Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is biomass produced from the rocks and contains numerous nutrients.  It is either black or brown in color. It is found in the mountains of Himalayas and is used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine from ancient times.  It contains powerful antioxidants called humic acid and fulvic acid.

There are several health benefits associated with Shilajit.  Some of the uses include improving the immune system, regulate hormones, treat Alzheimer’s disease, relieve pain, diabetes treatment, etc.  It has been used as a herb in ancient times due to the potential benefits of providing energy to the body, treating several skin problems, as well as maintaining good gut health.  In India, it is known as “Destroyer of Weakness.”

Other uses of shilajit include promoting energy, mood, memory, regulating blood sugar, as well as managing the oxygenation process.  It is also effective in transferring oxygen and nutrients into the cell. It is also known by the name “yogavahi” because it enhances the properties of the substance which is consumed along with it.  

It is scientifically proved that shilajit improves energy levels by increasing the levels of CoQ10 in the body. This process is helpful to improve the energy levels of many internal organs such as the heart, liver, and kidney.  Shilajit with a combination of ashwagandha is known to be effective in treating many diseases. It is considered to be a herb, but cannot be consumed in the raw form due to the presence of fungus, metal ions, as well as free radicals.

Composition of Shilajit

The main components of shilajit include fulvic acid, which is a bioactive component.  Other compounds include Di-benzo-alpha-pyrones, chromoproteins, 3,8-dihydroxy-dibenzo-α-pyrone, 4′-methoxy-6-carbomethoxybiphenyl, 24(Z)-3/3-hydroxytirucalla-7, 24-dien-26-oic acid, a triterpenoic molecule, Glycine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

Why should start consuming Shilajit?

Boosts energy

Energy is essential for the body to function normally.  Around 20% of the energy produced by the body is utilized by the brain.  Lower energy levels can lead to weakness and malfunctioning of the body and brain.  There are many ways by which the body produces energy and the optimal production of energy can be altered due to many factors.  

Shilajit has been used from ancient times to boost energy. It is known to transfer the nutrients and oxygen to the cells in the body and promote the function of mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell.  The improved functioning of mitochondria helps in better energy storage, which is utilized by the body at regular intervals.

This process is beneficial for athletes since they tend to lose lots of energy during the strenuous exercise regimen and other activities.  It is also known for its powerful antioxidants and these antioxidants eliminate the free radicals from the body and promote a balanced environment essential for optimal production of energy.

Brain health

Maintaining a healthy brain is essential for the normal functioning of the body.  The brain transmits the signals required for various functions of the body. If there is any alteration in this process, it can lead to serious neurological problems.  Some of the problems related to the brain include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, etc. The normal functioning of the brain is generally affected by age and there is a gradual decline in neurological coordination as a person gets old.  

Shilajit is widely researched due to the anti-epileptic as well as antipsychotic properties.  It is able to perform these activities by regulating the GABA levels in the brain and maintaining an optimal level.  This is helpful in reducing the brain edema, intracranial pressure, as well as a blood-brain barrier. This is essential in reducing the death caused by brain injury.  Studies have indicated that these factors play an important role in causing traumatic brain injury that can lead to even death.

Promotes a healthy immune system

 A healthy immune system is directly linked to the health of the person.  With a weak immune system, there are high chances of developing oxidative stress.  This process increases the number of free radicals present in the body. Shilajit is known for its powerful antioxidants such as humic acid and fulvic acid.  

It is also helpful in regulating the testosterone levels in the body. The presence of powerful antioxidants is essential to promote the immune system to fight various pathogens.  The reduced oxidative stress also promotes a healthy immune system as well as the optimal production of testosterone hormones.

Heart health

Various factors can affect the health of the heart and lead to many heart-related problems.  Shilajit is helpful to the heart by reducing the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This process is accomplished because of antioxidant effects.  When it is consumed at appropriate levels, they are helpful to alter the heartbeat, which is essential to manage the blood pressure. It is also helpful in reducing the toxic effects of many drugs affecting the heart.  All these properties of shilajit are helpful in preventing several heart problems.

Anemia

It can be defined as the lower levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Anemia can be caused even due to lower levels of iron in the blood and this medically is called iron deficiency anemia.  Shilajit is effective in reducing the effects of anemia because of the high concentration of iron. Daily consumption of shilajit is helpful in providing an adequate amount of iron levels required for the body.

Relieves pain

Pain is the response of nerve stimulation.  Pain levels vary depending on the severity of the injury or the severity of the infection.  Pain level is controlled by the brain and the level of the pain can be altered by altering the brain activity.  Shilajit seems to do just the same as it alters the brain activity, which in turn reduces the pain levels. It is effective in reducing the pain levels around the face.  Regular use of shilajit can drastically reduce the consumption of pain medications and reduce the side effects associated with pain-relieving medications.

Diabetes management

Diabetes can be defined as the abnormal levels of glucose present in the bloodstream due to the inability of the body to adequately manage them.  Shilajit is effective in managing the blood glucose as well as lipid levels in the body. It is effective in healing the pancreas from the damage caused by free radicals.  This promotes better functioning of the pancreas and release of optimal insulin levels. It is recommended to consume the supplement along with diabetes medications to gain the benefits.  

Cancer

One of the main reasons for the development of cancer tumors is due to the large levels of free radicals present in the body.  This may be caused due to the lower levels of antioxidants, which is not efficient in flushing out the free radicals and reducing the oxidative stress.  Shilajit is known to contain a large number of metal ions. These metal ions are helpful in reducing the cancer cells and limiting the growth of cancer cells.  It is also helpful in protecting the ovaries from radiation damage.

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is a medical condition when a part of the body gets inflamed leading to swelling, redness, warmth, etc.  This condition may arise due to an infection or even an injury. The natural process of the immune system is to act against any foreign body and this result in inflammation of the area.  The main reason for the inflammation is due to the release of lipids such as COX-2 as well as PGE-2. Studies have indicated that it is also effective in killing the herpes virus, which is generally resistant to numerous drugs.

Strong Bones

A weak or soft bone may prevent a person from ambulating, which drastically reduces the activity level of a person.  Shilajit is helpful in the process of re-growth of bones. This is necessary to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.  This is accomplished due to the presence of potassium, which helps to retain the bone mineral. Regular consumption is helpful in the absorption of calcium, manganese, serotonin, and several other components that help in restoring stronger muscles and joints.

Popular supplements containing Shilajit

Some of the popularly known supplements of shilajit include:

• Regenerate Shilajit
• Bacopa
• Chelation Support
• Energico
• Beet Cleanse

Are there any side effects of Shilajit?

Shilajit is generally effective in managing many health issues and has been used for a long time due to its medicinal properties.  There are also some side effects associated with it. Firstly, it cannot be consumed naturally without it being processed appropriately.  It also contains a high amount of metal ions, which can cause toxicity.

Secondly, it is known to alter the heartbeat and may vary the blood pressure.  This can affect people who are having low blood pressure and it is important to monitor the intake of shilajit by a medical professional. It may also cause some allergic reactions in people, so it is essential to maintain caution before supplementing this herb.

References
https://www.healthline.com/health/shilajit#side-effects
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320318.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411100273X
https://examine.com/supplements/shilajit/

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