Food Combining Principles
People who suffer from symptoms of indigestion including gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or fatigue may benefit from following the principles of food combining. Because different types of foods require different enzymes, different degrees of acidity, and different lengths of time for complete digestion, it stands to reason that those foods requiring the same digestive conditions should be eaten together, while other foods requiring a different set of digestive conditions should be eaten separately. The logic in this is that when foods requiring different digestive conditions are eaten together, the digestive processes slow down and the food begins to ferment causing gas, bloating and the associated discomfort so typical of indigestion. Knowing which foods require a similar digestive environment and the length of time required for full digestion can make meal planning easier and may result in less discomfort following meal time.
Enzymes, Acidity, and Alkalinity
For instance, protein foods like nuts and seeds require an acid environment and about four hours to digest. Starches and acid fruits like oranges, plums, or strawberries require a more alkaline environment and may only take up to an hour and a half to digest. If following food combining rules, you would not eat oranges and oatmeal at the same meal. Doing so may bring on the uncomfortable symptoms of indigestion. It’s important to remember that stress, foods high in fat, overeating, and eating too great a variety of foods at one meal can also cause indigestion. Note too, that raw foods are generally easier to digest because they supply their own digestive enzymes, while cooked foods require the body to produce enzymes for break-down.
Rules for Food Combining (a quick summary)
- Do not drink with meals. Liquids (water is best) should be consumed at least one half-hour before meals and two hours after meals.
- Melons should be eaten alone at least half an hour before other foods.
- Fruits should be eaten alone.
- Fruits and vegetables should not be eaten together. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, squash are technically all fruits. Many people do not experience digestive difficulties from treating them as vegetables, however. If problems develop, try eating these “fruit-vegetables” separately.
- Proteins and starches should not be eaten together.
- Vegetables and proteins may be combined.
- Vegetables and starches may be combined.
Approximate Time Required for Digestion of Different Food Groups
- Melons: ½ hour
- Fruits (fresh): up to 2 hours
- Fruits (dried, plus: bananas and persimmons): up to 4 hours
- Vegetables: up to 3 hours
- Starches: up to 3 hours
- Proteins: up to 4 hours
Indigestion can be uncomfortable, but food combining principles may help.
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