Naturopathy and Natural Medicine
Why Separating Certain Foods Can Improve Digestion
Proteins need an acidic environment and carbohydrates a basic one, so when they enter the stomach together, digestion becomes much harder.
The Origin of the Food Separation Method
Food separation is a method based on the teachings of the physician Avicenna, whose writings were later studied by Maimonides.
This approach is built on a simple principle: the stomach digests foods with similar composition more efficiently when they are eaten together. As a result, digestion improves, and nutrient absorption is maximized.
The Core Principle
The main idea is to avoid eating proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal. The recommended interval between meals is about three hours.
It is possible to combine vegetables and fats with carbohydrates, and vegetables and fats with protein.
For example, this method avoids eating:
• chicken with rice
• fish with potatoes
• bread with an egg
Why Separate Foods?
Carbohydrates digest in a basic environment. They begin breaking down with enzymes in our saliva, which is why chewing well is so important. Once carbohydrates move into the stomach, they help create a basic environment.
Digesting proteins, however, requires an acidic environment.
When both basic carbohydrates and acid-requiring proteins enter the stomach at the same time, the stomach must work harder.
People with strong digestive systems — especially children and young adults — can usually tolerate this well, and food digests and absorbs relatively efficiently.
Who Benefits Most?
Older adults and those with sensitive or weak digestive systems may feel strain when eating proteins and carbohydrates together, especially when the stomach is overloaded. This can lead to weakness and poor absorption.
Many people, including those with otherwise strong digestion, report feeling better after adopting this method. Individuals with weight issues that are not caused by medication or hormonal imbalances may lose weight effectively over time using this technique — and more importantly, maintain it.
Is Food Separation Difficult?
Some people find it hard to understand how such food can be separated. It is simply a matter of habit. With practice, many discover that it becomes easy — and highly effective.
A Flexible Approach
One of the advantages of this method is that no foods are forbidden.
The recommendation is to pair proteins with vegetables in one meal and, in the next meal, choose a carbohydrate with vegetables.
“Protein” refers specifically to animal protein, not plant-based protein. “Carbohydrates” include any carbohydrate-rich food or any food that turns into sugar in the body.
Benefits of Food Separation
This method can significantly improve the absorption of minerals and vitamins and enhance overall well-being, even for individuals with sensitive intestines or other digestive issues.
