Is Shilajit Safe? 9 Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage & Precautions Explained

Yes, processed and purified shilajit is generally considered safe for short-term use in recommended dosages, and raw or unprocessed forms can be dangerous due to potential contaminants. The safety of shilajit is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so careful selection of a reputable, third-party tested product is crucial. 

Is Shilajit safe? This is the most typical question of those who are going to think about this potent natural supplement. Shilajit is an Ayurvedic extract created by the decayed plants and minerals in Himalayas and it is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Shilajit is a popular health supplement known to boost energy, improve the performance of the brain, and improve immunity in the world.

But first, before you make it part of your routine, it is good to figure out about its safety. The benefits and side effects of Shilajit will be examined in further details, how to and who should avoid it, among the others. Also, you may have a question, how long can I take it? Can we take Shilajit daily? Is Shilajit safe to be used in the long term? Through this guide, we shall respond to these queries and consider issues such as the risk of contamination, the recommended doses and for whom its use isn’t considered proper; including those who are expecting a child, have diabetes, and other health diseases.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a blackish-brown, tar-like mineral-rich natural resin that oozes out of the cracks of Himalayan rocks during warm seasons. It has been used in Ayurvedic treatment for centuries as an adaptogenic supplement for rejuvenation to revive vitality, strength, and stamina.

In Sanskrit, the word Shilajit has a meaning, and it is “Conqueror of Mountains and Destroyer of Weakness”. Formed over centuries as plants and soil (containing minerals) slowly break down within the rocks, Shilajit is constituted of more than 85 important minerals, fulvic acid, and humic components that contribute to its powerful effects. 

As an adaptogen, the resin reinforces metabolism, facilitates the body's management of stress, and sustains natural energy levels. The best Shilajit is usually prepared in the high mountains of Nepal, where the natural environment in the area provides the purest form of this bioactive resin.

Is Shilajit Safe?

In recommended dosages and when used in processed form, shilajit is generally safe among the general population. Nevertheless, raw or untreated shilajit could in turn have heavy metals, fungus and other contaminants, which are toxic. The most important aspect to determine the quality of shilajit is the source you’re purchasing from; the more reputable the source is, the safer its consumption will be.

The safety of Shilajit is guaranteed only if it meets certain conditions. It’s helpful to confirm your Shilajit is:

• Lab-approved for the presence of heavy metals and contamination. 

• Professionally purified through modern filtration methods. 

• Purchased through a verified source or reputable supplier. 

Health Benefits of Shilajit 

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Fulvic acid, and the possibility of preventing or slowing down Alzheimer's are some of the reasons why Shilajit has become one of the most hailed superfoods in nature. The mineral-rich resin gets formed over centuries in the crevices of the high altitudes in the Himalayas and it provides more than 85 bioavailable nutrients directly to your cells.

While we still require more clinical trials, both early research and traditional evidence propose that Shilajit offers a wide array of benefits:

1. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: 

The combination helps combat free radicals in the body, thus reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These are critical measures to avoid chronic diseases and support good health.

2. Fulvic Acid:

Shilajit is high in fulvic acid which helps to absorb important minerals and vitamins for our bodies, increases energy levels and keeps cells healthy throughout. So it’s something that really is a key part of well-being.

3. Prevent or Slow Alzheimer's: 

Studies suggest that Shilajit can prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by preventing oxidative stress in the brain as well as keeping the brain active hence Shilajit is a good supplement in the management of cognitive health.

4. Bringing Energetic Balance:

With restoration of the energetic balance of the body, Shilajit assists in fighting the feeling of fatigue, enhancing stamina, and enhancing general vitality providing a natural energy boost and no crash, as stimulants do.

5. Hormonal Balance:

Shilajit is also important in the regulation of hormone balance especially in the enhancing of the testosterone in a man, in faculties, mood, and physical activity.

6. Improves Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Bone Loss:

Lowers oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss, which promotes bone health and prevents osteoporosis among other diseases which makes it one of the most important supplements to keep the bones healthy and strong.

7. Anti-aging Properties:

Known to have anti aging benefits, Shilajit helps in preserving aging of cells in the body, aging the skin by enhancing collagen synthesis as well as age restoring of a body at a cellular level.

8. Increase Testosterone:

The research has revealed that Shilajit can naturally elevate testosterone which will increase muscle mass, strength, sex health and body performance.

9. Gastrointestinal Health:

Shilajit promotes gastrointestinal health, among which effects is maintenance of gut bacteria, improvement of digestion, decrease in acidity, and alleviation of symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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Possible Side Effects of Shilajit

Allergic reactions, chest pain, and heavy metal toxicity are some of the potential side effects of Shilajit, particularly if it is not sourced from a reputable supplier or used without following the recommended dosage. These mentioned cases are rare and can only occur due to the user’s negligence while introducing Shilajit in their routine.

Some other possible side effects one might experience include:

1. It may lower blood sugar and interact with control of blood sugar during and after surgery.

2. May upset stomach in some people. It typically leads to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, mainly in the initial period one is using Shilajit.

3. It may lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or cramping; this is more especially among individuals whose stomachs are quite sensitive.

Shilajit is a very safe supplement, but of course, much of the harm and danger that can come from it depends on its purity and quality. So, as an informed user, it becomes important to do a little study and select high-quality shilajit brands before adding products to your regimen.

Shilajit Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

The optimum dose of purified shilajit for a healthy adult is 300–500 mg per day, and visible outcomes are observed after an average of continuous intake of 4-8 weeks. The best time for consumption is the morning, as absorption happens at the maximum rate after early hours of waking up.

It is a perfect energy booster if you consume it in the early morning; however, it can also be a part of your evening routine. However, consuming one to two hours before bedtime is not recommended as it can interfere with sleep. The important thing is to be regular with its consumption, as being consistent is extremely important for your desired outcomes.

Practical Recommendations : 

Evidence from Clinical Trials 

Human studies (mostly small, randomized, placebo-controlled trials) have tested purified shilajit at doses ranging from 200–1,000 mg/day, with no serious adverse events reported in these ranges when using processed forms. Key examples include:

• 250 mg twice daily (500 mg total/day): This dose was applied in a 90-day trial to study the effect of the dose on testosterone levels in healthy men aged 45-55 years; the introduced dose surprisingly led to a rise in the testosterone levels, that too without any reported toxicity. [PubMed]

• 250–500 mg/day: A 500 mg daily dose of the compound preserved the strength of muscle after exercise, and reduced hydroxyproline (a marker of collagen breakdown), in an 8-week trial of muscle strength and fatigue recovery. For 250mg/day dose, the extent of recovery was different, a little bit slower.[Tandfonline]

• The other study was a 48-week study in the case of a trial carried out on postmenopausal women with osteopenia. The doses were 250-500mg daily, and the findings demonstrate dose-dependent bone mineral density preservation, less inflammation and oxidative stress, and increased bone turnover indices. [PubMed] 

• 500–1,000 mg/day: An 8-week trial increased serum Pro-C1α1 (a type 1 collagen synthesis biomarker), with higher doses showing greater responses. [PubMed]  

Across reviews of trials, mostly a total of 200–500 mg/day was found to be safe to be included in the regimen. The dose was often split into 1–2 doses and was used for 8–48 weeks. Higher doses (up to 2 g/day for 45 days) have been tested without significant toxicity in healthy adults, but the evidence is older and less rigorous.

Systematic reviews, the collection of different studies, have noted promising efficacy in areas related to male fertility, bone health, and fatigue but highlight heterogeneity in dosing, small sample sizes, and the need for larger trials. No meta-analyses could pool data due to variability. [Researchgate]

Precautions Before Taking Shilajit 

Before taking shilajit, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.

• One of the major minerals present in shilajit is iron, the presence of which makes the use of shilajit potentially precarious in people suffering from blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis, or thalassemia.

• As the safety of shilajit to pregnant or breastfeeding is not studied, it’s better to avoid shilajit by these populations.

• Shilajit is also not recommended for people with autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), as shilajit may boost immune system activity which can worsen symptoms.

For healthy adults, they should be using purified shilajit, and use any shilajit product only after you verify quality. Avoid synthetic or adulterated shilajit, as it has reduced benefits compared to authentic Himalayan shilajit.

Which Brand of Shilajit is Best? 

Shilajit is a product formed in the high Himalayas, so it’s obvious that if any Shilajit product is obtained from countries with such regions, the possibility that it's an authentic Himalayan Shilajit rises significantly.

The Best Shilajit Ever is the pure shilajit resin form, raw one direct from the Himalayas to the jar. It's authentic, wild-crafted Himalayan shilajit and no other form is like this; raw, traditionally-purified, with no additives or fillers. 

A brand that extracts shilajit from mountains of Nepal, above 18,000 feet, Everest shilajit has been reviewed as one of the best Shilajit brands by consumers. Everest shilajit resin leads the list followed by other forms like Everest shilajit liquid, Everest shilajit gummies and Everest shilajit tablets.

In summary, to enjoy a pure and effective Deep Ayurveda experience, brands whose extraction sites lie in the high Himalayas like Everest Shilajit; that too the Everest Shilajit Resin, is the top choice.

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Conclusion 

So, is Shilajit safe? Yes, when taken in the correct dose and of good quality. A consistent use is linked with better stamina, enhanced vitality, improved focus, and hormonal balance. However, not considering the optimum dose and authenticity of the product doesn’t guarantee safety.

FAQs

Q : What are the risks of taking shilajit?
A : Shilajit is a natural supplement and doesn’t pose a risk when safety measures are followed- go only for reputable brands, including appropriate doses in daily regimen, and consulting a healthcare professional are key.

Q : Is shilajit safe for kidneys?
A : Yes, shilajit is safe for kidneys, it's totally based on consuming proper amounts (300-500 mg a day). But, for people with disturbed kidney function, the high mineral content of the supplement can create further strain on kidney functioning.

Q : Is shilajit actually worth taking?
A : Yes, shilajit is worth taking. Unlike synthesized supplements, its origin is completely natural, and indeed, it’s a mixture of 84+ minerals, vitamins and other beneficial bioactive compounds.

Q : What happens if you consume shilajit every day?
A : Only consistent use of shilajit, at least for up to 48 weeks, will give full benefits; expect to feel energized all the time, with improved vitality and cognitive function.

Q : Who is not allowed to take shilajit?
A : If you are someone with some ongoing medical treatment, don't take shilajit without medical advice. Individuals with any chronic conditions should consult medical professionals before beginning this supplement

Q : Does shilajit really raise testosterone?
A : Yes, shilajit raises testosterone. Studies done to analyze this effect have shown that its consistent use not only increases testosterone levels but also improves sperm quality and overall reproductive health in men.

Q : Is shilajit safe for kids?
A : No, shilajit is not safe for kids. It’s only considered safe for individuals aged >18.

References: 

Keller et al.,  The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels.  (2019). 

Pandit et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. (2016). 

Saqib S. et al. Effect of Shilajit on Obesity in Hyperlipidemic Albino Rats. (2016).