How Does Food Combining Work?

Food Combining Concepts

Food combining was invented in 1911 by Dr. Howard Hay, and as such the concept is often referred to as the "Hay Diet." The theory behind food combining is based on two key concepts of digestive chemistry: the digestion of starches (carbohydrates) begins in the mouth in an alkaline environment and is initiated by an enzyme in your saliva (ptyalin); and for the digestion of protein foods, the body utilizes hydrochloric acid, which creates a highly acidic environment in the stomach. Properly combining food involves eating carbohydrates, fats and proteins separately to respect the differences in digestive enzymes and the time required for the digestion of various foods.

Proponents of food combining claim that combining foods correctly reduces incidents of indigestion, gas, bloating, heartburn and stomach upset. Selecting and combining foods properly is also reported to maximize nutritional utilization of the foods you eat.

Meal Guidelines

Dr. Herbert Macgolfin Shelton was a prominent American health and nutrition educator, lecturer, author and outspoken advocate for holistic healing. In 1934, he penned "The Hygienic System," which outlined nine principles for properly combining acids, proteins, fats and starches (sugars): (1) Acids and starches should be eaten at separate meals; (2) protein foods and starches should be eaten at separate meals; (3) eat just one type of protein food at each meal; (4) eat proteins and acid foods at separate meals; (5) fats and proteins should be consumed separately; (6) fruits and proteins should be eaten at separate meals; (7) fruits and starchy foods should also be eaten at separate meals; (8) eat melons alone; and (9) skip after meal desserts.

Other Considerations

A properly combined protein-based meal might be a vegetable salad, green squash, turnip greens, and either roast beef, cottage cheese or eggs. If consuming starches at your meal, you might have a vegetable salad, steamed spinach, steamed fresh green string beans, and either brown rice, baked Hubbard squash or yams.

Finally, Dr. Shelton advises that milk, bananas and melons are best consumed alone, as they combine with few other foods.