Proper Food Combination

Starches and proteins require different digestive juices for absorption by the body. Protein (meat, dairy, nuts and so on) digestion begins in the stomach and requires a lot of hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin.

On the other hand starches such as sugars and carbohydrates (rice, potatoes, bread and so on) require an alkaline digestive medium which is initailly supplied in the mouth by the enzyme ptyalin.

In the law of chemistry, these two contrary medium (acid and alkali) cannot work at the same time. They neutralize each other. If you eat a protein with a starch, digestion is impaired. Undigested food become soil for bacteria to grow.

This is why it is recommended that proteins and carbohydrates be consumed at least 15 minutes apart to ensure your digestive system can work most efficiently.

However do not worry if you do not follow these guidelines and consume these food types together. It will not kill you doing this a few times a day. Just try and split the food types in some meals.

Notes:

Starches and proteins in a concentrated form are not compatible at the same meal as they require drastically different digestive juices to render them absorbable by the body. Protein digestion begins in the stomach and demands a copious flow of hydrochloric acid, which contains a protein-splitting enzyme called pepsin. Pepsin causes partial digestion of the proteins and splits them into peptones.

Sugars and other carbohydrates do not require the same copious flow of hydrochloric acid as do proteins, but just enough to further cleave the cellulose fo the foods into an emulsion. Starches have an affinity for pepsin which is needed in large amounts for protein digestion. When pepsin is lacking due to the absorbing action of the starches, the proteins are not properly split into peptones. As a reult, putrefaction takes place.

Furthermore, the starches will ferment, causing a souring of the stomach and then formation of gas. Continued indigestion will ultimately cause the breakdown of vital structures which can result in ulcers and even cancer.

Additionally, the enzyme ptyalin is present in saliva when starches are being masticated. However, the moment acid is present in the mouth while we are chewing a stachy food, the flow of ptyalin is immediately checked. For this reason, any acid or subacid food should not be eaten at a meal incorporating starches.

(source: Food Combining Made Easy, Herbert Shelton, M.D.)