Article: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF VIRUDDHA AHARA

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.153101

Pages: 203-207

Author: Veena Jangir *, Sarika Yadav, CR Yadav, Gurpreet Kaur Gill

Abstract: In Ayurveda, Ahara is regarded as one of the pivotal mainstays for healthy lifestyle. In order to maintain healthy life, it advocates the notion of consuming right kind of food that provides optimum nutrition and thus contributes to holistic well-being. Ayurveda describes the distinctive concept of Viruddha Ahara. Viruddha Ahara is defined as food or diet that mobilises and provokes the Dosha, but does not completely remove them from the body. Variety of food incompatibilities are listed in Ayurvedic literature, which are atypical in context to present era. But there are many new food incompatibilities unfolded lately which are frequently practiced nowadays in day-to-day life. Understanding of these food incompatibilities and their detrimental effects is need of hour now. The present study is aimed to explore the diverse types of Viruddha Ahara and their potential role in disease manifestation. The classic literature and various newer studies delineate that Viruddha Ahara produces ill effects by causing vitiation of Dosha, depreciation of immune system and cellular metabolism and production of Ama (toxin) in the body. Viruddha Ahara may also cause inflammation at the molecular level.  Fruitshakes, ice-cream with hot chocolates or hot Gulabjamuna, tea with garlic breads and milk with yoghurt are some of the newer incompatible food permutations that are widely used nowadays. Their frequent use may precipitate the manifestation of various digestive, metabolic and skin disorders. Better apprehension about Viruddha Ahara can help with better digestion, increased nutrient absorption, decreased toxin generation, effective weight management, and pave the path towards good health and vitality.

Keyword: Ayurveda, Ahara, Incompatible diet, Viruddha Ahara