Shilajit, a herbomineral drug with a long history of human use, has recently attracted attention for its potential role in weight loss. This pale-brown to blackish-brown gummy exudate, found oozing from the rocks of the Himalayas during summer months, is composed of humus, organic plant materials, and fulvic acid as its main carrier molecule. Known in Sanskrit as “Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness” and ‘Winner of rock’, Shilajit has been used in traditional medicine for nervous, diabetic, urinary, immune, cardiac, and digestive disorders, and as a performance enhancer. This article explores the potential benefits of shilajit for weight loss, along with recommendations for dosage and timing.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural substance that develops over centuries from the decomposition of plants. It is a sticky substance that comes out of the cracks in high mountain ranges of Asia. It's made of animal, mineral, and plant material. The exact makeup of shilajit depends on where it's found and the temperature. It typically contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. It also contains the organic acids fulvic acid and humic acid. It is often used as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine and has antioxidant effects.
Potential Benefits of Shilajit for Weight Loss
While research is still emerging, shilajit may offer several benefits that could indirectly support weight loss:
Enhanced Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, responsible for energy production. Shilajit may enhance mitochondrial function, improving the body's ability to burn calories and produce energy.
Combating Fatigue
One common obstacle during weight loss is fatigue, which can reduce motivation for physical activity. Shilajit actively takes part in the transportation of nutrients into deep tissues and helps to overcome tiredness, lethargy, and chronic fatigue. Shilajit, with its potential to combat tiredness and lethargy, can help maintain energy levels, making it easier to stay active.
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Detoxification
The fulvic acid in shilajit acts as a carrier molecule in the human system, helps in the transportation of nutrients into the deep tissues, and removes deep-seated toxins from the body. Fulvic acid helps in the absorption of iron into the body, making it bioavailable to bone marrow stem cells for blood formation. By aiding the elimination of toxins, shilajit may support a more efficient metabolism.
Hormonal Balance
Hormonal imbalances can contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss efforts. Shilajit stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin and maintains an equilibrium of catabolism and anabolism in the body. Shilajit's potential to support hormonal balance may help regulate weight.
Appetite Control
Regular use of Shilajit may help curb cravings and appetite, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet.
Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Shilajit is an important drug that helps in the digestion and absorption of food in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is also useful for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and digestive disorders. By supporting gut health, shilajit ensures better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Energy Production
Shilajit helps in metabolism and promotes energy production in the body.
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Overcoming Stress
Shilajit also has the ability to overcome physical as well as mental stress due to which it is used in the treatment of tiredness, lethargy, cold etc. which are common problems at high altitudes.
Forms of Shilajit
Shilajit is available in several forms, each with its own method of consumption:
- Resin: The purest form, often dissolved in warm water or milk.
- Powder: Can be mixed into smoothies, herbal teas, or water.
- Capsules: Provide a standardized dose for easy consumption.
Dosage and Timing
The recommended dose of Shilajit for maintenance of optimal health is 300-500 mg/day. In clinical trials, shilajit dosing has ranged from 200 to 2000 mg daily, although the most commonly used dosing regimen seems to be 500 mg daily, split into two daily doses.
- Resin: Measure a pea-sized portion (300-500 mg) using a clean, dry spoon (avoid metal spoons). Dissolve in warm (not hot) water, milk, or green tea. It is often recommended to avoid combining it with caffeinated drinks because caffeine may dehydrate you, which may affect the absorption of shilajit. This method works best with pure resin.
- Powder: Use a measuring spoon (150mg) or a pinch of powder. Powder Shilajit is a potent and concentrated extract made from pure shilajit. It has a higher percentage of trace minerals per serving than the other types of shilajit.
- Capsules: Follow the instructions on the product label.
The best time to consume shilajit is in the morning on an empty stomach with warm milk or water.
Lifestyle Integration
To maximize the benefits of shilajit for weight loss, combine it with these healthy lifestyle practices:
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- Balanced Diet: Incorporate a diet rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in consistent physical activity to burn calories and build muscle.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to aid detoxification and regulate metabolism.
- Herbal Teas: Combine shilajit with herbal teas like green tea to enhance metabolism.
- Quality Sleep: Ensure quality sleep for hormonal balance and effective weight management.
Precautions
While Shilajit is generally considered safe, it's important to take certain precautions:
- Purity: Ensure you purchase high-quality, authentic shilajit to avoid harmful additives. Always look for reputable brands that offer lab-tested, pure products.
- Raw Shilajit: Raw and unprocessed Shilajit should not be used as it contains a significant amount of free radicals and has been found to be contaminated with different fungal organisms such as Aspergillus niger, A.
Additional Benefits of Shilajit
Shilajit is a potent natural substance known for its numerous health benefits. It helps increase energy levels, improve stamina, and supports mental clarity, making it a powerful ally for both physical and cognitive performance. Additionally, Shilajit aids in muscle recovery, strengthens immune health, and enhances overall vitality, providing comprehensive support for a well-balanced life.
High Altitude Acclimatization
High altitude problems like hypoxia, acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral edema, pulmonary edema, insomnia, tiredness, lethargy, lack of appetite, body pain, dementia, and depression may occur when a person or a soldier residing in a lower altitude ascends to high-altitude areas. Shilajit improves the ability to handle high altitudinal stresses and stimulates the immune system. It helps in improving blood circulation and its diffusion into tissues, and maintains the necessary oxygen levels in the body during hypoxia.
Cognitive Function
Shilajit may play a potential role in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as it is an immunostimulant and has been found to be very effective in treating immune, nervous, and urinary disorders
Treatment of AMS
Various scientists have experimentally proved that Shilajit can be used effectively for the treatment of gastrointestinal distress, headache, weakness anorexia, heart problems, dehydration, insomnia, dyspnea, moist cough, and pain. Hence, it can be very beneficial for the treatment of AMS.
Blood Purification
Apart from its blood-purifying property, Shilajit also enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood . It helps in improving blood circulation and its diffusion into tissues, and maintains the necessary oxygen levels in the body during hypoxia.
Detoxification
Dash (1991) has reported that Shilajit is a good detoxifier, helping in the elimination of toxins from the body, and its regular use stops the production of toxins in the body.