Proper Food Combining tips to improve Digestive Health
Have you ever wondered why some foods cause bloating, gas and discomfort?
There are many contributors to these symptoms but how we combine our foods can have a big impact on our digestive system.
Our macro-nutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat) all have a different molecular structure.
So eating a banana and peanut butter at the same time does not mean they will be both digested at the same time. All food digests differently!
Protein = is slowly digested. Digested in the stomach and small intestine. Carbohydrates = are digested fast. Digested in the mouth and small intestine. Fat = is slowest digested. Digested in the small intestine.
The food will actually coat your stomach in the order it was eaten. Stomach acid is strong enough to break down food groups but if your digestive system is not functioning at it's best.. when you eat a large amount of foods in one sitting, your stomach acid has a hard time breaking down all of the food you just ate.
This is often when the uncomfortable symptoms can start.
For example, you have a salad for an appetizer (slower digesting carbohydrates) - this will coat your stomach first.
A steak and potatoes for dinner (protein and fast digesting carbohydrates)- will heavily coat your stomach second.
Then you finish it off with dessert (fast digesting carbohydrates)- which will be the last layer to coat your stomach.
You see where I'm going here?
Some food combinations can lead to bloating, gas, pain etc. due to food sitting in the stomach not digesting properly will start to cause fermentation gases.
FOOD COMBINING CHART
Now before we start overthinking and combining foods like crazy. You've probably been eating "improper food combinations" your entire life right? And you're just fine?
So if you do eat foods that are not ideal to be combined, don't stress!
But If you are dealing with severe digestive discomfort after you eat certain food combinations, this chart below could be for you.
There are a few combinations that sometimes will bring up a red flag for me. Like...
Pasta and Cream Sauce (fast digesting with slow digesting)
Steak and Potatoes (slow digesting with fast digesting)
But it completely depends on how the function of your digestive system is. If you're lacking certain enzymes and chemical reactions needed for proper digestion.. this could be one of the main reasons you are experiencing the discomfort.
In order to have better functioning digestion:
Properly combining your foods and working on improving the function of your gut (gut healing recipes, protocols etc.) are the top two factors that can help.
Try this! Eat your meals on an fully empty stomach in order to ensure separation from each other in the stomach to prevent fermentation and bloating.
IMPORTANT TIP
I don't want you to think you can't eat specific food combinations for the rest of your life. It's truly all about balance and finding what works best for you.
If your concerned about eating certain combinations, try different combinations and find what works best for you.
screenshot to save for reference
FOOD COMBINING COURSE on the WholeFit APP
If you're interested in going more in depth on food combining for proper digestion, watch the video below!
This is one of my top watched Nutrition Courses from my app WholeFit by Miss Emma Troupe.
For more information about the app and how you can get started with your first 14 days for FREE, click here.
FINAL TIPS FOR PROPER FOOD COMBINING
- Protein and starches combined should be avoided to improve digestion.
(example: steak and potatoes, pasta and cream sauce) - Protein and vegetables is the best combination for easy digestion and absorption.
- If you suffer from digestive discomfort, try eating fruit on its own or before meals (due to the fact it is fast digesting)
- Healthy fats like avocado are neutral and can be paired with most foods. - Melon should always be eaten separately (usually depends on how it works for you)