Bloating? Indigestion? Your Food Combinations Might Be the Culprit!

Bloating, Indigestion & The Power of Food Combining

In my Siddha/Ayurvedic practice, I see so many clients struggling with digestion—bloating, heavy meals, indigestion, poor absorption, acid reflux, constipation, inflammation. Some don’t even realize their digestion is off! Many rely on daily enzymes and probiotics, which I don’t oppose, but they aren’t meant for long-term use.

One major culprit? Improper food combining according Ayurveda. Some Social Media Influencer normalize bloated bellies (which I appreciate for realistic body images), but if bloating lasts beyond 40 minutes after a meal, something’s off. Many trendy "superfood smoothies" mix incompatible ingredients—berries, spinach, pineapple, protein powders, bananas, nuts, yogurt, milk or nut milk—leading to over fermentation, bloating, and Ama (half digested food). Even "healthy" food can disrupt digestion if combined poorly, not only junk food, seed oils, or pesticide-loaded food.

I've seen incredible digestive improvements with my clients just by tweaking food combinations and incorporating Ayurvedic digestive herbs instead of constant enzyme and probiotic supplements. Curious? Here’s a simple guide:

Ayurvedic Food Combining Do’s & Don’ts

🚫 Avoid these combos:

• Cheese + fruit, beans, eggs, milk, yogurt

• Beans + fruit, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, meat, fish (Yes, burritos!)

• Milk + fruit, eggs, yogurt, meat, fish, starches (Best warm, diluted, alone)

• Yogurt + fruit, beans, milk, cheese, eggs, meat, fish

• Eggs + milk, cheese, yogurt, fruits, beans, potatoes, meat, fish

• Fruit – Eat it alone. It digests quickly, and when combined with other foods, it can over ferment in the body. Fruit is best eaten at least 30 minutes before or between meals

• Vegetables + fruit, milk

• Melons should be eaten solo—not even with other fruit! (Goodbye, fruit salad!)

This is a great starting point—back to basics! No need to overhaul your diet overnight, just start making small shifts. And of course, there’s always room for the occasional pizza or burrito! Your gut, brain, and energy will thank you.

Need personalized guidance? I offer online and in-person sessions to fine-tune your digestion.

Remember: In Ayurveda, we aren’t just what we eat—we are what we digest. Agni (digestive fire) shapes our health, clarity, and vitality. Nourish it well!