Nuts, seeds, grains and legumes are excellent sources of protein, healthy fat, fibre and minerals.
If you are following a more natural whole-food diet, this can lead to us eating a higher load of certain chemicals which can cause gastric, discomfort as well as inhibiting the absorption of important nutrients. They fall into the following:
Phytate
Phytate is the salt of phytic acid and is a storage form of phosphorus in grains, legumes and nuts/seeds. It reduces the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium to name a few.
Tannins
Polyphenols are not denatured by heat. Tannins, an antioxidant polyphenol can inhibit the digestibility of protein, minerals and starch. They bind and disable digestive enzymes in the GI tract. The most notable concern is with the minerals iron, copper, and zinc – not calcium or manganese. Vitamin B1 can also be inactivated.
Oxalate
Oxalic acid is present in various plant foods, depending on the area grown. It decreases calcium absorption. You’ve likely heard that calcium from spinach is poorly absorbed – this is because of the oxalic acids in spinach.
Enzyme inhibitors
Trypsin inhibitors and Protease Inhibitors are one of the most common types.
Consuming enzyme inhibitors can cause GI distress that allows our bodies to break down the protein, creating a long-term protein deficiency. Raw nuts and soy are known to contain these compounds.
Lectins
Lectins are found in all plants especially seeds, legumes and grains, in high amounts they can cause harm to the digestive tract lining and interfere with the absorption of other nutrients.
How do we reduce the harmful chemicals and release the nutrients?
It’s simple really, soaking and sprouting foods alters the chemical load by reducing the phytic acid. Phytate binds to the available minerals in our gastrointestinal tract, stopping their absorption and can lead to deficiency. It also releases good minerals, enzymes and vitamins making them bioavailable to us.
What does soaking do?
Soaking removes the phytic acid and reduces tannins, so the nuts, seeds, grains and legumes can be absorbed correctly for proper digestion. This process improves their nutrition and bioavailability.
How do you soak ?
A general rule is the bigger and denser the food, the longer it will need to soak.
Cover the seeds, nuts grains, beans or legumes with double the amount of water and leave to soak. The longer it needs to be soaked and the more you need to change the water rinsing off the food at the same time. Always discard the soaking water.
After soaking how do we use them?
Once soaked you can use the beans, lentils, nuts or seeds in your kinds of milk, vegetable curries recipes or dehydrate them to make flours or use in recipes like granolas or chocolate. You can also do the next stage which is sprouting.
What does sprouting do?
It unlocks the nutrients and can lower the anti-nutrients making the foods easier to digest as well.
How do you sprout?
It’s not a complicated thing to do. Sprouting takes this one step further. After soaking drain the water, rinse, refill with fresh water and drain them by positioning the jars on the side at an angle for several hours. This allows the jar to completely drain.
Placing the jars on a sunny windowsill will help with the sprouting process. Several rinsing and re-soaking periods allows for them to eventually germinate and sprout
What does Fermenting do?
It is a method in which the seeds naturally become fermented by combining them with wild yeast and an acidic liquid. It creates probiotics. This increases healthy bacteria, helpful enzymes, minerals and vitamins.
Once sprouting is completed, seeds can benefit even more by being fermented. Fermentation, Uncovered
Soaked grain recipes
If you’re looking for soaked grain recipes, check out the recipes below:
Overnight Oatmeal is super simple to make and cooks up in about five minutes in the morning.
Savoury chilla is a fantastic, nutrient-dense breakfast for little ones.
Vegetable Upma is another easy morning porridge made with jowar and spices.
Getting your nutrients from foods is better than getting them from supplements.
You may not get enough of certain micronutrients: iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin Bs, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Many people choose to rely on a multivitamin to supply these crucial micronutrients.
Most of the multivitamins and mineral supplements have no health benefits. Fulfil the lack of nutrients and vitamins by adding foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. That said, some foods are much more nutritious than others.
But instead of a multivitamin, a diet rich in these 9 nutritious foods could supply enough of these nutrients instead.
Here’s a list of some of the most common vitamins and minerals you might typically get from a multivitamin — we included a few options for getting them in food form.Eat up!
1. Vitamin A
Why you need it: Vitamin A is important for good vision, the immune system, embryonic development, and bone growth.
How much you need: Adults need about 700-900 micrograms per day.
Swap vitamin A pills for
Sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, kale, berries, apricots, papaya, eggs, butter, raw milk and cheeses, cod liver oil and organ meats like liver.
2. Vitamin Bs
Why you need it:
Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism, forming neurotransmitters, enzyme function, and the nerve system.
Vitamin B12 often known as “energy pills”, helps your DNA to protect itself from damage caused by undue stress on the body or suffering from chronic fatigue.
Vitamin B9 (otherwise known as folic acid) is important for red blood cell formation, protein synthesis, fetal health, and preventing neural tube defects in pregnant women.
How much you need: Adults need about Vitamin B6, 1.3-1.5 milligrams per day, Vitamin B12, 2.4 milligrams per day and Vitamin B9, 400 micrograms per day.!
Swap vitamin Bs pills for
Black-eyed peas, asparagus, chickpeas, broccoli, kidney beans, eggs, ham, fortified whole-grain cereals, wheat germ, salmon, enriched rice, green pea, lentils and nuts such as almonds and pecans.
3. Vitamin C
Why you need it: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that’s important for protecting cells from damaging free radicals (like from smoke and pollution), building immunity against infections, synthesising collagen for healthy skin, and absorbing iron.
How much you need: Adults need 75-90 milligrams per day.
Swap vitamin C pills for
Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, strawberry and grapefruit; bell peppers; broccoli; papaya; and tomatoes.
4. Vitamin D
Why you need it: Known as “the sunshine vitamin”, strengthen teeth and bones and facilitates the absorption of calcium in the body.
How much you need: Adults need 5.0 micrograms per day.
Swap vitamin D pills for
Mushrooms, orange juice, soy milk, extra virgin olive oil, oily fish like salmon, walnuts, avocados and yes – even bacon.
5. Vitamin E
Why you need it: Vitamin E is important for cell signalling, healthy skin, protecting cells from free radicals, and immune function.
How much you need: Adults need about 15 milligrams per day.
Swap vitamin E pills for
All green leafy vegetables, almonds, raw seeds, swiss chard, mustard greens, spinach, turnip greens, kale, and plant oils.
6. Vitamin K
Why you need it: Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and coagulation, amino acid metabolism, and forming strong bones.
How much you need: Adults need 90-120 micrograms per day.
Swap vitamin K pills for
Cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and Basil.
7. Magnesium
Why you need it: Magnesium is important for over 300 enzymes in the body, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, protein synthesis, and wound healing. It also contributes to the strengthening of bones.
How much you need: Adults need 320-420 milligrams per day.
Swap magnesium pills for
Spinach, pumpkin seeds, figs, avocado, banana, raspberries, nuts, legumes, peas, broccoli, cabbage, green beans, artichokes, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and seafood like salmon, mackerel, tuna.
8. Iron
Why you need it: Iron is important for haemoglobin production, forming red blood cells, cellular energy production, and metabolizing drugs in the body.
How much you need: Adults need an average of 13 milligrams per day.
*Specifically, men need 8 milligrams per day and anyone who gets a period needs 18 milligrams per day to support iron loss during menstruation.
Swap iron pills for
Tofu, Tempeh, Soybeans, lentils, beans and peas, pumpkin, sesame, hemp and flaxseeds, cashews, pine nuts, leafy greens, potatoes, and dark chocolate.
9. Zinc
Why you need it: Zinc is important for neurological function, immune function, cell structure, and promoting chemical reactions in the body.
How much you need: Adults need 8-11 milligrams per day.
You’ve probably heard whispers about MCT oil as a fat-burning, metabolism-revving superfood. Here, we unpack the rumours and explain exactly what MCT is, the potential benefits, how to use MCT oil, and whether you should add it to your diet.
MCT oil was popularized by Dave Asprey who mixed it into his coffee to make his fat-burning concoction that he calls Bullet-Proof Coffee.
What is MCT Oil? How Does It Aid Weight Loss?
MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglyceride. It’s a high-quality saturated fatty acid, that comes mainly from coconut oil and it’s a great fuel for not only your body but also your brain.
It is found in foods and consisted of a unique chemical structure that is metabolised differently compared to other fats. Usually, when you eat fat from other sources, like let’s say vegetable oils, the fats go from your gut to your lymphatic system, and then into your circulation where they can be taken up by your fat cells and stored as future energy.
But MCTs go directly from your gut to your liver, which burns them up for immediate energy. The fats in this oil can easily be converted into ketone to produce energy in our body and they don’t get stored in our body like other fats.
Why not just coconut or just palm? Because plain palm and plain coconut contain longer-chain triglycerides as well.
Why is medium better than long chain?
1.MCTs (6 to 8 carbon molecules) are digested more rapidly, and are considered a source of clean fuel for the body and brain, meaning they will give your body the energy it needs without filling it with a bunch of stuff it doesn’t-such as added sugar and processed ingredients. Long chains (10 to 12 carbon molecules) on the other hand, take longer to metabolize and get stored as fat in the process.
2.MCTs, are absorbed intact, transported to the liver intact, and are preferentially available for hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation (i.e., energy production). While more of the slow-burning longer-chain fats like olive oil, butter, beef fat, palm oil, and coconut oil get stored.
1.While MCT is largely derived from coconut, coconut oil doesn’t contain the same metabolic properties as MCT does; coconut oil comprises about 60% MCTs while pure MCT is 100%.
2.It also contains a large percentage of lauric acid (C12), which isn’t absorbed efficiently, unlike caprylic and capric acid. Some studies suggest that lauric acid behaves more like a long-chain fatty acid, which means it requires digestion in the liver before being utilised.
The Benefits of MCT Oil (Fat Loss & Health)
When it comes to weight loss, MCT seems to be the fat that helps you lose fat. It has many properties that make it a great weight loss aid. Let’s explore the best benefits:
1. Thermogenesis—MCTs appear to induce thermogenesis—the generation of heat in the body, which means they could help burn calories, even at rest.
2. Increased Energy Production—Since MCTs are readily oxidized in the liver, they provide a rapid energy source in the form of fat and ketones.
3. Rarely stored as fat—Because of the unique way they’re metabolized, MCTs are rarely stored as fat; they are oxidized to a greater extent than LCTs, which means they have less opportunity for deposition into adipose tissue.
4. Regulate appetite—Fats have always been known to be satiating because they’re more energy-dense and take longer to digest than carbs. Several studies have found that MCTs increase satiety more than LCTs, because of the thermal and oxidative pathways that enhance thermogenesis and satiety, thereby reducing energy intake.
5. Controls Blood Sugar—MCT oil efficiently decreases insulin resistance in those with diabetes, hence facilitating the body to process glucose and other sugars completely. This, in turn, prevents sudden spikes in blood glucose levels, prevents other complications like obesity and maintains blood sugar within the normal range.
6. Augments immunity—The unique fatty acids present in MCT oils derived from coconut oil possess tremendous antibacterial and antifungal potential. MCT oil hence shields the body from various infectious diseases by uplifting its inherent immune system defences and combating harmful substances.
How to use MCT Oil
Pure MCT oil is a clear, flavourless liquid that should be consumed plain without heating it. It’s unrefined, so it has a low smoke point and does not respond well to heat. Cooking is not one of the MCT oil uses.
So how can you use MCT oil?
Most commonly, you can add plain oil to:
• Smoothies
• Salad dressing
• Coffee
It’s easy to slip into a meal or drink without much work, as a serving size usually ranges between just half a tablespoon to up to 3 tablespoons.
Most 100 per cent MCT oils on the market recommend starting with half a tablespoon to see how your digestive system responds. Too much too fast could lead to digestive distress.
And don’t forget that MCT is still a liquid fat that’s calorically dense-1 tablespoon comes in at 100 calories.
Solid coconut oil, which is high in MCTs, can be used in cooking and may be used to replace olive oil or other cooking oils.
Risks and considerations
While there are multiple benefits of MCT oil, too much of it in the diet can lead to fat build-up in the liver, which can be dangerous.
It is important to remember that when a person consumes these, they are consuming fats. Taking MCT oil adds extra fats and calories to a person’s diet. As such, excessive use of MCT oil may not be beneficial and could lead a person to gain weight.
You also have to remember that if you’ve never taken MCT before, too large a dose can cause some pretty unpleasant GI effects like abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhoea, so it’s always best to start with one teaspoon and work your way up to the desired amount.
The most popular vinegar in the natural health community has to be the Apple Cider Vinegar.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural product made from apples that are cut or crushed and combined with yeast to convert their sugar into alcohol. Then bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid. The result is a vinegar, rich in acetic acid compounds.
The acetic acid present in it is known to reduce belly fat and further suppress body fat build-up.
A low-calorie solution, apple cider contains potassium along with amino acids and antioxidants that promote health. Moreover, it has to disinfect properties that can kill toxins and harmful bacteria thriving in the body.
How much apple cider vinegar should one consume daily?
According to a study, drinking 15 millilitres or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is enough for a person to obtain its potential health benefits.
However, the exact amount depends on the condition that someone is trying to heal with the drink. A person must talk to their doctor before making ACV a part of their regular diet as it might interact with some medication.
While occasional usage of apple cider vinegar may be safe, excessive usage may reverse the good effects as ACV is highly acidic. It may irritate your throat if you drink it often or in large amounts.
How to use apple cider vinegar for weight loss?
Never consume apple cider vinegar as it is; ensure you are not consuming a large amount of acid.
While you can enjoy potential benefits just by cooking with apple cider vinegar, you can also try an apple cider vinegar drink recipe—with some caveats.
If you do decide to try apple cider vinegar for health benefits, here are some safe ways to consume it:
• Dilute one tablespoon of vinegar in one cup of water. You could also add apple cider vinegar to a cup of warm tea with honey and lemon to improve your taste.
• Make a homemade salad dressing with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, and garlic.
• Limit consumption to one to two tablespoons a day to reduce potential side effects.
• It is best to spread the consumption in one to two doses throughout the day and it is best to drink ACV before meals.
Apple cider vinegar offers immense health benefits but it also comes with its set of drawbacks. The recommended dosage for each day is 10-30 mL. Excessive consumption can cause erosion of teeth enamel, throat irritation, and adverse drug interactions.
Here’s the best way to lose weight
Small lifestyle changes that you can maintain are the best way to achieve your goals.
Reducing the amount of highly processed snacks, like chips or cookies is one easy goal. If you normally eat three cookies at lunch, then reduce the quantity to two. Or, substitute fruits, vegetables, or jerky for a bag of chips in the afternoon. The fiber will keep you fuller and help you eat less overall.
If you are looking for an instant solution or immediate results for loose motion then you have landed at the right place.
Loose motions or Diarrhea or loose stool is a symptom, not a disease. It is defined as frequent bowel movements of loose or watery stools. There are several ways to classify diarrhoea.
Loose stools are abnormally watery bowel movements that can have a range of different causes. They are very common and are not usually associated with any severe health risks.
Causes of Infrequent Loose Stools
Anyone can get loose motions. It is common for many people to have diarrhoea several times a year. It is generally not a major concern for most people.
• It happens when there is more water content in the stool and it is not absorbed by the large intestine.
• It is caused when your gut gets infected by a virus.
• It is also caused due to allergies to some food items, intestinal disease, alcohol abuse, medications, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, some infection, radiation therapy, laxative abuse, a certain type of cancer and improper absorption of nutrients.
It flushes out the infection and toxins from the body. It may lead to loss of nutrient and water from your body and leave you exhausted.
Usually, loose motion lasts for two to three days and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or using home remedies. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to stop loose motion instantly.
Simple Homemade Cures For Loose Motions
1.Take Probiotic Foods
One of the most well-known and effective foods containing probiotics is yoghurt. Yoghurt is abundant in probiotic-rich strains of bacteria which help combat the infective bacteria in your digestive tract that causes diarrhoea. If you suffer from Loose motions, you should eat yoghurt throughout the day.
You mustn’t do over-eat probiotic-containing foods. Though helpful in small quantities, if ingested in large amounts they can lead to acidity. Other foods that contain probiotic are buttermilk, kefir lime leaves, kombucha, and Kimchi (A Korean cabbage dish).
How to make it
• A bowl of plain yoghurt
Directions
• Eat a bowl of plain yoghurt.
• You can sprinkle some salt or pepper if required.
Fruits and Vegetables such as bananas and potatoes are high in potassium. They also contain pectin – a water-soluble fiber that helps to absorb excess water in the intestines.
Bananas contain important electrolytes that your body loses if suffering from loose motions. They also provide your dehydrated and tired body with much-needed energy. Eat a ripe banana every two hours. If you prefer something slightly more savoury, you can mash a banana and have it with rock salt.
Including starchy foods like boiled potatoes can add weight to the stools and refuel the body with adequate energy as the body tends to absorb nutrients from starchy foods. Potatoes are a great comfort food but they are also high in potassium.
You can boil them and have them in mashed form. Add a little salt and eat. Your tummy will feel better.
3.Citrus Fruits
Citrus rich foods such as lemon, gooseberry, grapefruit, and sweet lime, help to clean out the toxins that accumulate in your body if you are suffering from diarrhoea. You can eat citrus fruits throughout the day. If you blend Indian gooseberry with a very small amount of sugar, the resulting drink can help to calm your stomach.
Make sure that you don’t eat them on an empty stomach or at night. If you do, it can lead to excess irritation and bloating.
Alternatively, lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties that will help in easily clearing the stomach. It is one of the tried and tested home remedies for loose motion for many decades.
How to make it
• Half a lemon
• A glass of water
• A teaspoon of sugar
• A pinch of salt
Directions
• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water.
• Add the sugar and salt and mix well.
• Drink fresh.
4.Ginger tea
Ginger is a miracle spice used for treating many ailments. It has several health benefits and is an effective home remedy for treating loose motion. It aids digestion, decreases food stagnation and strengthens your tummy.
How to make it
• Two teaspoons of ginger juice (freshly extracted)
• A teaspoon of honey
Directions
• Mix ginger juice and honey.
• Consume it directly.
Alternatively
Take a one-inch long piece of ginger and mince it. Now, boil a cup of water and add the minced ginger to it. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Drink this ginger tea two to three times a day.
5.Coriander and lemon water
Coriander leaves or cilantro is good to cure diseases related to indigestion. Linalool and borneol, the essential oils present in coriander leaves, will soothe the stomach and aid in proper liver functioning.
How to make it
• 4-5 coriander leaves
• A teaspoon of Lemon juice
Directions
• Grind the leaves
• Add this coriander paste to a glass of water.
• Add lemon juice to it and mix it well.
6.Mint Water
Mint leaves have been used since ancient times to treat loose motions or diarrhoea. It has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It also improves the flow of your digestive juices and calms your stomach lining. This drink will ease the pain, cramps and stomach discomfort.
It can be given in any form. You can even chew one or two mint leaves every day after meals to help in the digestion of your food. This will prevent you from suffering loose motions.
Honey is a natural medicine that can cure a lot of health problems and is a very effective loose motion home remedies.
• Take carom seeds and add them to the boiling water. Put off the flame and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
• Drink this carom seed tea.
Alternatively
You can also swallow a teaspoon of carom seeds followed by some lukewarm water instead of making the carom seed tea.
8.Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a great remedy to stop loose motion. It is a fruit that will help in reducing the loose motion problems that you are suffering from effectively. Not just the fruit, pomegranate leaves are effective in treating loose motion.
Take out the seeds of pomegranate fruit and use a blender to extract the juice. Drink a glass of pomegranate juice for quick relief. You can also use pomegranate leaves for the treatment.
How to make it
• A few pomegranate leaves
• A glass of water
Directions
• Tak pomegranate leaves and adds them to boiling water.
• Put off the flame and let the leaves soak in it.
• Strain it and drink the water.
9.BRAT Diet
This diet combines bland foods that are low in fiber and high in starch, which may help produce more solid bowel movements. It also contains helpful nutrients, such as potassium and pectin.
It is essential to note that the BRAT diet is highly restrictive and does not provide balanced nutrition.
People should only follow this diet until they are feeling better and not any longer than 2 days.
Following a BRAT diet can also help provide relief from diarrhoea. This consists of:
As mentioned above, hydration is the key to loose motion treatment. Electrolyte waters such as coconut water, vitamin water, juices, clear soups or broths are excellent foods to treat dehydration caused by loose motions. Make sure you increase your consumption of these liquids to prevent dehydration.
Fenugreek has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is also an excellent loose motion home remedies to fight loose stools.
12.Methi Or Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is also an excellent loose motion home remedies to fight loose stools.
How to make it
• 1-2 teaspoons of dried fenugreek seeds
• A glass of water s
Directions
• Take dried fenugreek seeds and blend them in a blender to reduce them into a fine powder.
• Now mix this powder in a glass of water and take it every day in the morning on an empty stomach for two to three days to completely get relief from loose motions.
Food combinations are the best part of our daily diet. But improper food combinations do not only lead to indigestion but also the production of toxins in your body. This is because each food item has a distinct taste, characteristic, potency, energy and effect on the digestive system.
When food with different energies are combined, it can overload the digestive fire and lead to indigestion, bloating, fermentation, gas and production of toxins.
Certain food combinations disrupt the digestive tract more than others. Paying attention and avoiding some foods combinations can lead to
• improved health
• healing
• improved quality of digestion
• the deeper level of nourishment
• improved overall health
Below is a list of some food combination that should be completely avoided along with some supportive food combinations. The list is not extensive and there may be many other foods combinations that would not suit one specifically, look for instincts.
1.Eggs and Fried Meat
One of the bad food combinations for digestion is eggs and fried meat. Though this classic breakfast combo is loved by most, it can take a toll on your digestion. Fried meat like bacon along with eggs is a combo that is loaded with protein and your digestive system may take a long time to digest it. Make an effort to consume at least one item that is made up of fruits and vegetables.
Although it’s a classic combination along with guacamole and hot sauce in Mexican cuisine, the entire recipe (not just beans alone) will build heavy gas and bloating.
Cheese is one of the most inflammatory foods you can ever eat, while beans have a particular type of sugar our bodies can’t process as they lack the right enzymes to do so. As a result of mixing these two foods, you will feel gassy and bloating.
It is best to keep beans and dairy separate for easier digestion. Try to eat them separately, either avoid beans or avoid dairy when you are going for this dish.
As a constant water-drinker, I was surprised to hear we shouldn’t be having it with our meals.
Drinking water with your meal or right after is the norm, but water can worsen GERD, cause bloating and interfere with the digestion of your food. Your stomach is a highly acidic environment where hydrochloric acid breaks down what you consume. When you drink a lot of water, you risk changing the acidity of your stomach and hindering the breakdown of your food.
In a healthy gastrointestinal system, all food consumed is being broken down and the nutrients are being optimally absorbed by the body, and the waste is passed. So when you aren’t breaking down your food, it can affect your whole GI tract functions and digestive system, causing bloating, gas, and general discomfort.
Of course, it’s OK to take sips of water with your meal, but it is recommended to drink a glass of water about 30 minutes before or after your meals to prevent the bloat.
Why? A convenient meal is usually an unhealthy one, to say the least.
This may make you wonder because most burger joints give fries along with the burger. But it is not so because this combo is as wrong as it could get. Overcooked food with high levels of fat, preservatives and other chemicals can form a charcoal-type substance. This then combines with the sugar in potato fries, creating cytokines that can cause inflammation and speed up the ageing process.
Both fries and burger patty are deep-fried food items, which can make your blood sugar levels very low. Low blood sugar levels will make you tired and lethargic.
5. Cola and Pizza
Another combo that most fast-food chains offer to its customers, soda and pizza is a very bad choice as far as your health is concerned. Soda and pizza, or anything with high fructose corn syrup, and refined carbs increases false hunger pangs and decreases satiety,
Pizza is loaded with starch and proteins, which slows down digestion and high amounts of sugar from cola further makes your digestion sluggish. So even if you ate a huge meal of pizza, the sugars in the soda could keep you from feeling full.
Ever wonder how you ended up polishing off that entire pizza? Now you know.
6.Fruits with your meal or afterwards
One of the worst food mistakes that anyone can make is eating fruits after a full meal. Fruits and other food items do not go well with each other. Why?
Fruit is absorbed very quickly, passing through the stomach and then absorbed in the intestines. When these fruits are combined with grains, meats or dried products- they can stay in the digestive tract too long and begin to ferment. This can cause damage to the walls of your intestine amongst other problems and cause tummy troubles.
One very common example of a food combination that can create havoc in our system is banana and milk.
Milk and banana are some of the most toxin-forming food combinations as they can cause heaviness. It may also make your mind slow and your body lethargic. Though both these food items have cooling energy their post digestion effect is different, banana is sour, while milk is sweet. This confuses our digestive system and results in imbalances.
If consumed together can diminish the digestive fire and produce toxins, which can cause problems like sinus, cold, cough, allergy and congestion.
If you wish to enjoy an occasional banana smoothie, make sure you add green cardamom, cinnamon powder or nutmeg powder to aid digestion with yoghurt.
If you are thinking that a glass of juice along with your breakfast cereal is going to give you much-needed energy for the day, well, that may not be true.
Acids in orange juice or any acid fruits destroy the enzyme that is responsible for digesting the starches present in cereal. Also, acidic fruits or juices can curdle milk and turn it into a heavy mucus-forming substance.
To keep your breakfast healthy, try having fruit or orange juice 30 minutes before the oatmeal.
Limes and several oranges, apart from the common grapefruit, are known to break down cholesterol-lowering statins including a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan (a well-known cough medication ). If not broken down, the medicine can build up in the bloodstream, causing various side effects.
The risk may involve dextromethorphan getting into the bloodstream and making you experience severe hallucination, sleepiness or sustained muscle damage. So we suggest you avoid lime juice the next time you have a tickly throat.
If you love eating eggs and coffee together then unfortunately that combo is affecting the digestion of our entire meal.
The polyphenols and tannins in teas and chlorogenic acid in coffee block the absorption of iron by your body by binding with the iron during digestion. If you drink tea or coffee frequently after your meal, you could be making yourself anaemic by inhibiting the iron absorption from what you ate.
Many women show lower levels of iron, especially during menstruation, when a lack of iron can contribute to fatigue and mood swings. Drink less tea and coffee or try to drink it an hour before a meal, rather than after if you want to optimize iron absorption.
One of the biggest noes is combining meat with a high starch carb such as potatoes. Even though this is a traditional lunch or dinner choice, it is shocking that this food mixture will potentially make you feel sick.
Proteins and starches need acidic and basic environment respectively to digest. If consumed together it will neutralize the digestive environment.
Meats (animal protein) and Potatoes (carbohydrates) consumed at the same time may negate the effects of each micronutrient. Protein is digested in the stomach while starch is digested in the small intestine. The digested protein will hold back the carb in the stomach and make it toxic. Their different enzyme activities will clash and cause gas and bloated stomach, discomfort and flatulence.
Meat and potatoes are indeed rich in calories, making them challenging for the body to process. They both have a lot of saturated fats in them. Furthermore, since it is low in fibre, it can induce constipation.
