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@article{190747,
        author = {Dr. Harshal Sampatrao Sabale},
        title = {A CRITICAL REVIEW OF VIRUDDHA AAHARA AND ITS ROLE IN DISEASE PATHOGENESIS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {7816-7821},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=190747},
        abstract = {Viruddha Aahara (incompatible diet) is a unique and highly significant concept described in Ayurveda that explains how certain dietary combinations, methods of preparation, processing, quantity, and timing of food intake can disturb physiological balance and initiate disease processes. Classical texts recognize Viruddha Aahara as an independent etiological factor capable of producing both acute and chronic disorders even in individuals who otherwise follow wholesome dietary practices. The present critical review aims to systematically analyze the concept of Viruddha Aahara, its classifications, and its role in disease pathogenesis in the light of classical Ayurvedic literature and modern scientific interpretations.Ayurveda classifies Viruddha Aahara into eighteen types based on incompatibility related to place, time, digestive capacity, processing, combination, quantity, and sequence of intake. These incompatible dietary practices disturb Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), promote Ama formation, and lead to vitiation of Dosha, Dhatu, and Srotas, thereby initiating a cascade of pathological events. Repeated consumption of Viruddha Aahara is described to cause disorders such as skin diseases, gastrointestinal disturbances, metabolic syndromes, infertility, and immunological dysfunctions.From a modern perspective, the effects of incompatible food combinations may be correlated with altered digestion, impaired enzyme activity, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, gut microbiota imbalance, and metabolic derangements. This review highlights the relevance of Viruddha Aahara in the present era of fast-food culture, erratic eating habits, and increasing lifestyle disorders. Understanding this classical dietary concept provides a valuable preventive and therapeutic approach for reducing disease burden and promoting long-term health.},
        keywords = {Viruddha Aahara, Incompatible diet, Agni, Ama, Dosha, Lifestyle disorders, Disease pathogenesis.},
        month = {January},
        }