Triphala is an ancient herbal formula rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, composed of three dried fruits: amla (Indian gooseberry), bibhitaki, and haritaki.
This unique combination offers a powerful synergy of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vitamin C, contributing to its numerous health benefits for digestive health, detoxification, immune support, inflammation reduction, and more.
What Is Triphala?
Triphala literally means “three fruits” in Sanskrit and is a polyherbal mix used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its rejuvenating and healing properties.
The three fruits are:
🔅 Amla (Emblica officinalis), rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
🔅 Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), which supports blood sugar balance and has anti-inflammatory properties
🔅 Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), known for its antimicrobial and digestive benefits
Together, these fruits promote overall wellness by supporting multiple systems of the body.
Health Benefits of Triphala
❇️ Digestive Health Triphala is best known as a gentle tonic for the gastrointestinal tract. It promotes regular bowel movements, alleviates constipation without dependency, reduces bloating and gas, and improves nutrient absorption. Its anti-inflammatory effects soothe the gut lining, making it supportive for conditions like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease. Natural Detoxification Triphala helps the body cleanse toxins by supporting liver, kidney, and GI tract functions. This natural detoxification helps reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level and promotes rejuvenation throughout the body.
❇️ Immune System Support Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, Triphala strengthens immune defenses and regulates inflammatory responses. The balance it provides to the gut microbiome further contributes to resilient immunity.
❇️ Weight Management and Metabolism Studies indicate Triphala helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves metabolism, and reduces unhealthy cravings. Its various taste elements—sweet, bitter, sour, pungent, and astringent—work together to support appetite control and fat metabolism.
❇️ Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects Triphala’s abundant polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, which supports tissue health and decreases risks of chronic diseases.
❇️Stress Reduction and Overall Well-being
By improving gut health and metabolic balance, Triphala can help calm the nervous system, promote restful sleep, and increase energy levels, thus helping manage everyday stress.
Triphala offers a scientifically supported, multi-dimensional approach to health by supporting digestion, detoxification, immunity, and inflammation control. It is a versatile, natural supplement suitable for both healthcare professionals recommending integrative approaches and the general public seeking holistic wellness
If you’re a nutraceutical brand, healthcare company, or practitioner developing products in these areas, I help design and optimize formulations backed by science, efficacy, and market differentiation.
Let’s collaborate to bring advanced, evidence-informed products to life.
As a nutritional supplement formulator and consultant, I’m always searching for ingredients that actively modulate the biological pathways of aging
One of the most impressive compounds I’ve worked with is L-Ergothioneine (ERG) — an amino acid found in mushrooms 🍄 that may be among the most powerful longevity molecules discovered so far
We actually have a dedicated transporter (OCTN1) to absorb and retain it — meaning it’s biologically essential for long-term cellular protection and repair
🧬 How L-Ergothioneine Impacts Longevity and Cellular Health
L-Ergothioneine can help increase both lifespan (in animal models) and healthspan, creating a foundation for cellular resilience and genomic integrity — the #1 predictor of longevity
💠 Genomic Stability & DNA Repair
• Protects and repairs both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA • Prevents telomere shortening • Repairs aging-dependent accumulation of point mutations in the mtDNA control region • Eliminates DNA-damaging acids hypobromous and hypochlorous
💠 Mitochondrial & Metabolic Optimization
• Increases mitochondrial and metabolic activity • Prevents mitochondrial dysfunction and supports efficient ATP production • Increases cell viability by up to 45%
💠 Superior Antioxidant Power
• Eliminates all free radicals 3,435% more effectively than glutathione • Inhibits cell membrane damage 270% better than CoQ10 • Neutralizes singlet oxygen up to 7,500% better than any known antioxidant • Provides sustained antioxidant protection for up to 30 days
💠 Systemic Anti-Aging Benefits
• Supports cognition, cardiovascular health, and organ vitality • Helps prevent sarcopenia and macular degeneration • Reverses UV and sun damage by repairing and protecting skin DNA and mtDNA
ERG doesn’t simply slow aging — it addresses its root biological mechanisms, restoring cellular function from the inside out
⚗️ Formulation Insight
In advanced nutraceutical formulations, L-Ergothioneine pairs synergistically with: 🔹 Ingredients targeting mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism 🔹 NAD+ Precursors → For NAD⁺ restoration and DNA repair 🔹 Compounds which activate NRF2 activation and cellular detox pathways
Together, these ingredients form the core of next-generation longevity formulations — designed to extend not just life, but quality of life
If your brand or clinic is exploring science-based formulation strategies for longevity, cognition, or metabolic vitality, reach out to me
Let’s connect to transform cutting-edge longevity science into real-world, market-ready innovation
Rob Lamberton, BSc, FNTP, FDN-P 🧪 Nutritional Supplement Formulator | Consultant | Integrative Health Strategist
Helping brands and practitioners develop evidence-based, biologically intelligent nutraceutical formulations
By Rob Lamberton, BSc, FNTP, FDN-P Functional Medicine Practitioner & Product Formulator
Most people already know that soda isn’t exactly a wellness beverage. But far fewer understand that one particular ingredient — phosphoric acid — may be doing far more harm than the sugar itself.
Used in many cola drinks for its sharp, tangy flavor and as a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth, phosphoric acid has been linked to a range of negative effects on bone, kidney, heart, and dental health.
Let’s look at what the science reveals — and why reducing your exposure could support long-term health and vitality.
🦴 1. Bone Health: The Silent Calcium Drain
Phosphoric acid increases urinary calcium loss, creating a calcium deficit that your body compensates for by drawing calcium from the bones.
Over time, this can lead to bone demineralization, lower bone density, and an elevated risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis — particularly in women.
👉 In the Framingham Osteoporosis Study, women who consumed cola beverages daily had significantly lower bone mineral density compared to non-cola drinkers — even when calcium and vitamin D intake were adequate.
Tucker KL et al., Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):936–942.
💧 2. Kidney Health: Acid Load and Stone Formation
Phosphoric acid contributes to urine acidification, which can promote the formation of uric acid and phosphate-based kidney stones.
Excess dietary phosphate may also cause renal tubular injury and accelerate renal aging and fibrosis, even in those without existing kidney disease.
Sullivan CM et al., Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017;12(12):2034–2043.
For individuals with reduced kidney function or metabolic issues, this acid load can further compromise the body’s ability to regulate phosphate balance.
Elevated serum phosphate levels have been associated with vascular calcification, arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction — all precursors to cardiovascular disease.
Even modest increases in phosphate within the high-normal range are linked to greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Ellam TJ, Chico TJ. Clin Sci (Lond). 2012;122(10):397–407.
Essentially, excessive phosphate may “age” the arteries from the inside out, contributing to premature cardiovascular decline.
😬 4. Dental Health: Erosion Without Sugar
Sugar isn’t the only dental villain. Phosphoric acid is highly erosive to tooth enamel, stripping away minerals that protect against decay.
Even sugar-free sodas can degrade enamel due to their acidity. Over time, this leads to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and enamel thinning.
Barbosa CS et al., J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020;44(1):22–26.
⚖️ 5. Acid-Base Imbalance and Mineral Depletion
Your body works hard to maintain a stable pH balance. Regular consumption of acidic beverages like soda can lead to low-grade metabolic acidosis, prompting the body to buffer acid by drawing alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium from bones and muscles.
This process can contribute to mineral depletion, fatigue, and musculoskeletal discomfort over time.
Bushinsky DA, J Nephrol. 2017;30(2):215–221.
🍭 6. Nutrient Displacement and Metabolic Stress
Every can of soda replaces a more nourishing beverage such as water, mineral water, or herbal tea. The result is reduced intake of key nutrients — and an increase in sugar, caffeine, and phosphate, which together amplify insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and weight gain.
Vartanian LR et al., Am J Public Health. 2007;97(4):667–675.
💡 The Takeaway
Phosphoric acid isn’t just a flavor enhancer — it’s a biochemically active compound with real physiological effects.
Even diet sodas, though free from sugar, can still: ✅ Weaken bones ✅ Stress kidneys ✅ Promote vascular calcification ✅ Erode dental enamel
Over time, these effects add up, contributing to premature aging of multiple organ systems.
If you’re looking to protect your long-term health and longevity, start by replacing soda with health-promoting alternatives:
💧 Mineral-rich sparkling water 🍋 Water with lemon or trace minerals 🌿 Herbal infusions or adaptogenic teas
Your bones, kidneys, teeth, and heart will thank you.
📚 References
Tucker KL, et al. Colas, but not other carbonated beverages, are associated with low bone mineral density in older women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;84(4):936–942.
Sullivan CM, et al. Phosphate toxicity in chronic kidney disease: new insights. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2017;12(12):2034–2043.
Ellam TJ, Chico TJ. Phosphate: the silent killer? Clin Sci (Lond). 2012;122(10):397–407.
Barbosa CS, et al. Dental enamel erosion by acidic soft drinks: an in vitro study. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2020;44(1):22–26.
Bushinsky DA. Acid-base imbalance and bone disease. J Nephrol. 2017;30(2):215–221.
Vartanian LR, et al. Effects of soft drink consumption on nutrition and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(4):667–675.
✳️ About Rob Lamberton
Rob Lamberton, BSc, FNTP, FDN-P, is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Health Consultant, and Product Formulator specializing in longevity and regenerative health solutions. Through his work, Rob helps individuals and health companies develop science-based strategies that optimize human performance and healthspan.
Excitotoxins are chemicals substances that overstimulate certain type of cells in the brain, all of the nervous system and many other organs.
In high and excessive amounts these cells become damaged and may die.
The underlying mechanism of excitotoxins has been attributed to the following diseases: alzheimer’s, parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, strokes, autism, huntington’s disease.
Excitotoxins have also been found to be associated with the following diseases: migraines, diabetes, atherosclerosis, sudden death from heart disease, eye diseases, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, growth of tumors, spread of cancer and obesity.
The Most Common Excitotoxin is Glutamate
Glutamate is the main component of Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
As a general rule, the more a food is processed, the more likely it is to contain MSG. Foods that commonly use MSG include potato chips, flavored crackers, canned soups, dry soup mixes, canned meats, diet foods, soy sauces, salad dressings, cured meats and poultry injected with broth. But reading the labels won’t always help you.
When a food product is 99 percent pure MSG it is called “monosodium glutamate” by the FDA and must be labeled as such. However, when a food product contains less than 99 percent MSG, the FDA doesn’t require that the MSG be identified. So it often appears on labels in various disguised forms, such as “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” “spices” and “natural flavoring.”
Here’s a quick list of potentially suspect ingredients to watch for:
Ingredients that may contain 30 to 60 percent MSG:
hydrolyzed vegetable protein hydrolyzed protein hydrolyzed plant protein plant protein extract sodium caseinate calcium caseinate yeast extract textured protein autolyzed yeast hydrolyzed oat flour
Ingredients that may contain 12 to 40 percent MSG:
carrageenan enzymes soy protein concentrate soy protein isolate whey protein concentrate some soymilk
Although I have presented the downside of excessive glutamate it is important for me to let you know that glutamate does have positive health benefits.
These would include the following benefits:
Acting as an important neurotransmitter in the brain — it has excitatory effects, meaning it makes neurons more likely to fire
Serving as a precursor for the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
Supporting growth and development of the brain
Helping cells survive and differentiate and supporting formation and elimination of nerve contacts (synapses)
Supporting cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
Stimulating gut movement by increasing gut serotonin levels
Producing the antioxidant glutathione
Regulating inflammatory processes
So what is one to do when it comes to this special and sometimes detrimental neurotransmitter.
One answer is to test if you suspect glutamate toxicity. If glutamate levels are high then you have an objective marker to carefully monitor as you get your patients to taper and avoid foods high in glutamate.
Doctors Data Lab
If you don’t want to invest in testing the next best step is to avoid foods in glutamate and see if you see an improvement in their symptoms.
Natural plant products and extracts that reduce glutamate and immunoexcitotoxicity
Curcumin, quercetin, green tea catechins, balcalein, and luteolin have been extensively studied to dampen the detrimental impact of excessive glutamate
Chris Palmer, MD, of Harvard Medical School — Optimizing Brain Energy for Mental Health, The Incredible Potential of Metabolic Psychiatry, Extraordinary Case Studies, and Harnessing Mitochondria for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More
Chris is a big proponent of the ketogenic diet and he has seen some dramatic improvements in the condition of some of his patients once they adopted the diet.
What I found particularly fascinating about the podcast was his hypothesis that all mental health issues can be related to a metabolic cause – specifically mitochondrial dysfunction (and he discusses other factors such as diet and exercise).
Pricera/NAD+ Highight
Optimizing NAD+ levels as we age is critical for mitochondrial function
Prescription drugs for mental health issues can have significant negative effects on health: weight gain, the development of blood sugar issues and diabetes, cognition issues mitochondrial dysfunction and more.
It’s a fascinating concept and it reinforces even more the central role that the mitochondria play in overall health – and as Chris suggests in mental health.
Attention health care practitioners: Have you ever thought about developing your own nutritional supplement formulations? I can help you with that!
Reach out to me to explore this exciting opportunity – rob@healthspanformulations.com or phone: 778-227-4952
Many members of the general public – as well as members of the practitioner community consider a plant based diet to be the healthiest option to choose.
I would suggest – those of you who are health practitioners have seen this in your patient population if diet selection is a focus in your practice that first of all no one specific diet is the perfect diet for everyone.
Another key consideration is the fact that many plants produce anti-nutrients to protect themselves and these compounds can cause GI as well as systemic issues for individuals – especially those who have preexisting GI issues such as Chrohn’s, IBS etc.
Also those with autoimmune conditions may have problems with anti-nutrients.
The following article from Ronald Grisanti from Functional Medicine University discusses this issue with plant anti-nutrients.
Another source that has a similar opinion regarding the negative effects of plant anti-nutrients is Paul Saladino MD.
Paul is a big proponent of the carnivore diet which excludes plants from the diet but it does include fruit.
When I first learned about the carnivore diet several years ago I though it was crazy. But then I did a presentation to a local Meet Up group: the Low Carb/High Fat, Keto, Carivore Diet group.
When I interacted with them and heard the stories of near miraculous health improvements that resulted from adopting the carnivore diet I had to reassess my belief system.
Today I think the carnivore diet is a potentially valuable intervention for GI issues, autoimmune conditions etc. to give the gut a rest from the influence of the anti-nutrients in plants.
Whether it makes sense to follow it on an ongoing basis – well the jury is still out for me.
I eat a lot of plants in my diet and I consider myself to be in excellent health so I am not making any radical changes to my diet in the forseeable future – however at some point in the future I may try the carnivore diet to see how it impacts on how I feel…
Anti-Nutrients-Is There a Downside to Plant Based Eating?
Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., DACBN, MS, CFMP
In my quest to identify the most effective way of eating, I came across something that has caused a paradigm shift in my thinking on many “healthy” plant foods.
I first need to preface my article on the fact that I have been a “huge” advocate of eating a plant based diet with minimal meat consumption for as long as I can remember.
My diet typically consisted of drinking a morning smoothie with every type of plant food (spinach, beets, almonds, chard, seeds, etc.) with plant based protein powder. My lunch was big salad with more spinach, assorted greens, nuts and some protein. Dinner was a plate rich in plant foods and some protein. I commonly would eat broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts,beets, etc..
My long standing question was why in the world was I feeling so bad? Irritable bowel syndrome, joint pain, diarrhea, brain fog, anxiety, difficulty losing weight (fat).
Of course for most people this does not fit what we have been informed about this way of eating. Of course it was healthy!
So I just pushed forward and continued to eat this way believing that it was the price I had to pay to be healthy.
But I wasn’t!
My dear wife, Debbie frequently went to bed with an ice pack on her right hip and right knee. Chronic constipation was the norm. Stuck at an unacceptable weight level was simply frustrating.
Again we faithfully continued to eat this way accepting and “preaching” the ultimate benefits of eating an abundance of plant based foods.
I really never challenged my “strong” belief on eating mainly plants and some protein. One look at my extended library of books would convince anyone that I was on board with plant based diets, hook, line and sinker!
By pure coincidence, I came across a book on some of the downsides to eating a heavy plant based diet.
At first I was appalled at the thought that plant based foods may not be the best for “ULTIMATE” health and well-being.
Like I love to do I dug into the literature and read everything I could on some of the negative effects of eating a lot of plant based foods.
Wow what I learned was an eye-opener!
Since tweaking my diet and reducing some of the more toxic plant foods (will discuss shortly), all of the above symptoms vanished. I effortlessly lost weight. My wife, Debbie, was totally free of right hip and knee pain. No more ice bags! And to top it off she hit a goal weight she tried to accomplish for at least five years!
My thinking and beliefs in a heavy plant base diet changed.
My goal today is to share what I learned and hope you give me the time of day to at least listen with an open mind to what I am about to share with you. It could in fact be the tipping point to reversing a number chronic long standing health issues for many of you reading my article.
Ready?
Plants have something called ANTI-NUTRIENTS.
Anti-nutrients are natural compounds found in plants. Anti-nutrients protect plants from bacterial infections and protect plants from being eaten by predators. Since plants unlike animals can’t fight off predators, anti-nutrients are a plant’s self-defense mechanism.
Anti-nutrients are found in all parts of plant based foods, including vegetables, seeds and fruits.
Too many anti-nutrients have been found through my research to cause inflammation, gut dysbiosis, arthritis, joint pain,skin issues and brain fog, too name a few ailments.
A big concern of anti-nutrients is how they interfere with nutrient and mineral absorption.
Here are the top 10 anti-nutrients:
1: Oxalates– Oxalates are found in green leafy vegetables (spinach), sesame seeds, teas, and soybeans. Oxalates can bind to calcium and iron and prevent it from being absorbed. Oxalates are enzyme inhibitors that can prevent proper digestion, cause gut problems and protein deficiencies. Enzymes create chemical reactions in the body that help support our bodies to function properly. Enzymes are especially important in the digestive process. Without the enzymes to properly metabolize food, GI issues can occur, such as bloating and constipation.
2: Polyphenols –Polyphenols known as phytochemicals are anti-nutrients that are touted for their health benefits. Dark chocolate, flaxseed meal, cocoa powder and many fruits and vegetables contain polyphenol compounds. Polyphenols may have some health benefits, such as possible body weight regulation and decreasing blood pressure, but there are studies on high doses of polyphenols causing kidney damage, tumor development and altered thyroid hormone production.
3: Gluten– Gluten is a protein that is almost impossible for stomach acid to breakdown and digest. Dr. Fasano of Harvard, a leading expert on gluten, says that, in the most susceptible people, eating gluten can do small amounts of damage to the intestinal lining creating leaky gut and inflammation.
4: Phytic Acid (Phytate)–Phytic acid is primarily found in whole grains, legumes, seeds and some nuts. Phytic acid can decrease the absorption of iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorous and calcium. Studies show that 80% of zinc-rich foods (cashews, chickpeas), 80% of phosphorous-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds) and 40% of magnesium-rich foods (spinach, almonds, avocado) can be blocked by phytates.
5: Lectins–Lectins are found in legumes (beans, peanuts, soybeans) and whole grains (wheat). They can interfere with nutrient digestion and absorption of calcium, iron, phosphorous and zinc. Lectins are notorious for surviving GI tract digestion. They can then penetrate cell lining in the digestive tract and cause damage to gut epithelial cells and membrane lining, change bacterial flora and trigger autoimmune reactions.
6: Tannins–Tannins are similar to oxalates as they are also enzyme inhibitors. Tannins are found in teas, coffees, wines and legumes. They can interfere with iron absorption. Tannins have also been shown to impede the digestion of nutrients.
7: Glucosinolates–Glucosinolates are found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts) and can interfere with the absorption of iodine, which can then interfere with thyroid function. Another study found, with over 100,000 participants, that those who ate the most glucosinolates had a 19 percent greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
8: Saponins–Saponins are found in legumes (green lentils) and whole grains. They can interfere with normal nutrient absorption (iron, zinc) and similar to lectins, can affect the GI lining, causing leaky gut and autoimmune responses.
9: Solanines–Solanine is found in nightshades (potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers). For some, these can cause inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune conditions. Others may feel a slight feeling of poisoning. (nausea, throat burning, headaches, etc.)
10: Salicylates–Salicylates are compounds found in foods, medications and other products that can cause adverse reactions in those who are intolerant. There is much (renewed) interest about the effects of salicylates on food intolerance, attention-deficit disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
The following is a good chart to reference with foods associated with specific anti-nutrients.
Chart Obtained from page 127 of Carnivore Cure–Judy Cho
My conclusions and continued special journey.
Although I have taken a deep dive into some of the pitfalls of eating an abundance of plant based foods I sincerely believe there is a middle ground for most people including myself. I can not deny that many of these plant foods do indeed have many health benefits and should not be entirely denied for consumption. On the other hand I was totally ignorant of this well researched downside.
At this point in my 64 years of living on this earth, I am still researching for optimal health through many facets including science based nutrition.
Today I have presented another side that should not be ignored but at least considered in the event you, like myself, has strived to achieve optimal health through a plant based diet.
Just maybe some of these anti-nutrients may indeed may be playing havoc on your ability to be free of chronic disease entities.
As I dug deeper in my review of the literature I have discovered the least toxic vegetables and fruits.
Here they are:
Vegetables: Avocados, Zucchini, Olives, Cucumber, Pumpkin and Squash
Fruits: Apples, Oranges, Berries, Pineapple, Pears, Melons, Bananas, and Mango
As I continue to use myself as a testing platform and work with many patients I will report back to you on my findings.
