Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Ayurveda places paramount importance on Ahara (diet) as one of the Trayopasthambha (three pillars of life). Within this framework, the concept of Viruddha Ahara (incompatible diet) is unique and profound, emphasizing that certain combinations, timings, and methods of food intake can be detrimental to health. While individually these foods may be nutritious, together they can impair digestion, disturb Agni (digestive fire), produce Ama (toxic by-products), and cause dosha dushti. Among the numerous diseases linked to Viruddha Ahara, Svitra Roga (commonly compared with vitiligo/leucoderma) has been repeatedly highlighted in classical texts. Objective: This review aims to analyze the classical concept of Viruddha Ahara and its clinical correlation with Svitra Roga, while also exploring parallels with modern scientific perspectives on vitiligo pathogenesis. Methods: A critical review of Ayurvedic classical texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Madhava Nidana, and Ashtanga Hridaya was undertaken to extract references on Viruddha Ahara and Svitra. Modern scientific data was sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other indexed journals using keywords such as “incompatible food,” “vitiligo,” and “dietary factors.” Relevant studies were analyzed to establish connections between dietary incompatibility, autoimmune mechanisms, oxidative stress, and skin depigmentation. Results: Ayurvedic literature describes more than 18 types of Viruddha Ahara, with specific mention of milk with fish, heated honey, and curd intake at night as causative factors for Svitra. The pathogenesis involves Agni dushti, Ama utpatti, and Rakta-Mamsa-Meda dhatu dushti leading to depigmentation. Modern literature supports the association between dietary factors, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation in vitiligo, which resonates with Ayurvedic explanations. Clinical observations also suggest worsening of vitiligo with certain incompatible food combinations. Conclusion: Viruddha Ahara is not merely a theoretical Ayurvedic principle but has significant clinical relevance in the etiology and management of Svitra Roga. Avoidance of incompatible diet plays a preventive role, reduces recurrence, and enhances treatment efficacy. Bridging Ayurvedic dietary wisdom with modern research on vitiligo offers a holistic and integrative approach to prevention and therapy.