Does bloating, gas, or indigestion slow you down? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with digestive woes. This article will introduce you to some very basic food combining guidelines and some natural, fruity solutions to help your gut feeling happy again.

Food Combining: A Simple Experiment

Food combining involves strategically pairing (or avoiding) certain foods for improved digestion. While research is ongoing, many find it effective. Try avoiding starchy culprits like bread, pasta, and potatoes with protein-rich partners like chicken or steak for two to three weeks and see if you notice a difference.

Nature’s Fruity Digestive Powerhouses

Mother Nature offers a bounty of fruits that can assist your digestion:

• Lemons: These zesty wonders are high in chloride, a precursor to hydrochloric acid, which your stomach needs to break down protein. Squeeze some lemon on your salad, fish, chicken, vegetables, or even add a splash to warm or room temperature water for a refreshing morning drink.
• Papayas: This tropical delight boasts papain, an enzyme that tackles protein and fat. The riper the papaya, the higher the enzyme content. Don’t toss the seeds! They’re also rich in papain. Dry them for a unique pepper substitute or sprinkle them on your food. Learn more about that here: 4 Reasons Why You Should Eat Papaya AND Its Seeds (perfectresonance.com)
• Pineapples: This sunshine fruit packs bromelain, another protein-digesting enzyme. Bonus: bromelain can also help reduce inflammation. Golden pineapples tend to be riper, so opt for those. Keep the leafy top on to maintain freshness. For maximum benefit, cut the pineapple into wedges so each piece has some core, the part with the highest bromelain concentration. Here’s a video that shows you how I do this: Why I Eat the Pineapple Core (perfectresonance.com)
• Kiwis: These fuzzy fruits are a hidden gem. They contain actinidin, an enzyme that aids protein digestion. Kiwis are also bursting with vitamin C and promote regularity by helping retain water in the gut. Did you know that you don’t have to peel kiwi? You can eat the entire fruit, like you would an apple – just wash it first! .

Taking Your Digestive Health Further

While food combining and these fruits offer a natural digestive boost, some may need additional support. Consider incorporating a daily probiotic supplement and/or a digestive enzyme. Probiotics replenish good gut bacteria, crucial for optimal digestion and overall health.

Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best choice for your specific needs.

The Takeaway

Food combining can be a game-changer, especially for those experiencing bloating and indigestion. Include lemons, papaya, pineapple, and kiwi in your diet for their enzyme power. Daily probiotics and digestive enzymes (when needed) further enhance your digestive and gut health. Remember, for persistent digestive problems, seek professional guidance for personalized recommendations.

Sources

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Article courtesy of Anna Varriano, RNT, NP, of Perfect Resonance Natural Health Counselling

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