The concept of food combining has been around since the early 20th century, when an American physician, William Hay, embarked on finding a nutrition plan to heal his own health problems. The diet has been referred to as the alkaline diet, the Hay diet or simply "food combining" -- but the basic premise has remained the same since its inception. Before trying the Hay diet, consult your physician to determine if this diet is suited to your health goals.
Fundamental Foods
Dr. Hay suffered from kidney inflammation, high blood pressure and a dilated heart. In 1911, when Hay was practicing medicine, there was not a particular nutrition plan that could help his conditions. Hay decided to treat his symptoms by getting back to basics with his nutrition, which involved eating fundamental foods in specific combinations. The success of his self-treatment sparked Hay to elaborate on his nutrition habits as a possible treatment for other conditions, including diabetes and similar metabolic disorders. "Fundamental foods." in the basic sense, refers to food in a natural form and prohibits consumption of foods that contain proteins and starches in the same meal.
Basic Guidelines
Concentrated starches, such as bread, pasta, potatoes and rice, do not pair well with concentrated proteins, such as meat, cheese, eggs or fish. Foods that contain both protein and starch, such as beans or nuts, are neutral and should be eaten in small quantities between your main meals. Fruits, vegetables and salads should be the main part of your diet; fruit is best consumed by itself. The premise of these guidelines is to maintain an acid-alkaline balance, such that you properly digest foods and get the most nutrients for optimal health.
Digestion
Proteins from animal-based foods produce hydrochloric acid in your stomach. These digestive juices activate enzymes that are important for further protein metabolism. If you eat foods, such as starch, that do not support this acidic environment, then you do not get adequate protein metabolism. Protein is important for maintaining muscular and tissue health. Conversely, starches need an alkaline environment for optimal digestion, and animal-based proteins induce stomach acidity. The majority of vegetables are neutral; you can consume them as the bulk of your meals. Online food-combining charts can help you create the best food combinations for you to adhere to the Hay diet principles.
Criticism
The Hay diet is criticized as not having valid research to prove effectiveness and as being too complex for the average person to manage. Food combining may be unnecessary, because most food contain elements of fat, protein and carbohydrates, according to "My Family Doctor" magazine. However, supporters of this diet note that you can benefit from eating clean, fresh foods, even if you do not have health impairments requiring nutrition changes. Decide what works best for your health and talk to your physician if you want to make changes in your nutrition habits that are congruent with the Hay diet plan.
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