advantages of shilajit
Health Benefits of Shilajit : Shilajit may have multiple health benefits, from increasing fertility to supporting bone health. Some evidence suggests that shilajit has antioxidant and inflammatory properties. Shilajit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in Nepal and India for many years. However, the safety and potential side effects of shilajit supplements are relatively unknown due to a lack of human research. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting a shilajit supplement.
Shilajit is a black, sticky substance that’s left over when plants die and decompose. It develops over centuries in the crevices of rocks and boulders. It was first harvested in the Himalayan region of Southeast Asia. But you can also find it in mountainous areas around the globe — as well as in supplements at your local drug store.
shilajit has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine for thousand of years . more recently , it gained popularity in the west as a supplement .
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- Can Raise Testosterone Levels
Shilajit may increase male fertility by boosting key hormones. Research has shown that taking 500 milligrams (mg) of shilajit per day can significantly increase dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and total testosterone levels. - Has Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Shilajit has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In Ayurvedic medicine, the compound is thought to promote greater longevity and have anti-aging properties. These benefits can support overall health and reduce the risk of certain conditions. - Has Been Shown To Reduce Stress
Some evidence suggests that shilajit may reduce stress. This mineral acts as an adaptogenic, meaning it can help the body adapt to stressful situations
Keep in mind that most studies on the effects of shilajit on stress have been conducted on animals. More human research is needed to understand how supplementation can affect stress fully. - Helps Fight Viral Infections
Research has shown that fulvic acid, which is a compound found in shilajit, may have antiviral properties.7 This compound also can reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. Both of these properties can support the immune system. - May Prevent Bone Loss
Shilajit may have a positive effect on bone health. A study published in 2022 found postmenopausal women with osteopenia who took shilajit supplements daily saw significant improvements in bone density after 11 months. Osteopenia is low bone mineral density. The researchers theorized this effect may be due to shilajit’s ability to speed up cell turnover. - May Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, which severely impairs mental functions like memory and speech.9 The fulvic acid content in shilajit has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain.- A study published in 2023 also found that fulvic acid may prevent the buildup of tau proteins. These proteins are essential to the nervous system. A buildup of them can damage brain cells and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Might Improve Exercise Performance
Research has shown that shilajit can be helpful for exercise efforts. Some evidence suggests that athletes have less post-workout fatigue and are better able to reach peak muscular strength after taking shilajit supplements.1 Shilajit can also aid in muscle elasticity and repair during an exercise training regimen - Might Prevent Cancer Cell Growth
Some evidence suggests that the fulvic acid content in shilajit can inhibit cancer cell growth. A study published in 2020 found that the mineral stopped the proliferation of breast cancer cells.- The researchers noted that shilajit could trigger apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, but more research is needed to support this. Damaged or harmful cells that can lead to cancer grow out of control if apoptosis fails.
- May promote longevity
Dr. Saper says that shilajit is widely promoted as an anti-aging supplement.
Chalk it up to fulvic acid. It’s an antioxidant, which means it protects our cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. That sounds promising.- The trouble is, we also know it has oxidative properties, too, especially when consumed in high doses. That means it could, potentially, increase oxidative stress. And that’s not a good thing.
- May help fight cancer
Research suggests shilajit might make chemotherapy more effective. There’s also some evidence that it can inhibit or kill breast cancer cells, bladder cancer cells and more. - May prevent iron-deficiency anemia
Laboratory studies suggest fulvic acid is rich in iron. And several Ayurvedic texts claim that the fulvic acid in shilajit improves iron absorption. This property has been observed in plants, but not yet in humans
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Is Shilajit Safe?
Shilajit isn’t FDA-approved, and the research on it is limited. There’s insufficient information about its side effects or safety among different populations. Some evidence suggests that shilajit is safe and well-tolerated by most people, even when taken long-term. Very few adverse reactions have been reported.
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking shilajit. They can advise you about potential drug interactions and side effects. Don’t take shilajit to treat a health condition or to replace a prescription drug without consulting a healthcare provider.
Who shouldn’t take shilajit
While some of the health claims around shilajit are exciting, they could also cause unintended problems. If shilajit really does reduce blood pressure, for example, it could be dangerous to take if you already have low blood pressure.
“If you’re considering using shilajit, you should first consult your physician,” Dr. Saper urges. Your provider will review your medical history and medications to determine whether the risks outweigh the potential benefits.
Your provider may recommend skipping shilajit if you:
Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant
Have heart disease, blood pressure issues, take a blood thinner or have a clotting or bleeding disorder
Have diabetes or another condition, like liver or kidney disease, that can affect your blood sugar
Have a condition that causes your immune system to be overactive, like mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lupus
Have hemochromatosis, a condition that causes your body to absorb too much iron
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