Shilajit: An Ancient Remedy with Modern Health Benefits?

Shilajit, a sticky tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in mountain ranges like the Himalayas, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. But does this strange “mineral pitch” live up to its promised health benefits? Let’s explore what the science says about shilajit’s potential effects.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is formed over centuries by the decomposition of plants. Its primary active component is fulvic acid, a powerful antioxidant. Shilajit also contains over 80 vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and amino acids.

In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is considered a rasayana or rejuvenating compound capable of slowing aging and boosting vitality. Modern research suggests shilajit may offer several potential health benefits.

Potential Benefits of Shilajit

1. May Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Some promising research indicates shilajit’s fulvic acid could help prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease progression by:

• Reducing inflammation in the brain
• Preventing abnormal buildup of tau proteins that damage brain cells

However, more clinical trials are still needed to confirm these neuroprotective effects in humans.

2. May Boost Testosterone Levels

In a clinical study, taking 500mg of purified shilajit per day increased total testosterone and DHEAS (a testosterone precursor) in healthy male volunteers after 90 days.

This suggests shilajit could be a viable natural way to raise testosterone levels and may help with certain aspects of male fertility.

3. May Have Anti-Aging Effects

Thanks to its high fulvic acid content, shilajit is packed with antioxidants that could help protect against free radicals and cellular damage associated with aging. Shilajit may also encourage collagen production for healthier skin.

4. Could Improve Exercise Performance

Some research in athletes suggests taking shilajit can reduce post-workout fatigue, aid in reaching peak muscular strength, and may improve muscle recovery and elasticity during training.

5. May Help Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

One animal study found shilajit helped reduce effects of chronic fatigue syndrome by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and restoring energy production in cells.

Is Shilajit Safe?

General Safety

When taken at recommended doses (200-500mg per day), purified shilajit supplements appear to be generally well-tolerated. However, research is limited, so safe use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for children has not been established.

Drug Interactions

Shilajit may potentially lower blood sugar levels, so caution is advised when taking it with diabetes medications. Its effect on other drugs is unknown, so discuss with your doctor first.

Choosing a Quality Supplement

To avoid potential contamination, only purchase processed shilajit supplements that are third-party tested and certified. Look for words like “purified” on the label.

Avoid taking raw, unprocessed shilajit, as it may contain heavy metals, free radicals, or other impurities.

Potential Side Effects

Very few adverse effects have been reported from shilajit, but more research is still needed. Possible side effects could include:

• Allergic reactions like rash, dizziness, or increased heart rate
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea
• Toxicity from excessive doses (safe limits unknown)

Call emergency services immediately if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, swelling, or dizziness after taking shilajit.

The Bottom Line

While more high-quality human studies are still needed, emerging research does suggest some potential health benefits of high-quality shilajit supplements, such as reducing inflammation, boosting testosterone, and enhancing physical performance.

However, shilajit is not regulated by the FDA, so producers and purity can vary widely. Speak to your doctor before taking shilajit, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medications. And only purchase third-party certified shilajit from reputable brands.

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