Food combining is a method of eating that allows the digestive system to operate at its most efficient when it comes to breaking down food and assimilating all the vitamins and minerals within it. Since proteins, carbohydrates and fats all digest in different ways, sometimes they can interfere with each other in the digestive system, which is what causes a gassy, bloated feeling.
Fruits
Fruits are the food that is digested the most rapidly in the body, next only to water or juice. The contents of fruit are mostly water and natural sugars which can be broken down quickly in the body. Since other foods are slower to digest then fruits, if they are combined at the same meal, some fruit matter can begin to ferment in the stomach while waiting to be digested. This produces gas which is felt as discomfort and bloating. It is suggested to only consume fruits on their own, and not with any other foods or at the end of large meals.
Proteins
Proteins require an acid environment to be digested in the stomach. When protein digestion begins, digestive enzymes and juices are secreted to create this environment for the efficient and complete breakdown of protein into amino acids. Proteins should not be eaten with starches, such as potatoes or beans, because starches require a different environment and different enzymes for assimilation in the body. Proteins also should not be combined with fruits. Protein is easiest digested when combined with seasonal vegetables. Vegetables are a more neutral food, and although they will digest faster than the protein, they will not begin to ferment and create a gassy, bloated feeling. Too many different kinds of protein can also cause some discomfort. For example, chicken protein is digested in a different way from beef protein, and they will both digest more smoothly and efficiently if consumed at separate meals.
Starches
Starches are similar to proteins in that they require a special environment for digestion. While proteins require an acidic environment, starches require an alkaline environment. This is why proteins and starches are best digested when eaten at different meals. Vegetables are digested easily with starches, since they do not ferment in the stomach if their digestion is delayed. Fruits will begin to putrefy in the stomach and should not be combined with starches, or any other foods.
Exceptions
While fruits are best eaten alone, lemons and limes are an exception. When their freshly squeezed juices are added to meals, they contribute enzymes which aid digestion and help nutrients to be absorbed. Avocado, although a fruit, is digested more like a protein because of its protein and fat content.
References
- ''Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine''; Dr. Elson M. Haas; 2006
- The Wolfe Clinic: Food Combining Chart
- Empowerment Wellness Center: Food Combining (PDF)
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