The Dr. Hay Diet

Dr. William Howard Hay was a physician who, after experiencing a period of very poor coronary health, developed a new way of eating. In his book "Health Via Food," published in 1929, he reports that his improved diet cured his condition. Hay's diet is based on the concepts of food combining and alkalinity, and emphasizes healthy, whole foods. Speak with a physician before adopting a new diet plan to make sure it is appropriate for you.

Food Combining

Hay advised people to eat starches at one meal, and protein at another -- never combining the two. While scientific evidence to support this theory, which is also espoused in the popular "Fit for Life" diet book, is sparse, not all experts disagree. Dr. John Briffa, in a 2009 "Epoch Times" article, explains that the digestive enzymes used to digest carbohydrates are different than those used to digest protein. He believes that separating the two might benefit digestion. Briffa also notes that historically, hunter-gatherer people likely ate one food at a time. The evidence that food combining is effective for weight loss is nonexistent. A study published in the April 2000 edition of the "International Journal of Obesity" found that separating starches from protein had no effect on weight loss.

Alkalinity Versus Acidity

Consuming alkaline foods, rather than acidic foods, is another key component of Hay's diet. Hay believed that acidic foods promoted a state favorable to disease in the body, whereas alkaline foods could create a higher blood pH, and thus better health. This theory continues to have proponents today, one of whom is Dr. Susan Brown, who developed the "Better Bones" eating plan based on this idea. On her blog, Brown states that an acidic diet forces the body to tap into mineral reserves, which can create imbalances that cause osteoporosis and other diseases.

What to Eat

Hay advises eating a diet heavy in fruit and vegetables to create the desired alkaline state in the body. Meat is consumed rarely -- approximately twice a week. A typical day's menu in "Health Via Food" consists of orange juice, milk, cream of onion soup, peas, salad, asparagus, toast, beets, kale and figs. The minimal amount of protein in the diet is primarily derived from dairy products. Moderate portions of butter and cream are permitted, as are maple syrup, honey and molasses. Note that meat is never served with bread or other starchy foods.

Foods to Eliminate or Reduce

The processed foods that exist today were not available in 1929, but if they had been, it is likely that Hay would have discouraged their consumption. Hay discusses how pastries, alcohol and coffee with excess cream contributed to his diseased state, as did the consumption of rich foods on a near-continual basis. Bread, sugar and fats are severely limited on his diet, with the average daily menu including only one serving of each of these items. Hay's diet is not entirely spartan, however, as ice cream and other desserts occasionally appear on the menu.