Proper digestion is vital if we are to break foods down to be used in the body for building blocks. If food is not properly digested it can pass through the intestinal tract without being completely broken down, creating toxins, and may result in food not being properly absorbed.

All sugars slow down digestion when combined with other food categories. The secretion of gastric juices needed for the breakdown of protein is almost stopped by sugar. Sugar breaks down in the intestine and protein in the stomach. Sugar can be held up in the stomach by meat until it ferments and causes problems that may result in gas, bloating and heartburn. Improper food combining can impair digestion, especially as we get older. Examples of good food combinations are:

Fruit - by itself, 30 min before or 2 hours after other foods.

Proteins - not with sugars or fruit. With low starch vegetables. For some people, protein
may be difficult to digest when combined with high starch vegetables unless
supplementary digestive enzymes are taken.

Veggies - with proteins are OK and are OK with starches.

For more information on nutritional planning or complete nutritional assessments contact Charlotte at charlottel@nb.aibn.com.

Disclaimer: The advice detailed in this article assumes that you are a normally healthy adult. The author, publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by individuals as a result of following advice in this article.