Co-Authors : Vd. Sara Maid, Vd. Aishwarya Saindane, Vd. Tejas Ahire 

Who doesn't crave the delightful roasted chicken paired with a decadent brownie topped with chilly ice cream? Did you know that according to Ayurveda, these mouthwatering combos might not be the best for your well-being? “Virudddha anna” in Ayurveda is when certain foods clash due to their opposing qualities.

Let's dive in and uncover these culinary no-nos! 

1. Fish + Milk:  According to Ayurveda, teaming up fish with milk might sound like a tasty duo, but it's a recipe for trouble! Fish brings the heat, while milk keeps it cool, creating a clash which could lead to skin problems and digestive issues.
2. Sour Fruits with Yoghurt : Ayurveda recommends avoiding the combination of sour fruits with yoghurt as it may disrupt digestion, cause bloating, and lead to the formation of toxins called "ama." 
3. Sour Fruits with Milk: Ever wondered what goes down when you mix lime juice with milk? It curdles.  It's a similar story in your stomach when you munch on sour fruits alongside milk. This tag-team triggers acidity, indigestion, and a symphony of belching. So, if you're aiming for smooth digestion, consider keeping these combos apart!
4. Curd with Chicken: Marinating chicken with curd is a popular technique in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. However, according to Ayurveda, curd should never be heated, and consuming it with a hot item should be avoided. It's recommended to use buttermilk instead. 
5. Honey mixed into Hot Water: Trends suggest that hot water with honey is said to reduce weight. However,  Ayurveda never advises consuming honey with hot water. It's the same as heating honey and can cause many digestive problems in the body. Instead, wait until the water is warm before mixing your honey. 
6. Radish with Honey: Mixing these two is not a good idea and may lead to digestive disturbances and  aggravation of Pitta dosha, causing issues like heartburn and acidity. 
7. Reheating Oil or any other Cooked Food: Reheating any food item or oil destroys the nutritional value and starts creating ama i.e. toxins in it. Any kind of heating like in a microwave, stove or air frying is not ideal as it is best to consume freshly made food within 3 hours. Freshly cooked food is thought to enhance Prana and support Jatharagni, the digestive fire. Food also contains bacteria, which when left at room temperature grows and is resistant to heat. Even if you refrigerate it, it doesn't make much of the difference because the oil in the food still becomes carcinogenic when heated again.  
8. Curd at Night: Dadhi (Curd) should not be consumed at night,  simply because curd is acidic. It aggravates Pitta and Kapha doshas, which later on produces a lot of heat in the stomach. Also, curd is heavy, slow to digest, and produces constipation. It can be best digested at lunchtime when your digestive abilities are the strongest. 
9. Bananas with Milk: Who doesn't love banana shakes? However, according to Ayurveda, you should avoid eating bananas with milk. The combination of the two can diminish Agni and change the intestinal flora, producing excess toxins in the body. 

Guilty of indulging in any of these pairings? It’s okay. You don’t need to immediately change your meal plan. If you are having these foods, try to maintain at least a gap of 1-2 hrs between each food or drink. By embracing Ayurvedic wisdom and giving our digestive fire the respect it deserves, we can turn our culinary journey into a delightful dance of balanced flavors and vibrant health.

Note: It's important to note that while Ayurveda offers guidelines on food combinations, individual constitution, digestive capacity, and other factors play a significant role in determining how specific food combinations affect each person. It's advisable to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized dietary recommendations.