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‘Viruddha’ means incompatible, opposite or unwholesome or which is harmful for the body or dhatu (body-tissue). It possesses opposite qualities compared to dhatu and vitiates them, leading to various diseases or complications. The concept of viruddha is broadly explained in ayurveda. Viruddha ashana (intake of unwholesome food or diet) is mentioned as a causative factor for various diseases, especially skin diseases (kushtha), erysipelas (visarpa), psychiatric diseases like insanity (unmada) etc. In the context of agrya samgraha (collection of definitive and first choice of medication or treatment), in Charak Samhita, intake of viruddha ahara is the foremost causative factor for nindita vyadhi (wretched diseases like kushtha). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 25/40] In modern time, knowingly or unknowingly unwholesome combinations of food, faulty diet/junk foods, or processed/packed food are consumed. This produces ill effects on the body, such as allergies, food toxicities, etc. The cases of food incompatibility and food-food interactions, food-drug interactions are increasing. Therefore, a need to understand the concept of viruddha has risen to know measures for preserving health. The dietary guidelines about what to eat and what is to be avoided; what type of food can be combined or taken together and what not; are important to prevent diseases too. Faulty dietary habits can be corrected and incompatibility with ill effects can be prevented by knowing concept of viruddha. This chapter describes concept of viruddha, its practices and its effects on health.

+

‘Viruddha’ means incompatible, opposite or unwholesome or which is harmful for the [[Sharira|body]] or [[Dhatu|dhatu (body-tissue)]]. It possesses opposite qualities compared to [[Dhatu|dhatu]] and vitiates them, leading to various [[Vyadhi|diseases]] or complications. The concept of viruddha is broadly explained in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]]. Viruddha ashana (intake of unwholesome food or diet) is mentioned as a causative factor for various [[Vyadhi|diseases]], especially [[Skin diseases in Integrative Medicine|skin diseases]] ([[Kushtha Chikitsa|kushtha]]), [[Visarpa Chikitsa|erysipelas (visarpa)]], psychiatric diseases like insanity ([[Unmada Chikitsa|unmada]]) etc. In the context of agrya samgraha (collection of definitive and first choice of medication or treatment), in [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charak Samhita]], intake of viruddha ahara is the foremost causative factor for nindita [[Vyadhi|vyadhi]] (wretched diseases like [[Kushtha Chikitsa|kushtha]]). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 25/40] In modern time, knowingly or unknowingly unwholesome combinations of food, faulty diet/junk foods, or processed/packed food are consumed. This produces ill effects on the [[Sharira|body]], such as allergies, food toxicities, etc. The cases of food incompatibility and food-food interactions, food-drug interactions are increasing. Therefore, a need to understand the concept of viruddha has risen to know measures for preserving [[Health|health]]. The [[Ahara vidhi|dietary guidelines]] about what to eat and what is to be avoided; what type of food can be combined or taken together and what not; are important to prevent [[Vyadhi|diseases]] too. Faulty dietary habits can be corrected and incompatibility with ill effects can be prevented by knowing concept of viruddha. This chapter describes concept of viruddha, its practices and its effects on [[Health|health]].

{{Infobox

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|data1 = Concepts & Practices/[[Viruddha Ahara]]

|label2 = Authors

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|data2 = Dubey M.1, Deole Y.S.2

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|data2 = Dubey M.1, [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]2

|label3 = Reviewer

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|data3 = Basisht G.3,

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|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]3,

|label4 = Editor

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|data4 = Basisht G.3

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|data4 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]3

|label5 = Affiliations

|data5 = 1[[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India 2Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 3Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

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== Etymology ==

−

The word ‘viruddha’ is originated from the Panini root word “Rudhir Avarani” by applying the prefix “Vi”. Thus, the word Viruddha means one which specifically obstructs, opposes or resists. The unwholesome or opposite food and practices that are opposite to the normal dhatu or body physiology is ‘viruddha’. Diet which dislodges dosha within the body but does not expel them out of the body are termed as ‘viruddha’ /ahita (unwholesome). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/85] Every dravya (substance/drugs) is ‘viruddha’ which provokes the dosha, but does not eliminate them outside the body. [A. H. Sutra Sthana 7/45-46] Viruddha ahara means the incompatibility of foods / food substances.

+

The word ‘viruddha’ is originated from the Panini root word “Rudhir Avarani” by applying the prefix “Vi”. Thus, the word Viruddha means one which specifically obstructs, opposes or resists. The unwholesome or opposite food and practices that are opposite to the normal [[Dhatu|dhatu]] or [[Sharira|body]] physiology is ‘viruddha’. Diet which dislodges [[Dosha|dosha]] within the [[Sharira|body]] but does not expel them out of the [[Sharira|body]] are termed as ‘viruddha’ /ahita (unwholesome). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/85] Every [[Dravya|dravya]] (substance/drugs) is ‘viruddha’ which provokes the [[Dosha|dosha]], but does not eliminate them outside the [[Sharira|body]]. [A. H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 7/45-46] Viruddha ahara means the incompatibility of foods / food substances.

== Types ==

−

Some food items are unwholesome individually or in combinations for the dosha as well as dhatu of the body. Whereas some of them are unwholesome due to their contradictory qualities. Some by their combination, some by their preparation methods, some by their desha (geographical area or by body type), kala (time), matra (dose) and some by their swabhava (inherent nature). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/81] Mainly, eighteen types of viruddha are mentioned in Charak Samhita as follows: [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/86-101]

+

Some food items are unwholesome individually or in combinations for the [[Dosha|dosha]] as well as [[Dhatu|dhatu]] of the [[Sharira|body]]. Whereas some of them are unwholesome due to their contradictory qualities. Some by their combination, some by their preparation methods, some by their [[Desha|desha]] (geographical area or by [[Sharira|body]] type), [[Kala|kala (time)]], matra (dose) and some by their swabhava (inherent nature). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/81] Mainly, eighteen types of viruddha are mentioned in [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charak Samhita]] as follows: [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/86-101]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:justify;"

|+Table no.1: Types of viruddha

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"|1

−

|'''Desha (region)'''

+

|'''[[Desha|Desha (region)]]'''

|Intake of ruksha (dry) and tikshna (sharp acting) diet in arid region or deserts (jangala desha)

−

Intake of snigdha (unctuous) and sheeta (cold) substance in anupa desha (marshy land)

+

Intake of snigdha (unctuous) and [[Sheeta|sheeta (cold)]] substance in anupa desha (marshy land)

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|2

−

|'''Kala (time)'''

+

|'''[[Kala|Kala (time)]]'''

−

|Intake of sheeta (cold) and ruksha (dry) in winter,

+

|Intake of [[Sheeta|sheeta (cold)]] and ruksha (dry) in winter,

−

Intake of katu (pungent) and ushna (hot) substance in summer.

+

Intake of [[Katu|katu (pungent)]] and ushna (hot) substance in summer.

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|3

−

|'''Agni '''

+

|'''[[Agni|Agni]]'''

'''(Power of digestion)'''

−

|Intake of food opposite to the power of digestion i.e., agni, for example taking heavy food in case of poor digestive capacity (manda agni)

+

|Intake of food opposite to the power of digestion i.e., [[Agni|agni]], for example taking heavy food in case of poor digestive capacity (manda agni)

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|4

|'''Matra (dose)'''

−

|Ghee and honey (madhu) in equal quantity

+

|[[Ghee|Ghee]] and honey (madhu) in equal quantity

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|5

−

|'''Satmya (adaptability)'''

+

|'''[[Satmya|Satmya]] (adaptability)'''

−

|Intake of sweet and cold substance by person who is accustomed to katu (pungent) rasa and ushna (hot potency)

+

|Intake of sweet and cold substance by person who is accustomed to [[Katu|katu (pungent)]] [[Rasa|rasa]] and ushna (hot potency)

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|6

−

|'''Dosha '''

+

|'''[[Dosha|Dosha]]'''

−

'''(Regulatory functional factors of the body)'''

+

'''(Regulatory functional factors of the [[Sharira|body]])'''

−

|Using food, medicine or procedure having similar qualities with dosha, but at variance with the habit of individual

+

|Using food, medicine or procedure having similar qualities with [[Dosha|dosha]], but at variance with the habit of individual

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|7

−

|'''Samskara '''

+

|'''Samskara'''

'''(Mode of preparation)'''

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"|8

−

|'''Virya (potency)'''

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|'''[[Veerya|Virya (potency)]]'''

−

|Substance of ushna (hot) virya taking along with sheeta (cold) virya.

+

|Substance of ushna (hot) virya taking along with [[Sheeta|sheeta (cold)]] virya.

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|9

−

|'''Koshtha (bowel pattern/nature of gut/ alimentary tract)'''

+

|'''[[Koshtha|Koshtha]] (bowel pattern/nature of gut/ alimentary tract)'''

−

|Administrating mild purgative to krura koshtha (hard bowel) or strong purgative to mrudu koshtha (soft bowel)

+

|Administrating mild purgative to krura [[Koshtha|koshtha]] (hard bowel) or strong purgative to mrudu [[Koshtha|koshtha]] (soft bowel)

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|10

−

|'''Avastha '''

+

|'''Avastha'''

'''(State of health)'''

−

|Intake of vata dosha aggravating food by a person after exhaustion, sexual act and exercise.

+

|Intake of [[Vata dosha|vata dosha]] aggravating food by a person after exhaustion, sexual act and exercise.

−

Intake of kapha dosha aggravating food by a person after sleep or by lazy person.

+

Intake of [[Kapha dosha|kapha dosha]] aggravating food by a person after sleep or by lazy person.

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|11

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| style="text-align:center;"|13

|'''Upachara (treatment)'''

−

|Intake of cold things after taking ghrita (ghee).

+

|Intake of cold things after taking [[Ghee|ghrita (ghee)]].

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|14

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| style="text-align:center;"|18

|'''Vidhi (rules for eating)'''

−

|Not following dietary guidelines (aahara vidhi)

+

|Not following [[Ahara vidhi|dietary guidelines (aahara vidhi)]]

|}

== Common examples of viruddha ==

−

Following tables show the common examples practiced in ancient social practices with their consequences on health mentioned in Charak Samhita. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/82-83] Some of these are practiced in the current era, whereas some are not. The additional examples observed in today’s society are given in the table.

+

Following tables show the common examples practiced in ancient social practices with their consequences on [[Health|health]] mentioned in [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charak Samhita]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/82-83] Some of these are practiced in the current era, whereas some are not. The additional examples observed in today’s society are given in the table.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:justify;"

|+Table no. 2: Common examples of viruddha and the consequences

!Sr. No.

−

! Different combinations of viruddha

+

!Different combinations of viruddha

!Diseases/ Consequences

|-

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especially one should never consume Chilchima fish (a type of marine fish) with milk

−

|Vitiates the blood and obstructs srotasa (channels of the body), causes constipation, diseases of blood (raktaja vyadhi), ama visha and it may cause even death

+

|Vitiates the blood and obstructs srotasa (channels of the [[Sharira|body]]), causes constipation, diseases of blood (raktaja vyadhi), ama visha and it may cause even death

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|2

−

|Meat of gramya (domestic), anup (marshy), audakya (aquatic animals) with honey, sesamum seeds, milk, jaggery, masha (Phaseolus radiatus), radish, lotus stalk or germinated grains

+

|Meat of gramya (domestic), anup (marshy), audakya (aquatic animals) with honey, sesamum seeds, milk, jaggery, [[Masha|masha]] (Phaseolus radiatus), radish, lotus stalk or germinated grains

|Deafness, blindness, tremors, loss of intelligence, loss of voice, causing nasal voice and it may cause death.

|-

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| style="text-align:center;"|4

|Milk intake after intake of radish, garlic, krishnagandha (Moringa oleifera), arjaka (Ocimum gratissimum Linn.), surasa (Ocimum sanctum).

−

|Kushtha (obstinate skin diseases/leprosy)

+

|[[Kushtha Chikitsa|Kushtha]] (obstinate [[Skin diseases in Integrative Medicine|skin diseases]]/leprosy)

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|5

|Jatuka (Ferula narehex Boiss) shaka or ripe fruit of nikucha (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.) with honey and milk

−

|Loss of strength, complexion, sterility and other shukra vikara (diseases of reproductive system), and other serious type of diseases leading to death.

+

|Loss of strength, complexion, sterility and other shukra vikara ([[Vyadhi|diseases]] of reproductive system), and other serious type of [[Vyadhi|diseases]] leading to death.

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|6

|Shaka (leaves) of padmauttarika/ kusumbha shaka (Carthamus tinctorius Linn.), sarkara (type of wine), maireya (type of wine) and honey

−

|Aggravate the dosha especially vata

+

|Aggravate the [[Dosha|dosha]] especially [[Vata dosha|vata]]

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|7

|Meat of haridraka bird fried in mustard oil

−

|Aggravate the dosha, especially pitta.

+

|Aggravate the [[Dosha|dosha]], especially [[Pitta dosha|pitta]].

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|8

|Payasa (milk) when taken with mantha

−

|Aggravate the dosha, specially kapha

+

|Aggravate the [[Dosha|dosha]], specially [[Kapha dosha|kapha]]

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|9

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|}

−

== Concept of samyoga viruddha ==

+

== Concept of samyoga viruddha (combination) ==

−

Samyoga (combination of two or more substances) viruddha means some drugs or food items will act as unwholesome when taken together or mixed. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 26/82-83] [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/13]

+

Samyoga (combination of two or more substances) viruddha means some drugs or food items will act as unwholesome when taken together or mixed. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/82-83] [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 20/13]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:justify;"

|+Table no. 3: Examples of Samyoga Viruddha and the logical reasons behind their incompatibility:

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"|1

−

|Ripe fruit of nikucha (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.) with soup of masha (Vigna mungo L.), sugar and ghee

+

|Ripe fruit of nikucha (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.) with soup of [[Masha|masha]] (Vigna mungo L.), sugar and [[Ghee|ghee]]

|Mutually contradictory

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|2

−

|Amla Rasa food items such as amra (Mangifera indica), amrataka (Spondias pinnata), matulunga (Citrus decumana), nikucha (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.), karamarda (Carissa carandas), mocha/shalmali (Salmalia malabarica), dantasatha (Citrus medica), badara (Ziziphus jujuba), koshamra (Schleichera oleosa), bhavya (Dillenia indica), jambu (Syzygium cumini), kapittha (Limonia acidissima), tintidi (Ras parviflora) with milk

+

|[[Amla|Amla]] [[Rasa|Rasa]] food items such as [[Amra|amra (Mangifera indica)]], amrataka (Spondias pinnata), [[Matulunga|matulunga]] (Citrus decumana), nikucha (Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb.), [[Karamarda|karamarda (Carissa carandas)]], mocha/shalmali (Salmalia malabarica), dantasatha (Citrus medica), badara (Ziziphus jujuba), [[koshamra|koshamra (Schleichera oleosa)]], [[Bhavya|bhavya (Dillenia indica)]], [[Jambu|jambu (Syzygium cumini)]], [[Kapittha|kapittha (Limonia acidissima)]], tintidi (Ras parviflora) with milk

|Mutually contradictory

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|3

−

|Aksoda (Juglans regia Linn.), panasa (Artocarpus heterophyllus), narikela (Cocos nucifera), dadima (Punica granatum), kulathi (Macrotyloma uniflorum), and amalaki (Phyllantus emblica) or meat of paravata (pigeon) with milk

+

|Aksoda (Juglans regia Linn.), panasa (Artocarpus heterophyllus), [[Narikela|narikela (Cocos nucifera)]], [[Dadima|dadima (Punica granatum)]], kulathi (Macrotyloma uniflorum), and [[Amalaki|amalaki (Phyllantus emblica)]] or meat of paravata (pigeon) with milk

|Mutually contradictory

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|4

−

|Kangu/Kangini dhanya) (Setaria italica Beruv.), vanaka (vana kodo), makustha (Phaseolus aconitifolius), kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), masha (Phaseolus radiatus), nishpava (cowpeas) with milk

+

|Kangu/Kangini dhanya) (Setaria italica Beruv.), vanaka (vana kodo), makustha (Phaseolus aconitifolius), kulattha (Dolichos biflorus), [[Masha|masha]] (Phaseolus radiatus), nishpava (cowpeas) with milk

|Mutually contradictory

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|5

−

|Honey and ghee or honey and rain water in equal quantity, honey with seeds of pushkara (Nelumbo nucifera/ blue lotus), intake of hot water after taking honey, Moolaka (radish) with honey

+

|Honey and [[Ghee|ghee]] or honey and rain water in equal quantity, honey with seeds of pushkara (Nelumbo nucifera/ blue lotus), intake of hot water after taking honey, Moolaka (radish) with honey

|All are unwholesome

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|6

−

|Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) with hot water

+

|[[Bhallataka|Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium)]] with hot water

|All are unwholesome

|-

| style="text-align:center;"|7

−

|Kampillaka (Mallotus phillippensis) boiled with butter milk

+

|[[Kampillaka|Kampillaka (Mallotus phillippensis)]] boiled with butter milk

|All are unwholesome

|-

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|-

| style="text-align:center;"|9

−

|Stale Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum), Kakmachi with jaggery, Kakmachi with Pippali (Piper longum) or Maricha (Piper nigrum).

+

|Stale Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum), Kakmachi with jaggery, Kakmachi with [[Pippali|Pippali (Piper longum)]] or [[Maricha|Maricha (Piper nigrum)]].

|All are unwholesome

|-

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|}

+

== Concept of [[rasa]], [[veerya]], [[vipaka]] viruddha ==

+

Unique concept of viruddha combinations based on [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]], [[Veerya|virya (potency)]], [[Vipaka|vipaka]] (post digestion effect) explained in Sushruta Samhita which are as follows: [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 20/16]

+

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:justify;"

+

|+Table no. 4: Examples of viruddha combinations based on rasa, virya and vipaka:

+

!Sr. no.

+

!Examples of viruddha combinations based on rasa, virya and [[Vipaka|vipaka]]

+

!Combinations of rasa

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|1

+

|[[Rasa]] viruddha

+

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|2

+

|[[Rasa|Rasa]] and [[veerya]] viruddha

+

|[[Madhura|Madhura]] and [[Amla|amla]].

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|3

+

|[[Rasa|Rasa]] and [[Vipaka|vipaka]] viruddha

+

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|4

+

|Sarvata viruddha

+

+

|}

+

== [[Vyadhi|Diseases]] caused by viruddha ahara ==

+

Viruddha ahara causes toxic effects on the [[Sharira|body]]. These unwholesome food combinations produce toxins within the [[Sharira|body]], causing various [[Vyadhi|diseases]] or may prove fatal. Combinations of such viruddha food sometimes produce immediate effects and sometimes act like gara [[Visha Chikitsa|visha]], that produces untoward effects afterwards. [A. H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 7/29] Intake of such unwholesome food combinations results in manifestation of many [[Vyadhi|diseases]] such as sterility, blindness, [[Visarpa Chikitsa|erysipelas (visarpa)]], ascites (jalodara), bullae (visphota), insanity ([[Unmada Chikitsa|unmada]]), fistula in anno (bhagandara), syncope (moorcha), intoxication (mada), abdominal distension (adhmana), goitre (galagraha), pandu (anaemia), poisoning due to ama (ama [[Visha Chikitsa|visha]]), vitiligo (kilasa), [[Skin diseases in Integrative Medicine|skin diseases]] ([[Kushtha Chikitsa|kushtha]]), digestive disorders (grahini gada), oedema (shotha), acid peptic diseases (amlapitta), fever (jwara), rhinitis (peenasa), genetic and hereditary diseases (santana dosha) and even death. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/102-103] The following table shows examples of disease caused by the intake of viruddha ahara.

+

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:justify;"

+

|+Table no.5: Diseases caused by intake of viruddha ahara:

+

!Sr.no.

+

!Diseases

+

!References

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|1

+

|[[Unmada Chikitsa|Unmada]]

+

|Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|Chikitsa Sthana]] 9/4

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|2

+

|[[Visarpa Chikitsa|Visarpa]]

+

|Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|Chikitsa Sthana]] 21/115

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|3

+

|[[Kushtha Chikitsa|Kushtha]]

+

|Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana|Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/4

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|4

+

|Krimi

+

|Su. Sa. Uttara Sthana 54/3

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|5

+

|[[Apasmara Chikitsa|Apasmara]]

+

|Su. Sa. Uttara Sthana.61/4

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|6

+

|[[Arsha Chikitsa|Arsha]]

+

|Su. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana|Nidana Sthana]] 2/4(4)

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|7

+

|[[Udara Chikitsa|Udara roga]]

+

|Su. Sa. [[Nidana Sthana|Nidana Sthana]] 2/5(5)

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|8

+

|Gara [[Visha Chikitsa|visha]]

+

|A. H. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 7/29

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|9

+

|[[Vatarakta Chikitsa|Vatarakta]]

+

|A. H. [[Nidana Sthana|Nidana Sthana]] 16/1

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|10

+

|Grahini [[Dosha|dosha]]

+

|A. H. [[Chikitsa Sthana|Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/92

+

|-

+

| style="text-align:center;"|11

+

|Ashta mahagada (eight dreaded diseases)

+

|A. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 9/11

+

|}

+

== General treatment ==

+

Four main measures have been explained viz., [[Vamana|vamana (therapeutic emesis)]], [[Virechana|virechana (therapeutic purgation)]], virodhi dravya sevana (administration of antidotes) and samshamana (prior use of wholesome substance) for the [[Vyadhi|diseases]] caused by intake of unwholesome food combinations.

+

== Factors deciding effect of viruddha ahara ==

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If a person is habituated to the intake of such unwholesome food combinations or if taken in very little quantity, then there will be no or less adverse effect of viruddha ahara. Deeptagni (good digestive power), taruna avastha (young age), undergone [[Snehana (unction therapy)|oleation therapy]], having strong physique due to exercise are protective factors against viruddha ahara. In presence of these factors, adverse effect of such unwholesome food combinations is not observed. [Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 26/104] So, these practices can be promoted to prevent adverse effects of viruddha ahara.

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== Importance of knowing viruddha in healthcare ==

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Viruddha Ahara i.e., improper dietic regimens or incompatible food habits, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of various [[Vyadhi|diseases]]. The incompatible mentioned in classics are not very much in practice now a days, so attempt should be made to identify such dietary incompatibilities. The healthy and unhealthy people should be aware about such factors and must avoid them. [[Nidana Parivarjana|Nidana parivarjana]] i.e., avoiding causative factors of [[Vyadhi|disease]] is the first and prime treatment. For avoidance of incompatibilities the rules and regulations such as ashtavidha ahara visheshayatana (eight specific [[Ahara vidhi|dietary guidelines]]), dwadash ashan pravichara (twelve principles of diet), [[Ahara vidhi|ahara vidhi (dietary guidelines)]] are mentioned in [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]]. The need of the day is to increase awareness among the public about hazards of such incompatible foods.

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== Current researches ==

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The concept of viruddha ahara mentioned in classical texts is very much relevant in today’s era because of altered life style of fast food or junk food in their daily life. Many studies have found that some dietary constitutes affect transcription of genes. Association between dietary pattern and [[Vyadhi|diseases]] has always been a field of interest. Frequent intake of combination of incompatible food leads in to the production of toxins i.e., [[Ama|ama]] further leads to formation of [[Ama|ama]] [[Visha Chikitsa|visha]] (product of improper metabolism), and vitiation of [[Rasa dhatu|rasa dhatu]]. It spreads to another [[Dhatu|dhatu]] and leads to the manifestation of various [[Vyadhi|diseases]]. The effects of such incompatibles can be understood by following aspects.

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<ol type="A" style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Effects on immune system: Incompatible food combinations impart untoward effects on immune system, cellular metabolism, and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS).<ref name="ref1">Sabnis M. Viruddha Ahara: A critical view. AYU 2012; 33:332-6</ref> Viruddha ahara if taken regularly, can cause inflammation at a molecular level, by increasing proistaglandin-2 and thromboxane by disturbing the eicosanoid pathway. This inflammatory effect is important for the basic pathologies which create agnimandya (poor digestion) or [[Ama|ama]] (undigested food metabolites) which in turns leads to number of metabolic [[Vyadhi|diseases]]. </li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Release of toxins: A recent study found that toxin called 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) forms when oil such as soyabean and sunflower oils are reheated. Consumption of foods prepared with such reheated oils increases the risks of various ailments such as stroke, cardiovascular [[Vyadhi|diseases]], Alzheimer’s disease, various liver [[Vyadhi|diseases]] and even [[Cancer|cancer]].</li></ol>

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== Some common examples of today’s widely used food combinations which act as a viruddha ==

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Number of food incompatibilities are mentioned in old Ayurvedic literature, such as [[Charak Samhita New Edition|Charaka]] and Sushruta Samhita. We must identify new food incompatibilities of present era which are very common in today’s daily life. New research should be done on food incompatibilities and create awareness in public about its consequences. Topography deals with scientific studies of combination of foods and its consequences. It tells about the various combinations of basic categories of food. As per topographical studies, protiens should not to be taken with starch and carbohydrates together rather than they should be consumed separately. Because consumption of protein and carbohydrates together will delay the absorption of each other. Similarly, consumption of sugars and acidic fruits together should be avoided as they hinder the action of pepsin and ptyalin which reduces the secretion of saliva and further delays digestion. If sufficient amount of amylase is not present in mouth, then starch will not be digested in the stomach. This unwanted effect of such wrong combinations will affect the gastro-intestinal system and also other major systems of the [[Sharira|body]]. Such reactions may be of less importance, but on long term they can prove to be fatal with serious side effects. Let us have some examples of ahara, we are taking now-a-days unknowingly, which are more harmful.<ref name="ref2">Swetha Chalamalasetty, Tatapudi Mahesh Babu, A. Vijayalakshmi, V. Narasimha. Concept of Viruddha Ahara- The Present Scenario. IAMJ 2017; 5 (2)</ref>

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<ol type="A" style="text-align:justify;"><li style="font-weight:bold">Tea prepared with milk: Tea contains flavonoids that have beneficial effects on heart. But when milk is added to tea then the milk protein i.e., caseins reduce the effect of flavonoids. Therefore, tea prepared with milk should be avoided.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Milk and curd combination: Dishes prepared with milk or by curd should never be taken together as curd will precipitate or curdles up the milk and hinder its digestion. This irritate the stomach and produces gastric disturbances.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Tea along with garlic preparations: Tea possesses anticoagulant compounds. Garlic possesses anticlotting properties. So, when this combination is taken together, the chances of bleeding increases. Therefore, such combinations to be avoided.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Pomegranate juice and grapefruit juice: Both pomegranate juice and grapefruit juice can block the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme systems within the intestines and increases blood levels of medications.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Milkshake/ Smoothie/ Fruit salad/ Custard: Milkshake i.e., combination of food and milk together is the example for samyoga viruddha. Combination of milk with fruit aggravates [[Kapha dosha|kapha dosha]] within the [[Sharira|body]] therefore such combination should be avoided especially for [[Kapha dosha|kapha]] prakriti (constitution) persons. Fruits are mostly acidic in nature. Especially the unripen one, so if they are taken along with milk then milk gets curdeled and produces indigestion. Our [[Sharira|body]] needs different types of enzymes for the breakdown of fruits and different types of enzymes for the breakdown of protein present in milk.</li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Study over kadaliphala (banana) with milk and their incompatibility: Kadaliphala (Musa Paradisiaca Linn.) along with milk is an example of samyoga viruddha (incompatibility of combination of two or more substances). Banana is already kaphakara (one which aggravates [[Kapha dosha|kapha dosha]]) and milk is also kaphakara so, when both of these taken together, they together provoke [[Kapha dosha|kapha dosha]] in [[Sharira|body]] and diminishes the [[Agni|agni]] (gastric fire) and produces ama (undigested food) which produces toxins within the [[Sharira|body]] and produces gastric disturbances and other [[Vyadhi|diseases]] like cough, allergic reactions, etc. This study was planned to evaluate the toxicological implication of their combination on wistar rats. Repeated administration of the combination of cow milk with banana showed statistically significant increase in the level of SGOT and urea whereas, statistically significant decrease in the level of creatinine. Also, alterations in the sections of liver, spleen, heart indicating mild toxic effect of combination of cow’s milk with banana. Hence, continuous intake of such incompatibility proves harmful to the [[Sharira|body]].<ref name="ref3">Shweta K, Sudhakar, Shobha Bhat K. Toxicological evaluation of banana and milk combination as incompatible diet- An experimental exploration of Samyoga Viruddha concept. JAIM, Elsevier. 2021 Jul-Sep; 12 (3): 427-434 </ref></li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Milk and egg/ baked milk and egg bakery products: Milk and egg combination or combination of milk and egg baked bakery products such as bread, cake, muffins are examples of samyoga viruddha. It is widely used in today’s day to day life mostly at a breakfast time. Milk and egg both are rich in proteins, whereas egg is also called as a reference protein. Both this together should never be consumed as it is heavy to digest and produces ama or indigestion resulting in various allergies or incompatibility. <ref name="ref4">Leonard SA, Nowak-Węgrzyn AH. Baked milk and Eggs Diets for Milk and Egg Allergy Management. Europe PMC. 2015 Jan-Feb;3(1):13-23 </ref></li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Honey with warm water: Honey with warm water is example of samyoga viruddha is also widely used nowadays assuming that it will helps in detoxification of [[Sharira|body]] and helps in weight loss which is a big misconception. In [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], it is mentioned one should never consume honey with warm water because it may prove fatal. Therefore, it is to be avoided. Honey is not collected from any particular flower, but it is made from the sap and juices of different flowers and plants which are incompatible with each other in respect to their [[Rasa|rasa (taste)]], [[Guna|guna (virtue)]], [[Veerya|virya (potency)]], [[Vipaka|vipaka]] (post digestion effect). Furthermore, honey being prepared by poisonous bees, it becomes injurious after contact with heat or fire. Accordingly, the use of hot or boiled honey is forbidden. It is also reported that during nectar and pollen forage, honey bees transform phytochemicals from floral nectars of host plants into honey. The diversity of secondary metabolites in plants attributes to the variance in phytochemical profiles in honey composition.<ref name="ref5">Amin, Hetal, Kiran S., Deshbhratar, Vivekkumar Mangilal Chayal. Ayurvedic Challenges for recent use of honey with warm substances. Rasamruta. 2019; 11:15.</ref> </li>

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<li style="font-weight:bold">Study over gutkha and their incompatibility: Gutkha, a combination of kattha (Acacia catechu), slaked lime and arecanut, possesses more than 4000 chemicals combination with more than 40 carcinogenic chemicals. It causes non-healing ulcerative lesions in oral cavity, such as cheek, lips, tongue, hard palate. It induces inflammation at a molecular level, leading to prostaglandin-2 and thromboxane.<ref name="ref6">Sirdeshpande MK, Kashikar VA. Critical review on Samyoga Viruddha (combination incompatibility) with special emphasis on carcinogenic effect of combination of betel quid, areca nut and tobacco. Ayu. 2017 Jul-Dec;38(3-4):97-101. doi: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_71_16. PMID: 30254386; PMCID: PMC6153908. </ref> </li></ol>

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== Contemporary views ==

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The concept of viruddha ahara mentioned in [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] easily correlates with the concept of incompatibility, adverse reactions, food and food interactions, food and drug interactions, etc. Observations on antagonistic food is a unique contribution from [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] in order to prevent internal [[Vyadhi|diseases]] and synergize action of drugs in the management of disorders. In [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]], it is clearly mentioned that certain combinations should be avoided because they hinder the formation of bodily tissue ([[Dhatu|dhatu]]), they vitiate the normal homeostasis of [[Dosha|dosha]] within the [[Sharira|body]] and such combinations are termed as viruddha ahara (incompatible diet). The different combinations of food which is cooked by wrong methods, consumed without following dietic regimens, combined with the food having opposite qualities can be described as viruddha ahara.<ref name="ref7">Swetha Chalamalasetty, Tatapudi Mahesh Babu, A. Vijayalakshmi, V. Narasimha. Concept of Viruddha Ahara- The Present Scenario. IAMJ 2017; 5 (2) </ref> In present era, modern scientists are still working on this aspect. It is important to understand the mechanism of how viruddha ahara is a cause of many metabolic disorders. It is essential to know certain food combinations, which interact with each other and create many systemic disorders. Food-drug interactions, food-food interactions are a very common phenomenon nowadays which is mostly associated with orally administered medicines. It can occur by multiple factors through change in absorption rate or extent, nature of properties of drug, post prandial physiology, route of drug administration, etc. Thus, understanding of such mechanisms is a must while recommending a specific drug with or without food.<ref name="ref8">Deng J, Zhu X, Chen Z, Fan CH, Kwan HS, Wong CH, et.al. A Review of Food-Drug Interactions on Oral Drug Absorption. Drugs. 2017 Nov;77(17):1833-1855</ref> Following are some citations for the such incompatibility which is as follows:

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<ol><li style="font-weight:bold">Food allergies/ incompatibility A study shows that food incompatibilities affect approximately 20% of the general population in western countries. The data shows that in 25% of the affected children and 10% of affected adults, the incompatibility is based on an allergy, that is, on an immunologically generated incompatibility reaction. Gastrointestinal symptoms occur in a third of these cases. Food allergies are caused by IgE-dependent or IgE-independent immunologic reactions, which leads to an inflammatory reaction, in which mast cells, eosinophilic granulocytes, and other cells are involved.<ref name="ref9">Bischoff, S.C. Food allergies. Springer Link. Current Gastroenterology Reports 8, 374–382 (2006).

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Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-006-0022-8 </ref></li></ol>

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