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The ironic fact in the 1920s. Herbert Shelton wrote one of the The popular method in acid-alkaline circles of

is that many of early bibles on food combining in the thirties. measuring urine or saliva pH does not reflect
The book, Fit for Life, by Harvey and Marilyn the blood pH. For more information, read Chris
the foods that Diamond, brought back food combining in the Kresser’s excellent articles that explain the
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people restrict eighties. Contemporary versions of food combin- science that invalidates the myths of the acid-
in their diets ing are promoted in the Body Ecology Diet and alkaline theory.
even by Dr. Mercola.
are necessary The basic theory behind food combining is NECESSARY NUTRIENTS
for the proper that foods with different concentrated nutrients The ironic fact is that many of the foods that
functioning of have different digestive demands. It is thought people restrict in their diets are necessary for the
that if foods with concentrated protein such as proper functioning of the organs of elimination,
the organs of meat or poultry are eaten with grains, they will and cutting such foods out of the diet weakens
elimination, rot in the stomach rather than undergo digestion. these organs.
Even years ago, before knowing as much as
Protein in the concentrated forms of meats is
and cutting I do now about the science of digestion, I thought needed for colon health. Cholesterol is needed for
such foods that food combining was an odd idea. I couldn’t liver and gall bladder function. Saturated fats aid
out of the diet imagine our ancestors thinking much about food the functioning of the kidneys, colon and lungs.

weakens these combinations when deciding what to eat. The Sugars and starches are needed for the liver and
evidence of what traditional peoples ate around all the organs.
organs. the world shows that they didn’t consider this For many reasons, people may feel good
when choosing their foods. All combinations of when they first embark on one of the restricted
foods were eaten in the healthiest and longest- diets. One major reason is the rush of energy that
lived cultures. comes from the catabolic hormones, adrenaline
When following food combining principles, and cortisol. These hormones liberate energy
one’s diet becomes extremely low in protein, into the body and mind. Initially, this stress reac-
carbohydrates and calories. There is no solid tion feels good. Reducing chemicals, pesticides,
science behind food combining. The scientific and high amounts of refined sugars is another
evidence demonstrates that all foods are digested reason for people’s positive experience. Eating
successfully together. more vegetables as the acid-alkaline and vegan
Early food combining theories were based proponents suggest is a healthy practice.
on incomplete science and for some dubious Eventually, though, most people fail with all
reason, these outdated ideas keep returning. The dietary restrictions whether it is carbs, sugars,
key to digestion is adequate stomach acid and a or meats. The body needs an array of nutrients
healthy, active metabolism. to function well. My experience from carrying
out thousands of personal health consultations
ACID-ALKALINE is that the body needs all the macronutrients—
The acid-alkaline theory also severely limits carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—in substantial
both one’s diet and health. The idea behind it amounts, with smaller amounts of vitamins,
is that we must eat an alkaline diet to keep our minerals and other nutrients.
blood alkaline. According to the acid-alkaline Appetite, taste and an understanding of the
proponents, acidic blood causes all manner of overall effects of foods are the best indicators
diseases. They say that eating more alkaline as to what we should eat. It is important that no
foods, such as fruits and vegetables, is the key major category of food be left out. Even people
to good health. who are eating traditional nutrient-dense foods
The reality is that we can’t regulate our acid- should vary the frequency and quanity in the
alkaline state by diet. The kidneys regulate our diet of the important and necessary concentrated
acid-alkaline status. The kidneys are aided in foods such as liver, butter, meat and other similar
this by lung function. One nutrient that aids the foods to ensure long-term health. One size never
kidneys in maintaining an acid-alkaline balance fits all. A nutritionally complete diet with vari-
is adequate complete protein from animal foods. ability over time is important for everyone.
22 Wise Traditions SPRING 2015 Wise Traditions

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