The Art of Food Combining: A Recipe For Digestive Harmony

We all too often underestimate the power of what lies within the simple act of eating.  We love to pay attention to the flavors and textures of our meals and how they are presented. But how we combine our foods can significantly affect our digestive well-being. 

Food Combining is a way of eating that pairs foods for optimal digestion.  By combining our foods properly, we allow our bodies to make the most of the nutrients provided and ease our digestive processes so to avoid bloating, gas and belching. 

Here are some fundamental guidelines to get you started:

1. Mindful Simple Meals: Instead of overwhelming your digestive system with a variety of foods in one sitting, consider a simple, single food meal.  This approach allows your body to focus on digesting one type of food at a time, leading to smoother digestion.  
2. Pairing Proteins and Non-Starchy Vegetables: Proteins, such as lean meats and fish, or plant-based alternatives, are best paired with non-starchy vegetables.  This combination facilitates the breakdown of proteins and promotes efficient digestion.
3. Separating Starches and Proteins. While proteins and non-starchy vegetables make a great team, starches (such as grains and potatoes) are better digested when consumed separately from proteins.  This is because proteins require a more acidic environment, while starches thrive in a more alkaline one.  Combining protein and starchy vegetables can cause more gas production in your stomach.
4. Fruit on its Own. Our body digests fruits rapidly and this can cause gas when combined with slower-digesting foods, like proteins and fats.  It is advisable to consume fruits on an empty stomach or as a snack between meals. 
5. The Importance of Hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for digestive health.  Drinking water between meals aids in the digestive process but consuming large amounts of water during meals may dilute stomach acids, which can hinder digestion.  Sip water and limit the amount you drink during a meal to support digestion. 

Benefits of Food Combining:

1. Reduced Gas and Bloating. By respecting the digestive compatibility of different foods, you can minimize the chances of fermentation and gas production in the gut, leading to reduced bloating and discomfort.
2. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption. When foods are properly combined, the digestive system is more efficient and your body can absorb and assimilate essential nutrients.  This can contribute to overall better health and vitality. 
3. Increased energy levels. A well-functioning digestive system means your body expends less energy on the digestive process.  This can lead to increased energy levels, allowing you to tackle daily activities with increased vigor.

In the quest for optimal health, the art of food combining stands out as a powerful ally in supporting digestive harmony.  By being mindful in how we pair and time our meals we empower our bodies to efficiently process nutrients which leads to improved well-being and vitality. 

Keep in mind however, you can have a diet that is great at combining foods but you may still have some digestive problems.  And there are times that you can’t always combine your food like you would like.  The following supplements are recommended to further assist your digestion for optimal health.

GastrAcid.  This is a supplement that you take with each protein containing meals to help decrease gas formation when you are eating your protein with lots of starchy food or fruits.  This supplement is available in both 90 capsules and 180 capsules bottles.

XymoZyme.  These are pancreatic and other enzymes you take before a meal or in-between meals to help with digestion and inflammation.  This supplement is available in both 60 capsules and 120 capsules bottles.

Let us savor, not just the taste, but also the digestive benefits of every bite we take to make each meal a celebration of health and balance.  Enjoy!

Dr Leah McNeill