Digestion is a complex process that involves the breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body.

Certain food combinations can make this process harder on the digestive system, leading to discomfort, bloating, and indigestion. In this article, we’ll explore some of the food pairings to skip for better digestion.

1. Dairy and Fruit

Dairy and fruit are often paired together in smoothies, parfaits, and other dishes. However, this combination can be hard on the digestive system because the enzymes required to break down dairy and fruit are different.

Eating these foods together can lead to fermentation in the gut, which can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort. It’s best to eat fruit separately from dairy to allow for proper digestion.

2. Meat and Starch

Meat and starch, such as a steak and potatoes, are a common meal pairing. However, this combination can be hard on the digestive system because it requires different enzymes to break down.

When we eat meat and starch together, the body has to produce more digestive enzymes to break down both components, leading to discomfort and bloating. It’s best to choose one or the other, or to eat them separately.

3. Tomatoes and Cheese

Tomatoes and cheese are often paired together in dishes like pizza and pasta. However, this combination can be hard on the digestive system because it’s high in fat and acid.

When we eat these foods together, the acid from the tomatoes can cause the cheese to curdle in the stomach, leading to discomfort and bloating. It’s best to choose one or the other, or to eat them separately.

4. Beans and Cheese

Beans and cheese are a common combination in dishes like nachos and burritos. However, this combination can be hard on the digestive system because it’s high in fat and protein.

When we eat these foods together, it can be difficult for the body to break down and digest, leading to discomfort and bloating. It’s best to choose one or the other, or to eat them separately.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are both healthy foods, but they shouldn’t be paired together in large quantities.

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This combination can be hard on the digestive system because fruits are high in sugar and digest quickly, while vegetables are high in fiber and digest slowly. When we eat these foods together, the fruits can ferment in the gut and cause discomfort and bloating. It’s best to eat fruits separately from vegetables to allow for proper digestion.

6. Milk and Cereal

Milk and cereal are a common breakfast pairing, but they can be hard on the digestive system because milk is high in fat and protein, while cereal is high in carbohydrates.

When we eat these foods together, it can be difficult for the body to break down and digest, leading to discomfort and bloating. It’s best to choose a low-fat milk or dairy alternative, or to eat the cereal with water or a dairy alternative.

7. Alcohol and Spicy Foods

Alcohol and spicy foods are often consumed together, but this combination can be hard on the digestive system. Alcohol can inflame the stomach lining, while spicy foods can irritate the lining, leading to discomfort and indigestion.

It’s best to choose one or the other, or to eat spicy foods in moderation when consuming alcohol.

8. Acidic Foods and Carbohydrates

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and vinegar, and carbohydrates, such as pasta and rice, should be consumed separately. Acidic foods can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to discomfort and bloating.

It’s best to eat acidic foods separately from carbohydrates to allow for proper digestion.

9. Fatty Foods and Sugar

Fatty foods and sugar should be consumed separately, as this combination can be hard on the digestive system. Fatty foods can slow down the absorption of sugar, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels and discomfort.

It’s best to eat fatty foods separately from sugar, or to choose low-fat options when consuming sugar.

10. Fried Foods and Dairy

Fried foods and dairy, such as cheese sticks and fried cheese curds, should be avoided. This combination is high in fat and can be difficult for the body to digest, leading to discomfort and bloating.

It’s best to choose one or the other, or to avoid these foods altogether for better digestion.