5 Food Combinations That Can Harm Your Stomach, Say Ayurveda Experts

According to Ayurveda, consuming certain food combinations can weaken the digestive fire, leading to issues like gas, indigestion, and acidity. Some everyday “healthy” pairings, such as banana with poha or apple with oats, may actually be harmful to your stomach.

Food Combos Matter
Ayurveda emphasizes that digestion depends not only on what we eat but also on how we combine foods. Even foods considered healthy can disrupt digestion when eaten together because they require different digestive processes. Eating the right foods in the right combination is as important as the food itself.

Everyone’s digestive system is different. If a particular food combination repeatedly causes discomfort, it is better to avoid it. Ayurveda practitioner Dr. Varalakshmi Yanamandra highlights some common combinations that may be harmful if consumed together:

1. Banana and Poha
   Bananas are heavy and perishable, while poha (flattened rice) is light. Eating them together can confuse the digestive fire, resulting in gas, heaviness, and lethargy. It is better to eat bananas alone or with soaked nuts like almonds or walnuts.
2. Apple and Oats
   Apples are light and quick to digest, whereas oats are heavier and take longer to digest. Consuming them together can slow digestion and cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. Eat apples on their own, and pair oats with seeds like flax or chia, or with digestive spices.
3. Curd and Kidney Beans (Rajma)
   Kidney beans are already heavy, and curd is a fermented food. Together, they can overload the digestive system, leading to gas, acidity, and stomach discomfort. Kidney beans are better consumed with cumin or hing (asafoetida) to aid digestion, while curd pairs well with rice or whole grains.
4. Raw Cucumber and Khichdi
   Khichdi is warm and easy to digest, while raw cucumber is cold in nature. Combining them can suppress the digestive fire, hindering proper digestion. Steam the cucumber lightly if you want to have it with khichdi, or eat it separately.
5. Honey with Warm Lemon Water
   Ayurveda warns that heating honey can alter its properties and damage the stomach lining. Mixing honey in warm lemon water may cause acidity, gas, and irritation. Honey is best consumed with lukewarm water, or lemon water can be enjoyed on its own.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified healthcare professional. Navbharat Times does not take responsibility for the accuracy or effects of the information provided.