Suitable combinations: Alone or accompanied? How to better digest fruits

It is common to believe that the fruit ferments in the stomach when mixed with other foods. Is it a strict rule to eat fruit without any accompaniment?

The search for a correct digestion, in which the use of nutrients is optimal, has given rise to different theories about the good or bad combination of foods when ingesting them.

The different approaches range from the hygienic ideas of Herbert M. Shelton, who advises the least possible mixing of foods, to the proposal of Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, who says that this mixture is not as important as good chewing and attitude or mood with which you eat.

Personally, I think the reason is divided.

POOR DIGESTIVE MIXTURES: WHEN THE FRUIT PRODUCES GASES

Acidic fruit (orange, for example) inhibits ptyalin that helps digest carbohydrates. For this reason, taking it at the same time as the banana, which needs this enzyme, makes digestion difficult, although it does not prevent it.

The same happens if sweet and juicy fruit is added to a meal rich in protein and fat. Like the liquid drunk while eating, this fruit dilutes gastric juices and also requires the predominance of other enzymes.

The result of these digestions is none other than half-digested products that ferment incorrectly and generate gases.

HOW TO MAKE FRUIT FEEL BETTER?

However, it is true that moderate amounts , good chewing (which starts with a good insalivation), a healthy intestinal flora rich in bacteria that assist in digestion, not drinking during meals or immediately after, as well as a state of mind Optimally , they can prevent these “nutritional incompatibilities” from leading to poor digestion.

My advice is to take advantage of all the theoretical contributions to the subject and, therefore, in addition to trying to eat in the best conditions and with the best attitude, follow without stress some basic concepts about combining food, such as the following:

• Acid or semi-acid fruit(grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, kiwis, strawberries, pineapple). Take it preferably alone or mixed with each other, at breakfast, either mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
• Sweet fruit(including sweet dried fruit: raisins, figs, dates, dried apricots…). Take it in the same conditions, mixed with each other or accompanied by carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread with honey or sweet potatoes, for example.
• Not for dessert. Avoid fruit for dessert after or during a meal with fat and protein, except for apple or pear, which are considered “neutral”.
  • Very juicy fruits such as melon or watermelon after eating are not considered suitable because they dilute gastric juices and promote intestinal fermentation.
  • Some people also includes the pineapple or papaya dessert for its rich in digestive enzymes.
• Yes in the muesli. The apples and pears are ideal for inclusion in the muesli, because mixed with nuts or oilseeds containing fats.

In any case, apart from these general tips, each person should be observed in order to better understand their digestive process and make their own decisions.