Food Combining For Optimal Digestion
We've all heard the saying, "You are what you eat." However, the wisdom embedded in this phrase becomes richer and more nuanced when we acknowledge that you are also what you digest and absorb. In today's busy life, food choices and combinations often come second to convenience, leading to suboptimal digestive health. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the complexities of human digestion through the lens of Dr. Robert Morse and Dr. Jensen, two experts in naturopathy and nutrition.
Human Physiology and Natural Diets
It's fascinating how closely human physiology resembles that of primates, particularly when it comes to our digestive system. For instance, our digestive tracts are about 12 times the length of our spine, much like our primate cousins. Our teeth are blunt and flat, and our saliva contains amylase—an enzyme designed to break down carbohydrates.
However, despite these similarities, human evolution has equipped us with the capability to digest a broader spectrum of foods, including animal proteins and fats. This omnivorous nature could very well be a manifestation of our higher consciousness, which not only bestows upon us the faculty for complex thought but also enables a wide range of dietary choices that go beyond primal instinct.
The Importance of Elimination Channels
Dr. Jensen emphasized the pivotal role of the four channels of elimination—bowels, lungs, skin, and kidneys—in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Starting with the bowels, you should have a bowel movement in the morning and then one additional bowel movement for each meal you consume. While this serves as a general guideline, the specifics can vary significantly depending on what you eat.
Decoding Bowel Movements
The frequency and volume of your bowel movements are a direct feedback loop from your body, revealing what's happening internally. Consuming more insoluble fiber generally leads to more frequent and voluminous bowel movements, aiding in detoxification. On the other hand, higher protein and fat consumption, such as from animal-based foods, results in full absorption of those nutrients, thereby lessening the frequency and volume of bowel movements.
The balance between these types of foods will differ for each individual. This is one of the areas where I find great joy in helping my clients because understanding the quality and frequency of bowel movements, or the lack thereof, can be a crucial indicator of internal health.
Obstacles to Optimal Digestion
In our quest for convenience, we often overlook the simple yet vital rules that govern healthy digestion. Among these are:
Improper Food Combining
Sticky and Gluey Foods
Incompatible Food Categories
Processed Foods
Golden Rules of Food Combining
Eat fruit alone or with leafy greens
Prioritize raw over cooked foods
Eat your raw foods first
Don’t mix protein with starch
Wait 3-4 hours between meals
Limit water during meals
The Power of Monomeals in Acute Gut Healing
When you're dealing with acute digestive issues, sometimes simplicity is the best policy. Monomeals, or meals consisting of just one type of food, can be a powerful tool in these situations. The concept, drawn from the work of Dr. Robert Morse, simplifies the digestive process, allowing your system to focus solely on one type of nutrient at a time.
For instance, consuming a monomeal of watermelon allows your body to process fructose and fiber without the distraction of other nutrients and enzyme requirements. This simplicity can have multiple benefits:
Energy Conservation: Less effort is required to break down a single type of food, enabling your digestive system to take a breather.
Efficient Nutrient Absorption: The body can focus on maximizing the absorption of the specific nutrients present in the food.
Elimination and Detoxification: The body can more easily process and eliminate waste, a key part of healing an aggravated gut.
Monomeals are particularly beneficial when your digestive system is compromised, as they can prevent food combinations that trigger fermentative or putrefactive processes in the gut. Of course, this is not a long-term solution, but it can be highly effective during acute phases of gut healing.
Building Sustainable Habits for Digestive Health
Nutrition and proper food combining are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digestive health. Sustainable habit formation is equally critical for long-term well-being. Drawing from the science of habit formation, here are some practices you can adopt:
Cue Awareness: Start recognizing the triggers that make you opt for unhealthy or incompatible food combinations. Are you stress-eating, or is it more about convenience? Identifying the cues can help you substitute a bad habit with a good one.
Routine Building: Develop a simple routine that prioritizes gut health. It could be something as straightforward as starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water to stimulate digestion or consuming a fruit-only breakfast to break your fast.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for sticking to your routine. Whether it's a five-minute meditation session or a short walk, incorporating positive reinforcement can make the habit stick.
Herbal Support: As a naturopathic expert, I often incorporate herbal medicine into a comprehensive gut health plan. Herbs like peppermint, ginger, and chamomile can complement your diet and lifestyle changes, providing that extra layer of support for your digestive system.
Regular Tracking and Feedback: Use journals or apps to keep track of what you're eating, how you're feeling, and most importantly, the state of your bowel movements. This information is not just valuable data for your healthcare provider but also serves as a personal feedback loop to understand how different foods and habits affect you.
Digestion is a complex process influenced by myriad factors, ranging from the foods we consume to the way we pair them. By adhering to natural diets, optimizing food combinations, and incorporating practices like monomeals during acute phases of gut healing, we can drastically improve our digestive health. And remember, the state of your gut serves as an internal barometer, continuously providing feedback about your overall health.
To your highest health,
Davida
