Food combing rules have been developed by nutritionists who have studied the effects of certain foods being digested together. Eating foods which are detrimental to each other can cause malabsorption of the nutrients from the food or cause indigestion and gas in the stomach. Some of the main food rules are listed below.

Avoid eating acidic foods with starchy foods (Orange juice with toast) When this occurs the acidic food blocks the production of certain enzymes needed to break down starch.

Avoid protein rich foods and starch foods (Lasagne) The stomach needs to be quite acidic to break down protein which prevents the digestion of starch as it requires a different acidity in the stomach. Starch can also ferment which can prevent the breakdown of protein and can cause gas and indigestion.

Always drink milk on its own (Milk on cereal) Milk curdles when it hits the stomach so it can coat the other food eaten with the curd preventing them from being digested.

Avoid drinking with meals. Fluids with meals can dilute the stomach acidity which can result in poor digestion. Prevent drinking for at least an hour before and after meals, also avoid eating melon with meals as these are also high in water content.

Avoid sugary foods with starch rich foods (Toast with Jam) When in the mouth the starch is disguised by the sugar which prevents the production of certain enzymes required to break down the starch.

Avoid sugary foods with protein rich foods (Dried nuts and fruit) Sugar tends to inhibit the secretions of gastric enzymes which are why sweets before meals can spoil the appetite. The lack of digestive enzymes prevents the digestion of the proteins as they require the acidic environment for digestion. Eat fruit before other foods. Fruit is digested within 20-30 minutes before it is emptied. So eat fruit first then wait half an hour before other foods are ingested.

By being aware of how certain foods interact with each other can help people make better choices about what they eat and when they eat it especially if they are prone to indigestion when they eat.

Many of us do the opposite of most of these rules due to eating pattens that we have learnt through childhood and development. Knowledge allows us to change our pattens and help us and our children learn good eating habits from an early age.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups spelt flour
• ½ cup pumpkin, grated
• ½ cup zucchini, grated
• 2 Tablespoons low fat cottage cheese
• 2 Tablespoons Spanish onions, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon chives, chopped
• ½ teaspoon trocomare
• 1 ½ cups water
• Pinch pepper

Method:

1. Place all the ingredients except for flour and water into a mixing bowl and mix together.
2. Add flour and mix through.  Then add the water and mix until all flour has been absorbed.
3. Lightly spray muffin tins with canola spray and spoon mixture into tins.
4. Bake in a 180^oC preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes.