16 November 2023 , 11:52
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Grabbing a pizza and fizzy drink to wash it down with is something almost all of us have done without giving it a second's thought.
But is all that melted cheese and tomato mixed with a carbonated beverage doing us any good? Could it actually be a bit of a toxic combo? Health and nutrition experts seem to think so, and are warning Brits to put the brakes on several such popular pairings - or risk the wrath of an almighty stomach ache.
Experts at say different foods digest at different times so it’s best to combine those with a similar timing to avoid discomfort and an overload to your digestive system. Foods also have different pH levels and those with lower levels are considered acidic, such as grains, eggs, meat and fizzy drinks.
Those with higher pH levels are alkaline, this includes fruits and vegetables. When foods with different pH levels are consumed together the body cannot digest either of them properly which can lead to bloating and gas for those with particularly sensitive stomachs.
Ashleigh Tosh, health and nutrition expert at , said: “When combining foods you want to look at two key components - how long they take to digest and their pH levels. The general rule of thumb is to stick to foods with similar digestion times and similar pH levels to give the stomach the best chance at digesting meals efficiently and effectively.
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Not only does combining the wrong foods lead to uncomfortable bloating, but it also prevents your body from getting the most out of your meals. For example, drinking coffee or tea with your morning eggs can actually prevent the amount of iron that is absorbed by the body - think about all of those nutrients that are just going to waste!
The experts have pulled together some food combos you should avoid pairing together to avoid painful bloating.
The no-no combos
Fizzy drinks and pizza
This classic combination can have a negative effect on your stomach. The refined carbs in pizza paired with the added sugars in fizzy drinks can cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar levels. Pizza is also a greasy food and when mixed with carbonated drinks can be hard on your digestive system and lead to an uncomfortably full and bloated feeling.
Fruits and cereals
For those with sensitive stomachs, combining fruits with grains may be a bad idea due to their difference in digestion time. Fruits are easily digested by the stomach while grains tend to take longer. Eating these foods together can cause discomfort.
Coffee and iron-rich foods
If you’re having a cup of coffee with your eggs in the morning, it’s likely you’re disrupting your body's absorption of iron. Coffee and tea both contain properties that counteract how the body absorbs iron, which means you won’t be getting all of the benefits from your meal. Skip the tea and coffee and wait at least an hour before drinking them after eating a meal rich in iron.
Eggs and meat
Pairing eggs with meat such as sausages may be hard on the digestive system. Eggs and meat both contain high levels of protein, which could lead to a protein overload and an uncomfortable stomach.
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Yoghurts and fruit
Although it sounds like a healthy combination, yoghurt is considered alkaline whilst many popular fruits that are paired with it such as blueberries and strawberries are acidic. You can still enjoy a bowl of yoghurt and fruit as a tasty breakfast but try opting for alkaline fruits like raspberries and bananas.