Shilajit – Benefits and Side Effects
Contents
There was a time in the past when Asia and the Indian continent slowly collided into each other, creating mountains currently known as The Himalayas.
Through the centuries, shilajit gradually developed from the decomposing plants that were buried within the Himalayan mountains. This powerful antioxidant would usually seep out during the summer.
It has long been popular in Ayurvedic medicine and is found as an effective supplement to improve and maintain a healthy well-being. Because of this, it is also available as an over-the-counter supplement.
Shilajit contains 80 minerals and it is labeled as the “best carrier of nutrition and energy” by India’s oldest medical system.
Benefits
- Prevents and slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improves testosterone levels and improves fertility in men.
- A natural and potent energy booster that also helps alleviate the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Has anti-aging properties.
- Prevents high-altitude sickness.
- Boosts iron levels in the body to fight against iron deficiency anemia.
- Promotes a healthy heart.
Components
- Fulvic and humic acids: These are the major component of shilajit which work hand in hand to improve the body’s absorption of nutrients and minerals. They are derived from decomposing plants and are found to have many health benefits. Modern research has recently proven that these acids are very helpful in producing energy in each cell. Humic acid contains important phytochemical groups that support healthy cell growth as well as balance the dysregulated cells. Fulvic acid, on the other hand, helps transport minerals to each cell in the body to keep them healthy.
- Dibenzo Alpha Pyrones (DBP): This element also boosts the energy as well as help with rejuvenating the body.
How to Use
Like any other food supplement, Shilajit must be taken with proper dosage and frequency to make sure that the levels of minerals in your body are balanced.
Liquid Shilajit
The average dosage for liquid shilajit is between 100 – 150 milligram per day, and must not exceed 600 mg.
Most liquid shilajit packages include a disposable stick or stainless steel spoon in the packaging to make sure you are taking the right dosage. You can mix the shilajit liquid with any cold or hot liquid drink for better absorption.
It is important to remember that shilajit should not be boiled in order to preserve its nutrients.
Solid Shilajit
This form is easier to take compared to the other forms 
as it doesn’t have the bitter taste. The average dosage is between 100 to 150 mg, not exceeding 300 milligrams each serving.
Solid shilajit becomes hard when cold, and sticky when hot. If your shilajit is too hard, you can use a hairdryer to warm it slightly and take a knife or a clean scissor to cut it.
A 150mg shilajit is the same as the size of a rice grain. Simply take the dose in your mouth and let it melt.
You can also mix the shilajit with any drink. Simply add a 150 mg solid shilajit to your drink and stir for about 5 seconds. Liquids with shilajit must be taken the same day.
Powder Extract
This form of shilajit is very powerful and is usually packed in 100-milligram serving. You must not take more than 250 mg of this shilajit form to avoid overdose.
Another form of shilajit extract comes from Altay, Siberia. Shilajit coming from this area may not be pure as they can be harvested by anyone due to the low altitude of the region.
Altay shilajit is packed in 150 mg capsules. The maximum dosage per day is 300mg.
How to Take
Shilajit is best taken in the early morning, or during the day. It may be taken up to 2 times a day, 4 to 6 times a week for one month, and not more. It may also be taken 2-3 times a year at separate months.
It is not recommended to take it throughout a whole year, but if you must, limit the dosage of your intake as well as the number of days you take the supplement in a week.
Side Effects
This supplement is generally safe if taken in the right dose. Experiencing unwanted side effects from consuming this supplement may mean that the shilajit is low quality, or not genuine.
Fake shilajit contains fertilizers or heavy metals, so make sure you only consume the real one.
Shilajit is best taken in an empty stomach, but some individuals may experience lightheadedness. If that is your case, we recommend taking your next dose with food.
Allergic reaction to shilajit includes increased heart rate, nausea, and itchiness. Stop taking this supplement if you experience any of these symptoms.
High doses of shilajit can cause increased levels in uric acid, thus increasing the bile production which can be dangerous.
Interactions
Shilajit can be taken together with other organic products to maximize their benefit as it works by transporting the nutrients to each cell. For this reason, it may not be safe to take shilajit together with prescription drugs with strictly regulated dosage such as cancer and hormone medications as it may cause an overdose.
For safety reasons, shilajit must be taken 2 hours after taking other medicines to avoid interaction.
Safety Precautions
- Although shilajit is helpful with a hangover, it must not be taken with alcohol as it can increase the risk of alcohol intoxication leading to alcohol overdose.
- Do not take shilajit with tap water because tap waters usually have chlorine. Mixing these two elements together may form toxic substances like DDT or dioxin.
- Do not boil shilajit or expose to heat greater than 165F to preserve its healthy properties.
- Be careful of ingredients that may trigger allergy while taking shilajit as it can amplify the effects caused by allergens.
- This supplement is not safe for children 3 years and below so it must be stored out of the reach of children.
Shilajit must not be taken if you:
- are pregnant;
- have high iron levels;
- have heart issues and high blood pressure;
- currently have an infection.
Proper Storage
Shilajit may be kept in the fridge or at a room temperature. If you have the cream form, it must be stored in the fridge and consumed within 1 – 2 weeks. Solid shilajit, on the other hand, can be stored in airtight jars at room temperature. It is optional to keep it refrigerated, but it can become very hard in doing so.
Liquid shilajit must be kept in its original packaging without over-tightening the cap as it can get stuck. In cases where you find yourself struggling to open the jar, simply place it under hot water for a few minutes and try opening again. After the jar is opened, it can be stored for up to 3 years.
Shilajit for Women
By consuming this superfood, women can enjoy its anti-aging properties, a healthy skin and hair as well as a balanced sexual health.
In addition to that, a study on rats shows that Shilajit supplementation supports ovulation, although it also implies that it may not be effective in some of the subjects.
Shilajit is also popular for its ability to balance hormones naturally. Hormone balancing supplements are mainly needed by women who are going through menopause.
Shilajit for Men
Aside from the many general health benefits from taking Shilajit, it is also very helpful for men in terms of fertility and overall physical performance. Most shilajit supplements that are sold in powder form contain additional ingredients that increase the libido.
This study looked at purified Shilajit and was found that daily intake of 250 milligrams two times a day is effective in increasing free and total testosterone as well as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS).
An increase in testosterone levels has a lot of health benefits in men especially those who are beyond their 30’s. This includes better sexual and physical performance as it was proven that taking Shilajit directly improves the production of energy in the mitochondria. This promotes alertness and faster recovery during workouts.
Another study revealed that supplementation with this substance also increases the sperm count significantly.
