"Doctor, the sleeping pills you gave me work wonderfully. Since I've been taking them, I fall asleep faster, have hardly any sleep interruptions and am well rested in the morning." We have heard this sentence many times. We then look in the patient file to see which sedative we recommended to this patient. And lo and behold - the recommendation is Triphala and a probiotic. Triphala, however, is a classic remedy for a healthy digestive system. Combining Triphala with a probiotic (lassi) is a classic Ayurvedic prescription. In Ayurveda, gut health is equated with mental clarity, healthy bio-rhythms and longevity. Modern research, published in the prestigious journal Nature, shows that using triphala and a probiotic together has a positive effect on lifespan. In this study, fruit flies were fed a mixture of Triphala and a probiotic. These flies lived 60% longer than fruit flies without this supplement. This result suggests that longevity can be achieved by altering the microbiome in the gut. In Ayurveda, the intestine is referred to as the seat of the nervous system, in modern medicine as the "abdominal brain".

Task of the intestinal flora (microbiome)

The intestinal microbiome (gut flora) contains 10 times more microorganisms than the number of cells in the entire body. The tasks of the microbiome, which consists of bacteria, fungi and viruses, are manifold. The intestinal germs help to break down food components, produce vitamins and messenger substances, are important for energy supply, support healthy intestinal function and regulate the immune system. At the same time, they protect the intestine from inflammation and stress. Studies on over 100-year-olds have shown that they have a significantly different microbiome than people who age less. Even today, an analysis of the microbiome can predict the tendency to disease and the ageing process fairly accurately.

Scientific study

In the study, published in the journal Nature, fruit flies were fed either Triphala alone, a probiotic alone, Triphala and probiotic together, or a placebo. Both the Triphala and probiotic alone groups showed significant changes in longevity without additional measures. However, the group that received Triphala and the probiotic together had the best results. In addition to longevity, the Triphala-probiotic combination also improved triglycerides, blood glucose, inflammatory parameters and oxidation of fats. This study supports the theory that gut health and longevity are 1:1 related.

Triphala as a prebiotic

The intestinal flora depends on the environment it finds in the intestine. A healthy intestinal flora needs polyphenols in particular. The components of Triphala, the three fruits Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, are particularly rich in polyphenols. They support intestinal health in different ways: Amalaki has a healing and soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Haritaki strengthens the tone of the intestinal muscles. Bibhitaki removes excess mucus and toxins from the interior of the intestine. The polyphenols of Triphala are particularly nourishing for the guide germs of the healthy intestine, the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Effects of Triphala

Numerous effects of Triphala have been confirmed in various studies. Here is a list:

• Weight regulation
• Improvement of the intestinal flora
• Increase in the antioxidant enzymes glutathione, catalase and SOD, which improve liver health.
• Longevity through increase in collagen and elastin (important enzymes in connective tissue) and healthy skin pigment.
• Improves immune response through immunomodulatory activity Supports eye health
• Improves oral flora
• Healthier blood sugar levels
• Mild cholesterol reduction
• Healthier intestinal mucosa

Lassi as a traditional probiotic

Traditionally, Triphala is used in combination with Lassi. Lassi is a yoghurt drink strongly diluted with water and spices. Lassi is drunk after the main meals and Triphala is taken before sleeping. Lassi contains a mixture of healthy lactobacilli. Other probiotic drinks like kombucha have a similar effect. Instead of lassi, you can also use industrially produced probiotics like Omnibiotic or Omnilactis with good results.

Summary

Modern research shows that the ingredients of the three-fruit remedy Triphala, various polyphenols, have a life-promoting effect. The effect on a healthy long life can be significantly increased by combining Triphala with a probiotic. Classically Ayurvedic practice is to combine Triphala with Lassi as a probiotic.

References:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-25382-z

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4798912/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/