A starch is a polysacchride, or a long chain of sugars. Starches come from plants including potatoes, grains, beans and rice, or plant-based foods such as pasta. If you have problems digesting starches, such as gas, upset stomach or shakiness or fatigue after you eat starches, your problem could be the result of a poor food combination, or it might be because of a condition such as diabetes or celiac disease.
Food Combinations
Some nutritionists think the way in which you combine foods is as important as the foods you eat. For example, combining acidic foods such as tomatoes with a starchy food such as bread can lead to a hyperacid stomach, according to the book "Hygienic System Vol. II -- Orthotrophy." This is because acidic foods need an acidic environment to digest, whereas starches digest in a more alkaline environment. Similarly, proteins need an acidic environment to digest, making proteins and starches a poor combination.
Diabetes
If you are experiencing blurred vision, extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, hunger or weight loss, you might be diabetic. Diabetes can be caused by a pancreas that does not produce insulin normally, cells that do not react to insulin normally, or both. Insulin is vital to the body because it transports glucose into the muscle, fat cells and liver so it can be used for energy. If you are diabetic, you must watch the number of starches in your diet carefully to avoid adding too much sugar to your system.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder; its symptoms vary, but often include constipation, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea or stools that float. People with celiac disease are not sensitive to all starches, but they are unable to consume foods containing gluten, a protein mixture in wheat, barley, rye and malt. If you have celiac disease, your body reacts to gluten by damaging the villi in the intestines. The damage results in diminished ability to absorb nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition over time.
When to Ask Your Doctor
Consult your physician if you notice discomfort such as heartburn, gas or nausea after you eat starches. In addition, if your family has a history of diabetes and you have symptoms of diabetes, seek medical attention, especially if you are overweight. Finally, although symptoms of celiac disease vary, it is important to get tested if you suspect you have it; this condition is chronic and must be controlled by diet to prevent severe consequences such as malnutrition.
References
- American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide; Roberta Larson Duyff,
- Hygienic System Vol. II -- Orthotrophy; Herbert M. Shelton
- Vegetarian Times; The Missing Piece of the Equation
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia: Celiac Disease
- The Gluten-Free Vegetarian Kitchen; Donna Klein
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