Who doesn’t like eating? Without food, life, quite literally, has no meaning. However, when we try to combine random food items without thinking about what it would do to our digestive systems, is when things go a bit haywire. Food combinations have to have a very conscious approach, wherein foods that require different digestive settings should be eaten as separate meals.
Some of the immediate consequences of such gastric hazards can be un-ease, bloating, gas, stomach ache, fatigue, nausea and even problems with elimination. And while there are some food combinations which can raise your spirits to heaven, there are also some that can land you in the hospital.
So what exactly are these combinations?
Though there are various food combination theories out there, never try to go by them all, as you’ll end up starving. Here we have some of the most commonly paired foods that should never be gulped in at the same time.
- Animal Protein with Starch
Proper protein digestion requires an acidic environment inside the stomach that helps bring about protein breakdown. However, starch on the other hand, has a property that is known for neutralizing acids. Starch requires an alkaline and proteins require an acidic environment for digestion, so when taken together, it can hamper the whole process, actually marring digestion.
- Water/Juice along with food
Water, juices or liquids in general, often dilutes the naturally occurring stomach acids, and while we consume it with meals, the absence of stomach acid can hinder complete digestion. Moreover, cold water can also disturb the enzymes that help digest food within our bodies. As a thumb rule, water should be consumed after at least 10 minutes of completing your meal.
- Fruits with or after food
The rule says that in order to get the most of their nutrients, fruits must be eaten alone like in the morning or in place of snacks between meals. This is because specific nutrients, simple sugar and fibers within the fruits are best digested when you are empty stomach. Therefore, when combined with other kinds of food items, the digestive system gets slower, digesting only parts of the important fruit nutrients.
- Wine and pudding
Wine is alcoholic in nature, and tends to mess up our body’s sugar levels while also increasing the insulin production level. This combined with the high sugar content of the dessert gets stored as extra fat, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Continuing this practice may result in obesity and subsequently, heart issues. Wine is best when consumed with fibrous veggies and low-glycemic index rated foods.
- Fruits in Yogurt
Mixing fruits, especially the sour ones, with dairy products contribute to toxins production and can cause sinus congestion, cough, cold and allergies. Avoiding congestive foods like cold yogurt mixed with fruits can be great for the health of your stomach. However, if you find the combination hard to resist, mixing a bit of honey and cinnamon, and avoiding sour berries can be better options.
While it is true that everyone has a different level of sensitivity towards bad food combinations, it’s also true that many combinations can be particularly hazardous and should be avoided at all costs. Also, many people tend to attribute allergies and digestive problems to particular food items, while in reality it’s the combination that is to blame.
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