Food Combining - can a good combo help digestion?

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Replies

  • Anvil_Head
    Anvil_Head Posts: 251 Member
    Still arbitrary, senseless and ridiculous "rules". And Mercola is a complete and total quack, so anything on his website is fruits of the poisonous tree.
  • cityruss
    cityruss Posts: 2,493 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    Oh sorry, I got the wrong site. Here's the right one. Dr. Pickering is a respected professional who knew Charles Atlas, so I have much more confidence in his advice, even though there are less rules.

    The 3 commandments:
    1) No proteins and starches at the same meal
    2) No fruits and vegetables at the same meal
    3) Eat melon alone

    When and what:
    4) Morning meal: The least concentrated foods, in the greatest amount. Ideal food choice: fruits
    5) Middle of the day: More complex foods, but in a smaller amount than your first meal. Ideal food choice: starchy carbs
    6) Evening: The most concentrated foods, but in the least abundant amount. Ideal food choice: protein

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/27/food-combining.aspx

    Nonsense.
  • TreyTnt9
    TreyTnt9 Posts: 104 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    I'm wondering if any of you try to follow the principles of food combining, and whether or not you feel it has helped your digestion or anything else for that matter. I believe nothing has been scientifically proven, and they are all over the board, but here is list of principles from one site:

    1. Never eat carbohydrate foods and acid foods at the same meal.
    2. Never eat a concentrated protein and a concentrated carbohydrate at the same meal.
    3. Never consume two concentrated proteins at the same meal.
    4. Do not consume proteins with fats.
    5. Do not eat acid fruits with proteins.
    6. Do not consume starches and sugars together.
    7. Eat but one concentrated starch food at a meal.
    8. Eat sugars (fruits) and starchy foods at separate meals.
    9. Do not consume melons with any other foods.
    10. Milk is best taken alone, or let alone.

    http://www.acidalkalinediet.net/correct-food-combining-principles.php

    Complete twaddle.....

    NO~complete twiddle.

  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    Oh sorry, I got the wrong site. Here's the right one. Dr. Pickering is a respected professional who knew Charles Atlas, so I have much more confidence in his advice, even though there are less rules.

    The 3 commandments:
    1) No proteins and starches at the same meal
    2) No fruits and vegetables at the same meal
    3) Eat melon alone

    When and what:
    4) Morning meal: The least concentrated foods, in the greatest amount. Ideal food choice: fruits
    5) Middle of the day: More complex foods, but in a smaller amount than your first meal. Ideal food choice: starchy carbs
    6) Evening: The most concentrated foods, but in the least abundant amount. Ideal food choice: protein

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/27/food-combining.aspx

    THIS is not any better. However, you follow all these rules and let us know how you're doing in a couple of months--OK?
  • robininfl
    robininfl Posts: 1,137 Member
    No. I heard about this 20 years ago but personally never could tell a difference. Plus "no proteins and starches at the same meal" knocks out too many foods, beans and potatoes and bread, on and on. Many, maybe most foods, have some protein and some starch.

    I do think that finding your individual *best* pattern can help you feel better. I feel better with a reasonable breakfast a few hours after rising and one more big meal toward mid day, and a small supper. I can skip supper no problem (except that often I want to work out before breakfast), but want either breakfast and teatime meal, or breakfast and late lunch, or early lunch and tea.

    Other people might feel better eating big supper and not care about lunch or breakfast. Or might feel icky eating fruit on an empty stomach, or only feel good eating fruit on an empty stomach. Or not be able to work out before eating.

    You should do what works for you, but not extrapolate that out to everyone else.
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    Hamsibian wrote: »
    Other than not eating fats and starchy carbs together (which I don't see on the list), I've never heard that defying any of these rules contribute to difficulty digesting food. If you want better digestion, cook everything including veggies. Limit your overall sugar intake, and focus on consuming more fats and less carbs (not saying go low carb, that's up to you. Fats are generally easier to digest though).

    Tell that to my reflux. It does not like fats very much.

    I've found sweeping statements like yours don't hold true for everyone and it's best not to make them.

    OP, I tried food combining. Your version bringing in ph stuff is something new to me. That adds an extra level of oh-no-not-this as far as I'm concerned.

    Food combining did nothing for me but make it hard to plan meals.


    You're right. I wasn't trying to make sweeping statements. that's why I meant "in general" and to not go low carb unless that's the preference of the Op. I have Crohn's, so I know everyone is different. There there has been the basic idea that people with Ibd can tolerate fats like Avocados more easily than starchy carbs, but of course everyone needs to eat what makes them feel good.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    Hamsibian wrote: »
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    Hamsibian wrote: »
    Other than not eating fats and starchy carbs together (which I don't see on the list), I've never heard that defying any of these rules contribute to difficulty digesting food. If you want better digestion, cook everything including veggies. Limit your overall sugar intake, and focus on consuming more fats and less carbs (not saying go low carb, that's up to you. Fats are generally easier to digest though).

    Tell that to my reflux. It does not like fats very much.

    I've found sweeping statements like yours don't hold true for everyone and it's best not to make them.

    OP, I tried food combining. Your version bringing in ph stuff is something new to me. That adds an extra level of oh-no-not-this as far as I'm concerned.

    Food combining did nothing for me but make it hard to plan meals.


    You're right. I wasn't trying to make sweeping statements. that's why I meant "in general" and to not go low carb unless that's the preference of the Op. I have Crohn's, so I know everyone is different. There there has been the basic idea that people with Ibd can tolerate fats like Avocados more easily than starchy carbs, but of course everyone needs to eat what makes them feel good.

    Actually I tolerate white carbs way better than fats lol. I am odd thought
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    singindutelady wrote: »
    Hamsibian wrote: »
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    Hamsibian wrote: »
    Other than not eating fats and starchy carbs together (which I don't see on the list), I've never heard that defying any of these rules contribute to difficulty digesting food. If you want better digestion, cook everything including veggies. Limit your overall sugar intake, and focus on consuming more fats and less carbs (not saying go low carb, that's up to you. Fats are generally easier to digest though).

    Tell that to my reflux. It does not like fats very much.

    I've found sweeping statements like yours don't hold true for everyone and it's best not to make them.

    OP, I tried food combining. Your version bringing in ph stuff is something new to me. That adds an extra level of oh-no-not-this as far as I'm concerned.

    Food combining did nothing for me but make it hard to plan meals.


    You're right. I wasn't trying to make sweeping statements. that's why I meant "in general" and to not go low carb unless that's the preference of the Op. I have Crohn's, so I know everyone is different. There there has been the basic idea that people with Ibd can tolerate fats like Avocados more easily than starchy carbs, but of course everyone needs to eat what makes them feel good.

    Actually I tolerate white carbs way better than fats lol. I am odd thought

    Hehe I did say everyone was different! I miss white carbs. Oh, and by not combining fats and carbs, I meant in fried foods and potato chips, not chicken thighs with mashed potatoes. Again, I'm not saying it's the same for everyone, but the Op was asking about ways to digest food better. I'm just providing some input that hopefully may help. :smile:
  • Alyssa_Is_LosingIt
    Alyssa_Is_LosingIt Posts: 4,696 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    Oh sorry, I got the wrong site. Here's the right one. Dr. Pickering is a respected professional who knew Charles Atlas, so I have much more confidence in his advice, even though there are less rules.

    The 3 commandments:
    1) No proteins and starches at the same meal
    2) No fruits and vegetables at the same meal
    3) Eat melon alone

    When and what:
    4) Morning meal: The least concentrated foods, in the greatest amount. Ideal food choice: fruits
    5) Middle of the day: More complex foods, but in a smaller amount than your first meal. Ideal food choice: starchy carbs
    6) Evening: The most concentrated foods, but in the least abundant amount. Ideal food choice: protein

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/27/food-combining.aspx

    Still nonsense.

    No steak and baked potato? Can't put berries, apples, or mandarin oranges on my salad? Sliced cantaloupe is one of my favorite additions to just about any meal in the summer.

    Puh-lease.

    OP, just eat what you like, with what you like. You don't have to follow these silly rules.
  • leosmith66
    leosmith66 Posts: 69 Member
    Ok, this one looks much better.

    step 1 - pick one of these categories at each meal:
    Fresh fruit
    Starches
    Animal Protein
    Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit

    step 2 - fill the rest of your plate with cooked or raw non-starchy vegetables

    step 3 - wait 3 to 4 hours before switching categories

    http://detoxinista.com/about/food-combining/
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I can't take a website with detox in the name.


    If you are having serious digestive issues I would suggest getting a referral to a gi dr for a diagnosis and seeing a registered dietitian who is familiar with people with that diagnosis instead of following random internet sites
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    The only food combining I worry about comes from my diabetic training where I pair my carbs with a little protein and fat. Foods that naturally come with all three include soy, edamame, seeds and nuts.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    Ok, this one looks much better.

    step 1 - pick one of these categories at each meal:
    Fresh fruit
    Starches
    Animal Protein
    Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit

    step 2 - fill the rest of your plate with cooked or raw non-starchy vegetables

    step 3 - wait 3 to 4 hours before switching categories

    http://detoxinista.com/about/food-combining/

    OMG. NO. It is still woo no matter which website it comes from.
    Woo. Bunk. BS. Crap. Dr Oz...need I go further?

    STOP with the food combining. Your stomach does NOT know the difference.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,301 Member
    I came across this in the 1980's. In the book Food combining for Health. The principal was 100 years old even then like Banting but we still try to diet. Thankfully our understanding of our dietary needs is continuing to grow, long may it last.

  • jvcjim
    jvcjim Posts: 812 Member
    so no prosciutto wrapped melon or asparagus what about if i slather them in hollandaise? two wrongs don't make a right, but three do. :)
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    jvcjcooper wrote: »
    so no prosciutto wrapped melon or asparagus what about if i slather them in hollandaise? two wrongs don't make a right, but three do. :)

    Sure, but if you add a fourth you're just chasing your tail in circles. :wink:
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    Ok, this one looks much better.

    step 1 - pick one of these categories at each meal:
    Fresh fruit
    Starches
    Animal Protein
    Nuts, Seeds & Dried Fruit

    step 2 - fill the rest of your plate with cooked or raw non-starchy vegetables

    step 3 - wait 3 to 4 hours before switching categories

    http://detoxinista.com/about/food-combining/

    Just as bogus and useless as any of the other plans you've listed. "Food combining" is a scam, period.
  • Wynterbourne
    Wynterbourne Posts: 2,235 Member
    edited October 2016
    And for the next three examples you find a post for...

    "No, no, and no."
  • leosmith66
    leosmith66 Posts: 69 Member
    TR0berts wrote: »
    OK, I'll admit it. I'm honestly not sure if this is a damned good troll job or not.
    Haha - busted! But actually I have read about food combining on several sites to see if I can find anything that might help my individual occasional discomfort. The fruit thing (eat it alone well before a meal instead of for desert) definitely helped. Most of the info isn't helpful, and I'm not sure any of it applies to "the majority of people", but I like to keep an open mind. I'm funny that way.

    When I was overseas for 6 months recently I started having stomach issues, mostly mildly painful gas. This was after a diet change which had, for a couple months, fixed all former problems. So I wanted to know what happened. Poking around the internet, I discovered I had GERD symptoms. I started following advice doctors typically give to GERD patients, and there was a noticeable improvement. But I still had occasional pain, so I've decided to continue checking things out on the internet. My goal is to never have to see a specialist about my gut, and in fact my problems aren't bad enough to warrant that. I'm going to continue to use other people's knowledge so that I can improve my health through diet, exercise and behaviour.

    So I'm asking people if they've tried and food combos that worked for them, and giving example sites for reference. I also keep posting additional sites because some posters here seem to be really entertained by it. Either way - enjoy!
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    HA--HA OP. Really funny. Strange way to get your jollies.
  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    edited October 2016
    jgnatca wrote: »
    The only food combining I worry about comes from my diabetic training where I pair my carbs with a little protein and fat. Foods that naturally come with all three include soy, edamame, seeds and nuts.

    Mercola. Not a fan. Trolling aside, it does raise a question for me. The first thing that came to mind, which I do not see on his list, is fiber & sugar. Something like fiber slows digestion, moderating the glycemic impact of sugars (added or natural). Is that a legitimate thing?
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    TR0berts wrote: »
    OK, I'll admit it. I'm honestly not sure if this is a damned good troll job or not.
    Haha - busted! But actually I have read about food combining on several sites to see if I can find anything that might help my individual occasional discomfort. The fruit thing (eat it alone well before a meal instead of for desert) definitely helped. Most of the info isn't helpful, and I'm not sure any of it applies to "the majority of people", but I like to keep an open mind. I'm funny that way.

    When I was overseas for 6 months recently I started having stomach issues, mostly mildly painful gas. This was after a diet change which had, for a couple months, fixed all former problems. So I wanted to know what happened. Poking around the internet, I discovered I had GERD symptoms. I started following advice doctors typically give to GERD patients, and there was a noticeable improvement. But I still had occasional pain, so I've decided to continue checking things out on the internet. My goal is to never have to see a specialist about my gut, and in fact my problems aren't bad enough to warrant that. I'm going to continue to use other people's knowledge so that I can improve my health through diet, exercise and behaviour.

    So I'm asking people if they've tried and food combos that worked for them, and giving example sites for reference. I also keep posting additional sites because some posters here seem to be really entertained by it. Either way - enjoy!

    With this additional information I have two more suggestions. Try the FODMAP diet for a couple months then gradually re introduce foods to pinpoint your trouble areas. And just to rule it out, make at least one specialist appointment for a colonoscopy to rule out the really bad stuff. I found out I have no cancerous bits but I do have diverticulosis. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,302 Member
    ahoy_m8 wrote: »
    jgnatca wrote: »
    The only food combining I worry about comes from my diabetic training where I pair my carbs with a little protein and fat. Foods that naturally come with all three include soy, edamame, seeds and nuts.

    Mercola. Not a fan. Trolling aside, it does raise a question for me. The first thing that came to mind, which I do not see on his list, is fiber & sugar. Something like fiber slows digestion, moderating the glycemic impact of sugars (added or natural). Is that a legitimate thing?

    Yes that would be a legitimate thing - so would combining foods to aid digestion and make them more filling - eg mixing milk with dried oats to make porridge.

    But special effects for weight loss?? No

    and surely OP can see how silly that would be - her list would rule out simple common combinations like breakfast of orange juice and piece of toast, or fruit salad and icecream or cheese sandwiches.

  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    TR0berts wrote: »
    OK, I'll admit it. I'm honestly not sure if this is a damned good troll job or not.
    Haha - busted! But actually I have read about food combining on several sites to see if I can find anything that might help my individual occasional discomfort. The fruit thing (eat it alone well before a meal instead of for desert) definitely helped. Most of the info isn't helpful, and I'm not sure any of it applies to "the majority of people", but I like to keep an open mind. I'm funny that way.

    When I was overseas for 6 months recently I started having stomach issues, mostly mildly painful gas. This was after a diet change which had, for a couple months, fixed all former problems. So I wanted to know what happened. Poking around the internet, I discovered I had GERD symptoms. I started following advice doctors typically give to GERD patients, and there was a noticeable improvement. But I still had occasional pain, so I've decided to continue checking things out on the internet. My goal is to never have to see a specialist about my gut, and in fact my problems aren't bad enough to warrant that. I'm going to continue to use other people's knowledge so that I can improve my health through diet, exercise and behaviour.

    So I'm asking people if they've tried and food combos that worked for them, and giving example sites for reference. I also keep posting additional sites because some posters here seem to be really entertained by it. Either way - enjoy!

    Man, nice touch with the Mercola.

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