What Is A Food Combining Diet?

An estimated 40 percent of Americans are dieting at any particular time, contributing to a $40 billion-plus industry. Food combining has been used in ancient medicine and, more recently, in popular weight loss diets. The technique is based on the theory that eating foods in particular combinations, and avoiding others, can improved digestion, weight control and overall health. Food combining may provide benefits and, unlike many diets, doesn't require pricey products or potentially risky pills.

Theories

Proponents of food combining believe that separating carbohydrate-rich starches, such as breads, pasta and cereals, from pure protein sources, such as meat, fish and eggs, improves digestion because each food group requires different digestive atmospheres. Food combining is also utilized within Ayurvedic medicine -- an ancient medical system that promotes physical and spiritual balance and mind/body connectedness. Usha and Dr. Vasant Lad, co-authors of "Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing," say eating "bad" combinations may cause toxin production, indigestion, gas and fermentation in your body. Eating "good" combinations, alternatively, is believed to promote positive energy, digestive ease and lowered risk for disease.

Guidelines

In addition to separating starches from pure protein sources, food combining diets typically promote eating fruit alone and eating fat sources, such as nuts, seeds, butter and oils, with pure protein sources, but not with starches. Some diets also suggest separating sweeter fruits, such as pineapple and banana, from less sweet varieties, such as berries, apples and pears, and citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, from other fruit. The diets also emphasize nutritious whole foods, such as whole grains, legumes and fresh produce, and limiting processed foods, such as potato chips, candy and white bread. Rather than become "obsessive" regarding the rules of food combining, a diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and author of "Conscious Eating: Second Edition," Dr. Gabriel Cousens, recommends eating primarily natural foods, which are easier to digest than processed foods, and eating in a relaxed emotional state, which also improves digestion.

Effectiveness

Food combining lacks scientific evidence of effectiveness. The digestive system is complex and designed to digest all sorts of foods and combinations of nutrients, according to Dr. Scott Stoll, a board-certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Because all foods contain some amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates, it is impossible to totally separate nutrient groups. Following the food combining principle of choosing nutritious, whole foods, however, can provide multiple benefits. A diet rich in antioxidants, fiber, lean protein sources and healthy fats is linked with reduced risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer. High-fiber foods, such as legumes, unrefined grains and fresh produce, promote digestive function and, because they support blood sugar and appetite control, may lead to improved weight management and energy levels.

Suggestions

If you are interested in food combining, Lad recommends eating fruit alone each day as a reasonable first step. Aryuvedic medicine advocates slow, gradual changes for best results. If you suspect that a particular food or combination of foods causes digestive strain or other health problems, seek guidance from your doctor to determine whether a food allergy, intolerance or other health problem is at play. If you find food combining appealing and helpful, there is likely no harm in following it and you may reap benefits simply from eating healthier foods. For best results, seek guidance from a qualified health-care practitioner before making significant dietary changes.