The Debate: Fish and Yogurt — A Bad Mix?
Is it really a culinary mistake to combine fish and yogurt, or is there a genuine health risk involved? Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, suggests that mixing certain foods can lead to imbalances, digestive problems, and even toxins in the body. This concept, known as virudha ahara or incompatible foods, places the combination of fish and yogurt on the “do not eat” list.
What Does Ayurveda Say About Food Combinations?
Dr. VL Shyam explains that virudha ahara happens when certain food or drink combinations disrupt the body’s doshas (life forces), digestion, and overall harmony. Each food has its own unique properties — including taste, energy (heating or cooling), and post-digestive effects — which can conflict with one another.
The pairing of fish and yogurt exemplifies this incompatibility. Yogurt is cooling, while fish is considered heating. When consumed together, they can overload the digestive system, hinder enzyme production, and create toxins (ama) that may lead to various diseases, especially lifestyle-related and autoimmune conditions.
Other Incompatible Food Combinations to Avoid
According to Ayurveda, here are a few more food pairings to think twice about:
Milk and Sour Fruits: The acidity of sour fruits can curdle milk, making digestion difficult.
Honey and Ghee in Equal Proportion: Although both are healthy on their own, mixing them in equal amounts is believed to create a toxin.
Fruits with Meals: Fruits digest quickly, while other foods take longer. Eating them together can cause fermentation and bloating.
Cooked and Raw Foods Together: Combining raw salads with cooked dishes may disrupt digestion.
Heating Honey: Ayurveda warns against heating honey, as it can turn toxic when exposed to high temperatures.
What Can You Do to Avoid Digestive Issues?
Dr. Shyam highlights the importance of customizing diets based on individual factors like prakriti (body constitution), vikriti (imbalances), climate, and season. Moderation is essential, along with being mindful of eating habits.
