Proper Food Combining: A Simple Way to Support Better Digestion and Energy

What Is Proper Food Combining?

Food combining is the practice of eating certain foods together (and avoiding others together) to support digestion. The idea is that different foods require different digestive environments, and mixing the wrong ones can slow things down. When foods are combined properly, your body uses less energy to break them down—leaving you feeling lighter, more energized, and balanced.

The Basic Principles of Food Combining

1. Fruits Should Be Eaten Alone

   • Fresh fruits digest quickly, so pair them on their own. Eating fruit after a heavy meal can cause fermentation and gas.

   • Example: Start your morning with fresh pineapple or papaya before your main meal.

2. Proteins and Starches Don’t Mix Well

   • Protein-rich foods (like beans, nuts, or meat) need acidic digestive juices, while starches (like rice, bread, or potatoes) need alkaline conditions. Mixing them slows digestion.

   • Example: Enjoy baked salmon with a side of leafy greens instead of mashed potatoes.

3. Non-Starchy Vegetables Go With Almost Everything

   • Leafy greens and non-starchy veggies are the most flexible—they pair well with proteins OR starches.

   • Example: Pair grilled chicken with a big green salad, or rice with steamed broccoli.

4. Don’t Mix Too Many Heavy Foods at Once

   • Keep meals simple. Overloading on multiple proteins or starches at the same time makes digestion harder.

Benefits of Proper Food Combining

• Less Bloating & Gas → Easier digestion means less discomfort after meals.

• More Energy → Your body spends less time “fighting” food combinations, giving you steady energy.

• Better Nutrient Absorption → Minerals, vitamins, and enzymes are better utilized.

• Supports Detox & Weight Management → Lighter digestion helps your body flush out toxins.

How to Get Started

• Start with one change: eat fruit alone in the morning.

• Build your meals around one main food group (protein OR starch), then add non-starchy veggies.

• Drink water before meals instead of with them to avoid diluting stomach acids.

• Be patient—your body may take a couple of weeks to adjust.

Proper food combining isn’t about strict rules—it’s about creating balance so your body can thrive. At P.A. Herbal Minerals, we encourage natural ways of living that make your wellness journey easier. Pair these principles with our herbal supplements, sea moss gels, and mineral-rich teas to help your body feel its best from the inside out.