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Introduction

Ayurveda presented concept of Trayostambh means theory of three pillars; Ahara is one pillar amongst three pillars of life. The good physical and mental health status is representation of good conduction of dietary habits. The appropriate Ahara-Vidhi helps to form vital nutrients which support body for physiological activities and prevents pathogenesis of common diseases. The food should be consumed at proper time in optimum quantity made with good quality of ingredients in proper manner. Avoidance of these conducts leads pathological manifestations of incompatible foods.[1,2,3]

The Ayurveda terminology of “Viruddha Ahara” can be correlated with modern concept of “incompatible food”. Viruddha Ahara includes all conduct of inappropriate food consumption including improper methods of food preparation. Viruddha Ahara triggers pathogenesis of diseases and also hampers over all process of growth and development. Therefore it is important to consider concept of Viruddha Ahara for avoiding health problems associated with incompatible food consumptions.[3,4,5]  Viruddha Ahara induces formation of Ama thus obstruct Srotas which involves in the circulatory and detoxification process due to which overall nutrient supply get affected along with accumulation of biological waste which ultimately results pathological events including deterioration of Dhatus, vitiation of Dosha, diminishes state of Agni, disturbances in hormonal regulation, impairment in circulatory process, reduces immunity, loss of physical & mental strength and symptoms of early aging, etc.

               As per modern science the various types of food incompatibility are wrong combinations of ingredients, inappropriate quantity of food, wrong processing, inappropriate time to consume meal, meal unfit to the particular season and consumption of meal not suitable for specific physical and mental status, etc.[6-7]

Objectives:

To review the concept of Viruddha Ahara and its effect on human health.

Methodology:

Literary review  was done on Viruddha Ahara from the Brihatrayees, Laghutrayees, and other classical books including journals, presented papers, previous work done and co-related, analysed with the knowledge of contemporary science on the subject.

Descriptions of Viruddh Ahara:

There are  some types of Viruddhaara viz. Kram Virudhha, Samyoga Virudhha, Sanskar and Vidhi Virudhha.

1. Desha Viruddhai means food incompatible to demographic region.
2. Kala Viruddha means food incompatible to the climatic conditions
3. Matra Viruddha means inappropriate quantity of food
4. Satmya Viruddha means unwholesome dietary conduction
5. Veerya Viruddha means food incompatible to the potency
6. Kram Viruddha means food possesses opposite action
7. Samyoga Viruddha means food posses incompatible combinations of ingredients
8. Sampad Viruddha means food posses deprived quality or putrefied food
9. Sanskar Viruddha means food prepared by inappropriate methods
10. Vidhi Viruddha means consuming meals disobeying rules of Ahara-Vidhi
11. Dosha Viruddha means food incompatible to the Doshas.
12. Paka Viruddha means undercooked foods.
13. Kostha Viruddha means food opposite to the digestive strength of person.
14. Avastha Viruddha means food which possess adverse effects to the specific age of person and not suitable for particular age.

Disease associated with Viruddh Ahara:

The health-related consequences of incompatible foods include diseases like Visarpa, intoxication, indigestions, anemia, skin ailments, constipation, hyperacidity, allergy, mental illness and gynecological problems, etc.

General pathological vents associated with Viruddh Ahara are as follows:

• Mandagni & Maldigestion
• Aamotpatti
• Margavarodha / Dosha apaki
• Tridoshadushti
• Deprived nourishment of Dhatus and Rasadi Dhatu Dushti

As mentioned above various pathological events arises as a resultant of Viruddh Ahara these pathological events are responsible for various diseases. Viruddh Ahara leads Mandagni & Maldigestion which further initiates diseases of digestive system such as diarrhea, hyperacidity, indigestion and constipation, etc. Margavarodha causes diseases of respiratory tract such as allergy and breathlessness. Tridoshadushti associated with Viruddh Ahara leads skin diseases like eczema, dermatitis and urticaria, etc. Viruddh Ahara is responsible for Aamotpatti and Rasadi Dhatu Dushti, these pathological events may trigger pathogenesis of gynaecological disorders in female. Diseases of nervous system like depression, migraine, insomnia and loss of memory, etc. may also occur as resultant of Viruddh Ahara.[5-8]

Viruddh Ahara & Specific Health Ailments:

• Virya Virudhha like combination of fish and milk may leads obstruction in Strotas and Raktpradoshjanya vikara.

• Samskara virudhha may cause loss of intelligence.

• Matra viruddha like Ghee and honey in equal amount may cause production of Amavisha.

• Kala virudhha like Pitta Kara ahara in Shishira ritu may cause Dhatukshaya.

• Krama virudhha may causes psychological disturbances

• Samyoga virudhha can leads improper digestion

• Paka virudhha leads skin disorders and Amlapitta

• Dosha virudhha (person predominant to Vata prakruti and consume dry & cold food) then skin diseases and allergic conditions may arises.

• Koshta virudhha (eating heavy foods by Mrudu koshta person) may leads indigestion, diarrhea, weakness and Dhatukshaya.

• Desha virudhha can cause diseases like Visarp, kushta and Prameh, etc.

Discussion

The health status depends upon the quality and quantity of foods (Ahara), if Ahara consumed inappropriately in awful manner then adverse health effects of incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara) may occur. Ayurveda concept of Viruddha Ahara described all means of food incompatibility, examples of common food incompatibility and their adverse effects. Viruddha ahara is responsible for many diseases like; obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardio-vascular problems, sterility, indigestion, hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders, skin ailments and constipation, etc. Therefore, Ahara should be prepared and consumed as per the rules of Ahara-Vidhi to prevent health issues related to the incompatible foods.[8-10]

Conclusion

Ayurveda suggested that person should consume balance diet in proper manner to maintain balances between Doshas, Sama dhatu, Sama Agni, Malakriya and Sama indriyas. Consideration of concept of Viruddh Ahara helps to avoid adverse health effects of incompatible food.  Conduction of rules of Ahara-Vidhi and balance dietary habits are advising to restore normal physical as well as mental state.