Different types of foods are digested differently by the body. For example, digestion of carbohydrates starts in the mouth with the enzyme amylase. Protein on the other hand is digested in the highly acidic environment of the stomach, requiring the release of pepsin. Protein takes much longer to digest. And fruit is not digested in the stomach but in the intestine and takes only 30 minutes to digest.

Based upon the differences in the way different foods are digested it is important that when you eat your meals you have the right food combinations to avoid fermentation and putrefaction of the food. This can lead, over long periods of time to colonic irregularity and ultimately to disease.

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The following is a summary explanation of the diagram:

• vegetables combine well with most other foods. You can have them with proteins, some fruits, and starches (such as potatoes, rice, bread etc.)

• Proteins combine with vegetables with the exception of high starch foods such as potatoes

• Fruits that do not ferment quickly (apples, bananas etc.) can be combined with starchy foods such as bread, and they can also be combined with vegetables

• Rapidly fermenting fruits such as berries, melon, peaches, pears, strawberries etc. should only be eaten on their own on an empty stomach.