, but I don’t fully understand why. Growing up, my family always avoided this combination, and I’ve stuck to it without questioning. But recently, I saw some dishes online that mix fish with curd, and it got me curious about the science behind this restriction.

Why is fish curd not eaten together according to Ayurveda? Does it affect digestion, or is there a risk of toxicity? I’ve heard that combining fish and curd can create ama (toxins) in the body. Does this lead to long-term health problems, or is it just a temporary issue like bloating or indigestion?

Also, are there any exceptions to this rule? For instance, would it be okay if fish and curd are cooked together with spices to balance the doshas, or is it better to avoid it entirely? Some cuisines combine fish and yogurt in curries – does cooking them together make a difference?

I’m interested in understanding how Ayurveda views such food combinations and if it’s more about dosha imbalances or general health risks. If you’ve had experience eating fish and curd together, did you notice any issues?

Would love insights from Ayurvedic practitioners or anyone who knows more about this.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, the combination of fish and curd (yogurt) is generally avoided because it is believed to disrupt digestion and create an imbalance in the body, leading to the formation of **ama** (toxins). Fish, as a heavy and moist food, requires a different type of digestive processing compared to curd, which is cooling and heavy in nature. When these two are combined, it is thought that their conflicting qualities—fish being warm and slightly oily, and curd being sour and cold—can interfere with the digestive fire (agni), causing incomplete digestion and the production of undigested material (ama), which can lead to symptoms like bloating, heaviness, and sluggish digestion.

Moreover, Ayurveda teaches that such combinations can lead to the formation of **toxins** in the system, which over time may contribute to more serious health issues if consumed frequently. This is not necessarily an immediate or acute issue, but rather a long-term concern if the imbalance is repeated over time.

Regarding exceptions, Ayurveda generally advises avoiding the combination, even when cooked together with spices, because the inherent qualities of fish and curd don't harmonize well. Cooking them together may somewhat mitigate the immediate discomfort, but the combination is still not ideal for optimal digestion. While some regional cuisines may combine these ingredients in curries, Ayurveda doesn’t support this practice, as it is thought to cause digestive disturbances.

In summary, it’s best to avoid combining fish and curd, as it can lead to digestive disturbances and the formation of ama. If you have accidentally consumed this combination and experienced discomfort, it might be temporary (like bloating), but over time it could affect your digestive health. It’s always a good idea to listen to your body and pay attention to how different food combinations make you feel.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

In Ayurveda, the combination of fish and curd is generally avoided due to its impact on digestion and dosha balance. Here’s why:

Reasons Fish and Curd Are Not Eaten Together:
Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Foods):
Ayurveda classifies fish and curd as incompatible because:
Fish is considered heating (ushna), while curd is cooling (sheetal). Their opposing energies can disturb digestion and create toxins (ama).
Combining these can aggravate doshas, especially Kapha and Pitta, leading to imbalances.
Digestive Issues:
Fish and curd are both heavy to digest (guru), and their combination can overwhelm the digestive fire (agni), potentially causing bloating, indigestion, or sluggish metabolism.
Ama Formation and Allergies:
The mixture can create toxins in the body and may contribute to skin issues, allergies, or long-term digestive discomfort.
Exceptions or Considerations:
Cooking Together with Spices:
If fish and curd are cooked together with balancing spices (e.g., ginger, turmeric, cumin), their properties may be harmonized to some extent. However, traditional Ayurveda still advises caution.
Regional Variations:
In certain cuisines, like Bengali or South Indian dishes, fish is cooked with yogurt-based gravies. While modern cooking practices may adapt this combination, strict Ayurvedic guidelines suggest avoiding

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Ah, the fish and curd combo! A classic Ayurveda no-no. You're right in pointing out the emphasis Ayurveda places on the incompatibility of mixing fish and curd (also called "viruddha ahara"). So, what's the fuss? Well, basically, Ayurveda considers both fish and curd to be super potent and heavy on digestion, but they have opposing effects on body energy (doshas).

Fish is heating (ushna) in nature and curd is cooling (sheet), which means they clash on a basic energetic level. When combined, these opposing energies can interfere with digestion, creating ama, the nasty undigested waste that can lead to a host of ailments like bloating, indigestion, and sometimes skin issues or allergies in the long run.

But what about cooking with spices, you ask? That's an interesting take. Spices like turmeric or ginger might help balance some of the doshic effects, but they don’t negate the underlying incompatibility. The principles in Ayurveda are quite firm on avoiding such combinations, especially because spices alone can’t fully bridge that energetic gap.

Now, as for cuisines that cook fish with yogurt or curd, the preparation and individual tolerance play a role. Some people may digest it without immediate discomfort, but it could still lead to chronic issues over time. Think of it as a slow buildup rather than an instant reaction.

If you or anyone else is exploring this combo and curious about experimenting, remember moderation is key. Listen to your body, wait a day, see how it reacts. You might have been fine with it before but still, Ayurveda cautions against making it a regular part of your meals.

That's not to say you're in immediate danger, but more like a gentle reminder that Ayurveda had its reasons—and maybe it's fair enough to take those reasons seriously!

Fish Curd Not Eaten Together - #6713

Doctors’ responses

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews