Shilajit Dosage for Increasing Testosterone Levels
Shilajit is an ancient herbo-mineral pitchy substance that oozes out of rocks in the Himalayan mountains. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. In recent years, shilajit has gained popularity as a natural supplement for boosting testosterone levels in men.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is formed over centuries by the slow decomposition of plant matter. It contains many minerals, vitamins, and compounds like fulvic acid that give it potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The main bioactive components in shilajit that may increase testosterone include:
- Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones
- Dibenzo-alpha-pyrone chromoproteins
- Humic and fulvic acids
Benefits of Shilajit for Testosterone
A 2015 clinical study found that taking purified shilajit capsules (250mg twice daily for 90 days) significantly increased total and free testosterone levels compared to a placebo in healthy men aged 45-55 years. Importantly, it raised testosterone without suppressing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, which stimulate testosterone production.
Another 2010 study on infertile men showed shilajit improved semen quality by increasing:
- Total sperm count
- Sperm motility
- Number of healthy sperm
Higher testosterone enables increased sperm production and better sperm quality and motility. So shilajit may help with male infertility issues.
Shilajit Dosage for Testosterone
Most studies look at shilajit dosages in the range of 200-500mg per day, taken in divided doses with milk or water. The effective dosage may vary based on factors like:
- Age
- Weight
- Health conditions
- Form of shilajit (powder, capsules, etc.)
For Healthy Adults
The clinically studied dosage of 250mg shilajit taken twice daily (total 500mg) for 90 days was found to be safe and effective for increasing testosterone in healthy middle-aged men. This dosage is a good starting point for most adults.
For Men With Low Testosterone
Men with clinically low testosterone levels may benefit from a higher dose like 500mg shilajit taken 2-3 times per day (1000-1500mg total). However, it’s best to start low and gradually increase the dosage under medical supervision while monitoring testosterone levels.
When to Take Shilajit
There is no consensus on the best time, but many recommend taking shilajit on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast and your largest meal. This is thought to improve absorption of the bioactive constituents.
How Long Does It Take Shilajit to Work?
In the studies mentioned, shilajit started showing beneficial effects on testosterone and semen quality within 4-8 weeks of supplementation. However, the full effects took around 3 months (90 days).
It’s important to be consistent with shilajit supplementation, as testosterone levels can drop back down after discontinuing use.
Choosing a Quality Shilajit Supplement
As with any supplement, quality matters when it comes to shilajit:
- Look for purified shilajit: Raw, unpurified shilajit may contain contaminants and free radicals that negate its benefits.
- Check for standardization: Quality products will have standardized levels of key compounds like dibenzo-alpha-pyrones.
- Buy from reputable brands: Look for transparency about the sourcing and testing to avoid counterfeit products.
Reputable brands often have efficacy and safety studies published on their specific shilajit formulations.
Potential Side Effects of Shilajit
When taken at the recommended dosages, shilajit appears to be well-tolerated with few side effects reported. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Digestive issues: Shilajit may initially cause mild nausea, bloating or stomach upset in some people.
- Allergic reactions: Since shilajit interacts with the immune system, allergic responses like rashes are possible.
- Drug interactions: The antioxidant components in shilajit could potentially interact with certain medications.
- Iron overload: The high iron and mineral content may pose a risk for hemochromatosis in susceptible individuals if taken long-term.
It’s advisable to start with smaller doses of shilajit to assess tolerance. Those with existing conditions should consult their doctor before taking shilajit supplements.
Other Potential Benefits of Shilajit
In addition to boosting testosterone, shilajit has been researched for a number of other potential health benefits:
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Anti-aging effects
- Cognitive enhancement
- Supporting heart health
- Improving male fertility
- Anti-anxiety effects
However, many of these benefits need to be further studied and confirmed in larger human clinical trials.
The Bottom Line
When taken at the right doses, shilajit appears to be a safe, natural way to boost testosterone levels in healthy adult men, as demonstrated by multiple human studies. The typical effective dosage is around 300-500mg of purified shilajit per day, split into two doses. Always start low and take shilajit supplements exactly as recommended on the label or by your doctor. Combining shilajit with a healthy lifestyle and exercise may maximize its testosterone-boosting effects.
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