Food combining describes the practice of mixing similar foods to ensure efficient digestion and complete assimilation of nutrients. Different foods digest at different rates and need different enzymes to break them down. Proteins need acids to break down, while carbohydrates must have an alkaline environment. Sugars break down almost immediately and pass quickly through the stomach to the intestines.
Fruits and Melons
Fruits and melons are easily digested and should be eaten alone or at the very beginning of a meal. Fruits are categorized as sugars. They break down in as little as 1 to 2 hours after they are eaten. Fruits are excellent as a snack between meals. Their fast and efficient breakdown results in quick bursts of energy.
When fruits are combined with other foods, they may become trapped between harder to digest proteins and starches. This can lead to gas and bloating as the fruit begins to ferment and sour.
Proteins
Proteins need acids to be digested properly. Proteins and vegetables can be eaten together will little difficulty. Avoid mixing proteins and starches. Meat and green beans would be a better combination than meat and french fries, according to Healing Daily.
Only eat one type of protein at a time. Different types of protein require different strengths of acids to digest. Mixing these types of acids can lead to heartburn and stomach upset. Meats, dairy products, nuts and eggs are individual proteins and each need specific types of acids to digest them. Proteins can remain in the digestive tract from 6 to 8 hours.
Starches
Starches require an alkaline base to be digested properly. Potatoes, pasta and other carbohydrates should not be combined with proteins. The acids needed to digest the proteins neutralize the alkalines that are needed to digest the starches. This results in a pool of food that can sit in the stomach for much longer than intended. As the food decomposes and begins to ferment, stomach aches and indigestion are possible.
Beverages
Drinking water with a meal can slow down the digestion process. Water dilutes the acids, enzymes and other components need for the foods to break down efficiently. Having a beverage before the meal is better for digestion than drinking during the meal. If you need a beverage during the meal, take small sips.
Eliminate Sugary Desserts
Sugary desserts should be avoided. Sugars break down quickly and when eaten at the end of a meal are left to sit in the stomach until the more difficult foods are digested. This can lead to gas, bloating and stomach irritation, according to Health and Beyond.
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