Shilajit Demystified: Exploring the Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Introduction

What is Shilajit? 

Shilajit, a viscous substance primarily found in the Himalayan rocks, is formed through the gradual decomposition of plants over several centuries. Ayurvedic medicine frequently incorporates Shilajit as it is a reliable and secure supplement that can significantly enhance one's overall health and well-being.

Chemical Composition of Shilajit 

Shilajit consists of humins (insoluble component of soil organic matter), humic acid, and fulvic acid. Fulvic acid constitutes the primary constituent responsible for 60 to 80% of the nutraceutical components found in Shilajit. Shilajit also contains fatty acids, resins, albumins, polyphenols, phenolic lipids, triterpenes, sterols, aromatic carboxylic acids, coumarins, latex, gums, and amino acids.

Properties of Shilajit 

The characteristics of Shilajit include the potential for anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, memory-enhancing abilities, potential anti-Alzheimer properties, a possible blood sugar-lowering effect, potential anti-asthmatic properties, potential anti-tumour activity, potential seizure relief, potential benefits for heart, kidney, and liver health, as well as potential digestive properties.

Health Benefits of Shilajit

 Overcome Fatigue

Fatigue is the result of insufficient energy production by body cells. Shilajit is utilized as a rejuvenating agent to improve physical performance and alleviate fatigue. This is attributed to the existence of fulvic and humic acid, which support the mitochondria within cells in energy production.

 Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Shilajit is believed to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the field of Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that shilajit can effectively mitigate oxidative stress, stimulate cell regeneration, and potentially stimulate collagen production within the body.

 May Improve Cognitive Function

Due to its high content of fulvic acid, shilajit is reputed to boost memory function. Consequently, it is hypothesized that shilajit could potentially reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and enhance cognitive processing abilities.

 May Enhance Muscular Strength 

Shilajit supplementation has advantageous outcomes in maintaining muscular strength following a strenuous activity, indicating its potential benefits in combating muscle fatigue.

 May Support Blood Formation

Shilajit is often utilized as a supplement by individuals embarking on journeys to high altitudes. Shilajit is enriched with fulvic acid, which plays a key role in the potential health benefits associated with shilajit. Fulvic acid has the ability to enhance energy production and support blood formation.

 May Prevent Hypoxia

Hypoxia occurs when the body or certain body parts are deprived of sufficient oxygen. This can result from a lack of blood in the body or the blood's inability to transport enough oxygen. The Fulvic acid found in Shilajit aids in the production of blood and improves the blood's ability to carry oxygen, thereby assisting in the prevention of hypoxia.

 Likely to Raise Testosterone Levels

Shilajit is recognized for its positive effects on male vitality. It is believed to improve male vitality and address a range of health issues. Shilajit has the potential to enhance reproductive health by supporting healthy sperm production and testosterone levels. 

 May Help in Alzheimer's disease

Shilajit has the potential to lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. Shilajit contains Fulvic acid, which is vital for sustaining cognitive health by hindering the aggregation of tau protein. The excessive presence of tau protein can cause harm to brain cells, a situation that is strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease. 

Moreover, individuals with Alzheimer's experience increased production of a protein known as amyloid beta protein, which results in the creation of amyloid plaques or clusters in the brain. Research indicates that the presence of fulvic acid in Shilajit can help decrease the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. This suggests that Shilajit could be a beneficial treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.

 Help Overcome Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness manifests through a variety of symptoms, encompassing pulmonary edema, fatigue, or experiencing a sense of weariness, aching in the body, cognitive impairment, and hypoxia. Shilajit has the potential to assist in managing issues related to high altitudes.

 May Help in Cancer 

Free radicals produced during cancer chemotherapy have the potential to harm the healthy cells surrounding the tumour, resulting in a painful cancer treatment process. The presence of Fulvic and humic acid in Shilajit effectively eliminates these free radicals through its antioxidant properties, thereby reducing the pain associated with cancer treatment.

 Helps in Detoxification of the Body

Shilajit could potentially aid in detoxifying the body due to the existence of fulvic and humic acids, which possess porous properties. These acids have the ability to soak up harmful chemicals and toxins that accumulate in the body, such as heavy metals like lead and mercury, and expel them.

What is Shilajit Gold?

In order to enhance the efficacy of Shilajit and maximize its advantages, additional elements are incorporated. Primarily, gold ash is blended into it. Swarna Bhasma in Ayurveda offers numerous health benefits. 

How to Use Shilajit?

Consume 2-4 pinches of Shilajit Powder daily. Mix it with honey or have it with lukewarm milk. Take it twice a day after meals. If it is a capsule, take 1 Shilajit Capsule daily. Swallow it with lukewarm milk after meals, twice a day. 

Note: It is crucial to seek advice from a doctor before consuming Shilajit in order to prevent any potential health risks.

Is Shilajit Safe to Use?

1. Despite the natural and safe properties of this herb, it is advised against consuming raw or unprocessed shilajit. Raw shilajit may potentially contain harmful substances such as toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, free radicals, mycotoxins, oxidant agents, fungus, and other contaminants that can have adverse effects on your health.
2. Shilajit, when taken in excessive amounts, can cause a burning feeling in the body due to an imbalance of Pitta Dosha.
3. Pregnant women and lactating women should avoid consuming Shilajit.
4. Shilajit could potentially influence the levels of uric acid in the body. गt is recommended to regularly monitor uric acid levels if Shilajit is being consumed.

Is Shilajit Overrated? 

Numerous advantages of Shilajit have been outlined in Ayurveda. As previously mentioned, Shilajit impacts health in various ways. This is due to the presence of specific chemicals in Shilajit that are beneficial for the body's biological processes. Nevertheless, it is important to note that there is a lack of substantial evidence supporting all the health claims associated with Shilajit.