Combining Foods

A few years ago I saw a food chart developed by Dr. Norman Walker (see diagram) that described what foods to (and not to) combine in the same meal. It suggested that proteins (meat) and complex carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.) should not be consumed during the same meal. It then occurred to me that it was suggesting NO chicken with rice and NO steak with potatoes. After a few seconds I went to the next page dismissing the chart as archaic propaganda. It wasn’t until months later that I discovered how legitimate the chart was and began to study it further. I have now adopted much of what the chart suggests. Essentially, when we put protein into our mouth, it triggers a series of digestive processes specifically designed to digest proteins. A similar process occurs when we put complex carbohydrates into our mouth however, when we put both proteins AND complex carbohydrates into our mouth, the processes combine causing indigestion and other related discomforts. Since I’ve separated my proteins and starches, my digestive system has reacted very favorably.

Copyright 1940, Dr. Norman W. Walker

Moreover, Ann Wigmore (in her book entitled, Hippocrates Live Food Program, 1984) suggests fruits and vegetables should NOT be combined in the same meal with the exception of the avocado. She adds the most important thing is to avoid drinking liquids with live meals explaining that live foods contain sufficient moisture. She also explains that additional liquids dilute the digestive secretions in the stomach and inhibit the digestive process. There is much conflicting data concerning food combinations. I found it beneficial to be aware of the data and experiment on my own making food combination decisions accordingly.

Food and drink are relied upon to nurture life.
But if one does not know that the natures of
substances may be opposed to each other,
and one consumes them altogether indiscriminately,
the vital organs will be thrown out of harmony
and disastrous consequences will soon arise.

CHIA MING, 1368
[From the book entitled, The Tao of Health,
Sex, & Longevity by Daniel P. Reid]