Shilajit, also known as mumiyo or mumieh, is an organic mineral compound found in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas, Russia, and Afghanistan. This naturally occurring dark brown resin contains over 40 minerals and substances, the most prominent being fulvic acid.
Shilajit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in Nepal and India for many years. There is also evidence to suggest that shilajit has antioxidant and inflammatory properties.
The safety and potential side effects of shilajit supplements are largely unknown due to a lack of research. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting Shilajit supplements. Learn about Shilajit, including its potential benefits and risks.
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Human research on the health benefits of shilajit is limited and ongoing. Some experts believe Shilajit has the potential to treat many health conditions, from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to male infertility.
1. Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Shilajit has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, this compound is thought to promote longevity and have anti-aging properties. These benefits support overall health and reduce the risk of certain conditions.
Studies have shown that Shilajit has the following effects:
- increase cell turnover
- May encourage the body to produce more collagen
- slow down oxidative stress
2. May prevent bone loss
Shilajit may have a positive impact on bone health. A study published in 2022 found that postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone density) who took shilajit supplements daily saw a significant improvement in bone density after 11 months. . The researchers theorized that this effect may be due to shilajit’s ability to promote cell turnover.
3. May increase male fertility
Shilajit may increase male fertility by enhancing key hormones. Studies have shown that consuming 500 milligrams (mg) of shilajit per day significantly increases dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and total testosterone levels.
4. May improve athletic performance
A growing body of research shows that shilajit may be helpful in your athletic efforts. Some evidence suggests that after taking shilajit supplements, athletes feel less fatigued after training and find it easier to reach peak strength.
Other studies have found that shilajit helps with muscle elasticity and repair during athletic training. Some experts believe these findings are promising in terms of Shilajit’s potential benefits for CFS patients.
Shilajit supplements can be found at many online shops, pharmacies, drug stores, and health food stores. It is available as a powder that dissolves in drinks such as water or milk, or as capsules.
Dose
Shilajit is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there is no set dosage that is considered safe and effective. In some clinical studies, the dosage was 300 to 500 mg once daily.
If you are taking Shilajit supplements, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s dosing instructions on the label. You can also ask your health care provider for guidance in finding a safe and effective dose.
Shilajit is not FDA approved and has limited research. There is insufficient information about side effects and safety in different populations. Some evidence suggests that shilajit is safe and well tolerated by most people even when taken for long periods of time. Few side effects have been reported.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking Shilajit. They can advise you about potential drug interactions and side effects. Do not take Shilajit to treat a health condition or to replace prescription medications without consulting your health care provider.
Potential drug interactions
There is no evidence that Shilajit interacts with drugs. It is still possible that this compound may interact with certain drugs. Although more research is needed, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any other supplements or medications you are taking before taking shilajit.
what to look for
The FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way it does food and drugs. Look for shilajit supplements that have been third-party tested to ensure product safety.
Organizations such as NSF International, Consumer Labs, and the United States Pharmacopeia test products to ensure they contain the ingredients listed on the label and do not contain harmful levels of contaminants. . Look for the tissue seal on the bottle.
Look for words like “purified” on the label and follow the instructions. Avoid raw, unprocessed Shilajit, which may be contaminated.
Is it okay to take too much?
No side effects have been recorded with large doses of Shilajit. There is not enough research to confirm that shilajit is not toxic if taken in excess.
The potential side effects of Shilajit are unknown due to limited research. Before taking Shilajit, tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you have or other medicines you take regularly.
Shilajit, like any other substance, can cause allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), call 911 or go to the emergency room.
- chest pain
- diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing
- dizzy
- hives
- nausea or vomiting
- fast heart rate
- stomach pain
- Swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, lips, throat, and mouth
Shilajit’s health benefits include improved male fertility due to higher testosterone levels. There is also evidence to suggest that shilajit may lower the risk of bone loss, reduce inflammation, and improve athletic performance.
Consult your health care provider before trying Shilajit. The FDA does not regulate shilajit, and there is very limited evidence regarding its effectiveness in treating health conditions.
