If you've ever wondered how to age gracefully, the ancient Indian dietary system 'Viruddha Ahara' may be just what you're looking for. It's a fascinating concept that revolves around the idea of food compatibility and is believed to hold the secret to slowing down the aging process.
The body is a temple — treat it like one. It's the most basic and fundamental philosophy behind the dietary system called the Viruddha Ahara — also referred to as the system of incompatible food or the food compatibility diet.
Whether you believe in the concept of Ayurveda or not, it can be helpful to learn more about this ancient dietary system that may have some effective tips on how you can stay healthy and young.
Any imbalance in these energies can lead to health issues and premature ageing. However, by following the principles of Viruddha Ahara, we can promote food compatibility and the potential for a youthful and vibrant life.
A simple technique practiced in India that can delay aging
![All about the right food combination. (Image via Pexels/Pixabay)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/e1b3e-16920411404334-1920.jpg 1920w)
Viruddha Ahara teaches us that not all food combinations are created equal. Certain foods, when eaten together, can create an imbalance in the digestive system and hinder the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
That can lead to indigestion, toxin build-up and accelerated ageing. Meanwhile, consuming compatible food combinations can enhance digestion, promote nutrient absorption and slow down the ageing process.
Balancing the Doshas
![Eating according to your dosha can help improve health. (Image via Unsplash/Katherine Hanlon)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/345ee-16920411815109-1920.jpg 1920w)
In Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are referred to as doshas - the three fundamental energies that govern our physical and mental well-being.
Viruddha Ahara recognizes that maintaining a balance between these doshas is vital for optimal health and longevity. Imbalances in the doshas can cause various health issues and speed up the ageing process.
By following this age old technique, we can choose foods that help balance the doshas and support overall well-being.
Anti-ageing benefits of Virudha Ahara
One of the main reasons why Viruddha Ahara is hailed as a magical technique is its ability to slow down the aging process.
By focusing on food compatibility and dosha balance, this magic technique offers several key benefits that contribute to healthy aging:
1) Improved digestion
When we eat compatible food combinations, our digestive system functions optimally, allowing for better nutrient absorption and waste elimination. This promotes overall health and slows down aging.
2) Enhanced nutrient assimilation
It also ensures that we consume foods in combinations that facilitate proper nutrient assimilation. That means that the body can extract more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the foods we eat, providing the essential elements for youthful vitality.
3) Reduced toxin build-up
Incompatible food combinations can create toxins in the body, known as ama in Ayurveda.
Ama accumulation can lead to various health issues and accelerate ageing. By following Viruddha Ahara, we can prevent the formation of ama and support detoxification processes.
4) Healthy weight management
![Improves digestion and reduces toxins (Image via Pexels/Tara Winstead)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/cbd86-16920412203984-1920.jpg 1920w)
The dietary choices we make can directly impact our weight and body composition. That promotes the consumption of compatible foods, which helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents age-related weight gain.
5) A youthful glow
![Helps lose weight and gives a youthful glow (Image via Pexels/Anna Pou)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/c8ff2-16920412552897-1920.jpg 1920w)
When the body is nourished from within, it shows on the outside. It supports the health of the skin, hair and nails, promoting a vibrant and youthful appearance.
Best ways to incorporate Viruddha Ahara in your lifestyle
Now that we understand the principles and benefits of Viruddha Ahara, let's explore how we can incorporate this magical technique in our daily life:
1) Learn about food compatibility
![Food comptability (Image via Pexels/Yan Krukau)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/fc04a-16920412918952-1920.jpg 1920w)
Educate yourself about what food combinations are compatible and which ones to avoid. There are several resources available online and in Ayurvedic texts that can guide you.
2) Listen to your body
![Know what your body needs. (Image via Pexel/Anna Pou)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/d8129-16920413277146-1920.jpg 1920w)
Pay attention to how different food combinations make you feel. The body is unique, and what works for others may not work for you. Experiment, and find the combinations that suit your digestion and overall well-being.
3) Seek guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner
![Seek a licensed practitioner to know more. (Image via Pexels/Towfiqu Barbuiya)](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/08/67543-16920413782878-1920.jpg 1920w)
If you want personalized guidance on incorporating this principle in your lifestyle, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can assess your dosha balance and provide tailored recommendations.
4) Make gradual changes
Implementing Viruddha Ahara doesn't mean you have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start by making small changes and gradually incorporating compatible food combinations in your meals.
Viruddha Ahara is a fascinating technique that has been passed down through generations in India.
By focusing on food compatibility and dosha balance, this Ayurveda technique offers a path to healthier digestion, better nutrient absorption and eventually, a delay in the aging process.
While we may not be able to stop the clock entirely, we can certainly slow it down and age gracefully by embracing this magical Indian technique.