Basic Food Combining, Part 3

A second factor to consider in the digestive process is that each cavity contains its own distinctive secretions to carry on its specific work of digestion.  And at each stage of this process, digestion proceeds more or less efficiently depending upon the conditions present at each stage.  In other words, the efficiency of digestion in the intestines is dependent upon the work done in the mouth and stomach.  It is a sequential operation.  For example, if pepsin, the enzyme secreted in the stomach during the first stage of protein digestion, has not converted these proteins into peptones due to unfavorable conditions present in the stomach, then erepsin, the enzyme secreted in the intestine, will not be able to carry on the final stage of protein digestion – that of converting the peptones into amino acids.  Each stage of digestion must not be interfered with, if we desire efficient digestion.

A third factor concerns the emptying time of the stomach into the intestine.  Fruits remain in the stomach an hour or less when eaten alone.  Starches require two to three hours to complete gastric digestion.  And proteins require approximately four hours.  Complex foods, such as dried beans, are difficult to digest, requiring five to six hours to complete gastric digestion.  The important point is this: If a food remains in the stomach longer than is normally required, due to an incompatible combination, the food will likely decompose and nutrition is impaired.

Considering the factors of digestion, we may appreciate the importance of food combining and the potential of creating two very distinct situations when eating: one being digestion and nutrient enhancement; the other being decomposition of the food, a form of self-poisoning.

If carbohydrates are not digested, they ferment, producing poisons such as carbon dioxide, acetic acid, lactic acid, and alcohol.  And the most important thing to remember is that the alcohol produced has the same potential for destruction of the liver and other organs, as commercial alcohol. When proteins are not digested, they putrefy, producing poisons known as ptomaines.

Anytime two or more foods are eaten at the same meal, each one requiring opposite conditions for their digestion, the digestive process becomes less than efficient.  Sometimes digestion is totally suspended.

The responsibility for harmonious digestion rests with each of us.  Failure to observe the limitations of human digestion results in mild to severe indigestion and is very likely to be a contributing factor in causing disease.

(Incompatible combinations of food will be fully discussed next week in Part 4 – J.P.)