Do you eat them together? Food combinations that harm your digestion and health

Many foods have different digestion rates: some pass quickly into the intestines, while others remain longer in the stomach. For this very reason, certain combinations can overload the digestive system and cause discomfort.

According to the principles of Ayurveda and the guidelines of nutrition specialists, some products are not recommended to be consumed simultaneously, because they have different compositions, tastes, and energies, which directly affect how the stomach and the entire digestive system function.

When these rules are not respected, the most common consequences are bloating, fermentation of food in the stomach, and accumulation of toxins in the body.

Therefore, here are some combinations you should avoid, in order to improve digestion, prevent bloating, and help the body absorb the maximum amount of nutrients.

Fruits during or immediately after a meal

Examples of combinations to avoid:

▪ Adding fruits to salads (e.g. strawberries, peaches)

▪ Sauces with mango or sweet fruits combined with meat or fish

Why? Fruits pass quickly through the stomach and are mainly digested in the intestines. When consumed together with foods that digest slowly, such as meat or fish, fruits remain in the stomach longer than they should and may begin to ferment. This causes bloating, gas, and sometimes heartburn.

What to do? It is better to eat fruits 30–60 minutes before meals. This way, enzymes are prepared for digestion and the digestive tract is given a clean start. Fruit water helps with hydration, fiber cleanses the intestines, and enzymes stimulate digestion.

If you eat fruits after a meal, wait at least 2–3 hours. This gives the stomach time to process the heavy food and prevents fermentation.

Meat and carbohydrates together

Common but problematic combinations:

Why? Animal proteins and complex carbohydrates are digested with different enzymes. When eaten together, the competing enzymes may slow each other down, leading to fermentation and gas.

That said, it is true that traditional cuisines have always used these combinations, and some bodies have adapted. But if you have a sensitive stomach or slow digestion, it is better to avoid this combination.

Exception: Combinations like beans with rice are beneficial because they combine different amino acids and create a complete protein profile.

What to do? Instead of carbohydrates, combine proteins with non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy salads, spinach, cabbages, or other fresh vegetables.

Fats with wrong combinations

Examples that burden digestion:

▪ Olives with white or refined bread

▪ Tuna with plenty of mayonnaise

▪ Fried meat with refined oils

Why? When fats are added on top of animal proteins, digestion slows down significantly. Excess fat with protein requires more acidity and more time to be processed.

What to do? Use olive oil or coconut oil for cooking. Combine avocado, nuts, or seeds with non-starchy vegetables. Eat leafy green vegetables daily, as they help with fat digestion.

Do not drink water or juices during meals

▪ Drinking water during meals

▪ Fruit juices during meals

▪ Tea immediately after eating

Why? When you drink water during a meal, you dilute the digestive juices produced by the stomach. This prevents enzymes from doing their job fully, hindering the absorption of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

What to do? Drink water 10–15 minutes before a meal. After eating, wait 45 minutes to 1 hour before drinking water or tea. This preserves the concentration of digestive juices.

Two concentrated proteins in the same meal

Combinations that burden digestion:

▪ Chicken meat and beef in the same dish

Why? Concentrated proteins require more acid and more time to break down. When combined, they increase the load on the stomach and intestines.

What to do? Eat meat or fish after a fresh salad. Do not wait too long from the first course to the main course (no more than 10 minutes), so that enzymes remain active.

If you cannot avoid two proteins in one meal, accompany them with fiber-rich vegetables such as onions, broccoli, cauliflower, or green salads.

Choosing the right combinations helps not only digestion but also affects the body’s energy and overall state.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between a heavy stomach and a body that functions easily.

A balanced body is the best reflection of healthy eating habits!

“KORÇA BOOM”