The Secrets of Shilajit

The Secrets of Shilajit: Ancient Ayurvedic Remedy and Modern Superfood. Health Benefits and How to Use It.

Shilajit has been an effective traditional medicine for people living near the Himalayas for hundreds of years. Shilajit is very high in minerals and, as a substance, resembles tar. People used it to gain more energy and strength, sustain overall health, and fight aging.

Shilajit was first used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and can mostly be found in mountainous zones of Asia, in the massifs of Himalaya, Tibet, Altai, Caucasus. Shilajit is formed from the slow decomposition of organic material under pressure for a very long period of time, resulting in a substance that looks like resin.

What is Shilajit made of?
Shilajit is made of fulvic acid (also found in humus — the rich layer of soil) and a large number of minerals, making it packed with nutrients. The fulvic acid is considered to be the main reason for its benefits because it helps the body's cells absorb nutrients. It also contains humic acid, which is known to maintain the immune system's health and antioxidant protection.

Some of the Shilajit benefits are:

• Cognitive benefits
  Shilajit seems to be able to slow down the progression of cognitive decline because of its molecular structure, which is mainly made of antioxidants such as fulvic and humic acid. These strong acids help prevent the build-up of tau protein and contribute to cognitive health. The nervous system of the human body is made of small cells of tau protein, but the accumulation of it can cause brain cell damage.
• Testosterone boost and male fertility
  Testosterone is the primary masculine sex hormone, but its levels can vary from one man to another. In one clinical study, results showed that taking a purified form of Shilajit significantly boosted testosterone and DHEAS levels in healthy middle-aged men. In another clinical trial, results from taking 100mg of processed Shilajit capsule twice daily for 90 days showed significant improvement in sperm count, motility, and overall sperm quality in men with low sperm counts.
• Energy and CFS
  Shilajit may boost energy production, and reduce exhaustion symptoms. Sometimes, cells are less efficient at producing energy, which may be a sign of mitochondrial dysfunction, a condition often related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Longevity
  Shilajit, being rich in fulvic and humic acid, might have anti-inflammatory properties and might protect the body from free radicals and cellular damage. Therefore, Shilajit may contribute to longevity, a slower aging process and better overall health.
• Supporting altitude sickness
  Low atmospheric pressure, low temperatures and strong winds can trigger altitude sickness. Shilajit has been shown to significantly alleviate various high-altitude-related health issues by improving energy production, enhancing nutrient transportation, and boosting the immune system.
• Anemia
  Shilajit is an ally in the battle against iron deficiency anemia. Taking Shilajit supplements is known to increase the iron levels in blood gradually.
• Supporting heart health
  Animal studies suggest that Shilajit supplementation may improve heart health by reducing cardiac lesions following heart injury.
• Supporting bone density
  In a 2022 study, postmenopausal females who took Shilajit daily as a supplement reported a better bone mineral density and even an increase in bone mass. This could be beneficial for long-term bone health and may help reduce risk for conditions like osteoporosis.

Is it safe to take Shilajit every day?

Even though Shilajit is a natural and safe substance, consuming it raw or unprocessed is not recommended. If the Shilajit is raw or unprocessed, it may contain heavy metal ions, free radicals, mold (fungus) and other contaminated compounds that can make you sick. Taking Shilajit daily can be safe for some individuals, but it is necessary to make sure the substance is pure, to follow dosage guidelines and to make sure there are no contraindications.

Who should avoid taking Shilajit?

There are a few contraindications that you should consider prior to taking Shilajit. Do not take Shilajit if you have sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis (high iron levels in blood), or thalassemia. Always consult a healthcare specialist if you consider introducing Shilajit to your dietary supplements.

How do you use it and the different forms?

You can find Shilajit in liquid, resin, powder, and capsules. Shilajit in capsules uses a well-established manufacturing method of freeze-drying the Shilajit, protecting the organic compounds of the Shilajit.

In conclusion, Shilajit is a powerful natural substance with a long history of safe and effective use. While it seems to offer numerous health benefits, it's important to approach it with awareness and caution, particularly regarding its proper use and potential contraindications. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplement into your routine, ensuring it aligns with your individual health needs.