Do you pair dairy products with fruits or drink cold beverages with a meal? If so, you must stop it right away as it can be detrimental to your health. As per ayurveda, improper food pairing can disrupt digestion, create toxins in the body, and contribute to various health issues. We spoke to our expert Dr Ganesh Chaudhary, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), PHC, Darbhanga, Bihar, who listed dos and don’ts of eating and food pairing that you must avoid.
Understanding Ayurvedic Food Pairing
“In ayurveda, food is classified based on its taste, energy, and post-digestive effect. Each food item is believed to have its own unique combination of these qualities, which can influence digestion and its impact on the body's doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha”, highlighted Dr Chaudhary. The key principles of ayurvedic food pairing revolve around balancing these doshas and promoting harmony within the body.
Ayurvedic Dos for Food Pairing
Eat Seasonal Foods
“Seasonal foods are believed to be more in tune with the body's natural rhythms and can support overall health and vitality”, added Dr Chaudhary.
Focus on Fresh, Whole Foods
Choose fresh and whole foods that are minimally processed and free from additives and preservatives. You should add a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and spices into your diet to ensure a diverse range of nutrients.
Balance Six Tastes
Dr Chaudhary highlighted, “Ayurveda recognises six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Including all six tastes in your meals helps satisfy the palate, nourish the body, and promote optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients.”
Mindful Eating
Practice mindful eating by paying attention to the taste, texture, aroma, and temperature of your food. Chew your food thoroughly, eat at a relaxed pace, and avoid distractions to enhance digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
According to Harvard TH Chan, mindful eating can result in improved psychological health, more enjoyment from food, and a more satisfied body.
Also Read: Mindful Eating, Mindful Living: Expert Explains How Mindful Eating Transforms You
Ayurvedic Don'ts for Food Pairing
Avoid Incompatible Food Combinations
According to ayurveda, certain food combinations can create digestive issues, fermentation, and the formation of toxins in the body. “Some common incompatible food pairings include consuming fruits with dairy products, mixing raw and cooked foods, and combining foods with conflicting tastes and energies,” said Dr Chaudhary.
Limit Heavy and Processed Foods
You should minimise the consumption of heavy, greasy, and processed foods that can overload the digestive system, increase toxins, and disturb the body's dosha balance. Hence, opt for lighter, easily digestible meals that promote clarity, lightness, and vitality.
Also Read: 5 Food Pairings That Can Speed Up Your Weight Loss
Avoid Cold Drinks During Meals
“Drinking cold beverages, especially during meals, can impair digestion. Instead, opt for room temperature or warm beverages like herbal teas or warm water with lemon to support optimal digestion and metabolism”, added Dr Chaudhary.
Refrain from Overeating
Overeating can overwhelm the digestive system, lead to indigestion, and disrupt the body's natural balance. Eat mindfully, listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, and practice portion control to maintain optimal digestion and energy levels.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before making any changes to your diet, especially if you are dealing with any health issues.]