Is Shilajit Safe for You? The Truth About Side Effects and Safe Usage
Shilajit is a substance that’s millions of years in the making! Sometimes nicknamed “Nature’s Viagra,” it has been a staple of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. This resinous substance oozes from rocks in high-altitude regions, including the Himalayas.
There’s a growing trend towards using shilajit to help boost energy levels and enhance vitality, among other things. Now that it’s no longer in the shadows, there’s been a significant increase in the number of people using it. Inevitably, given that the substance hasn’t been the subject of intense research, there are question marks over its safety.
Today, I will look at Shilajit’s safety profile, possible side effects, and recommended dosage, emphasizing the importance of purified products.
Is Shilajit Safe? Here’s What the Research Says
Although there’s far more research into shilajit than what was available a couple of decades ago, we need more data to uncover the true extent of this remarkable substance’s capabilities.
There aren’t many studies specifically investigating shilajit’s safety, although some exist. For instance, a study published in 2012 looked at black shilajit’s impact on rats after 91 days of repeated administration. The researchers found no significant changes in the iron levels of the rodents and concluded that the substance was safe for long-term use when consumed as a dietary supplement for specific issues.
A study published four years later found that purified shilajit extracts showed minimal toxicity in animal models. The emphasis is on the word “purified” because the industry is sadly filled with low-grade shilajit that contains toxic substances. I will discuss this essential issue towards the end of the article.
Potential Shilajit Side Effects
It’s important to point out that some people may experience adverse effects, even if they use an appropriate amount of purified extract. For example, there are reports of digestive distress, including symptoms such as upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. These issues are more common if you’re not accustomed to using the substance.
Since shilajit is loaded with minerals, it may put stress on the kidneys of individuals living with an existing kidney condition. If you fall into this category, please talk to a medical professional before taking any shilajit products.
Other potential adverse effects include dizziness, headaches, and skin reactions such as itching, rashes, and swelling.
Beware Drug Interactions
As is the case with products such as hemp extract, shilajit could interact with specific medications, either reducing or enhancing the effects of a drug.
You should exercise caution if using blood pressure medications because shilajit has a natural blood pressure-lowering effect. It could cause genuine issues for anyone already consuming antihypertensive drugs, including symptoms of hypotension.
There’s also a chance the product could interfere with blood thinners, thyroid medications, or diabetes drugs. Reduce the risk by talking to your healthcare provider before using shilajit, especially if you’re currently using any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
How Much Shilajit Should I Use?
A lot depends on the consumption method. According to the available research, shilajit is well-tolerated in doses of up to 500 mg per day. Yet, it’s likely that you’ll derive plenty of benefits from using significantly less. Traditionally, shilajit resin is mixed with milk, although you may find capsules or powder.
We’ve gone down a different route at Premium Jane with our shilajit gummies. Frankly, it’s the tastiest way to enjoy this product, and those who have tried the resinous form of shilajit regularly thank us for giving them a more palatable option! Try one or two of our Huckleberry-flavored gummies each day, and let us know what you think!
Unpurified Shilajit Products Are the Biggest Danger
By far, the biggest issue with the fledgling shilajit industry (in the West) relates to the sale of unpurified products. The buzz around this substance, primarily due to its possible health benefits, means that anyone who can sell it is trying to! The result is a host of fake, potentially harmful products flooding the market.
The truth is, shilajit is exceptionally hard to collect and purify. The former is a process where someone literally risks their life to climb up mountains and gather the sticky black substance. The latter requires a combination of Triphala powder (using an old-school purification method), water, the collected shilajit, and a whole lot of knowledge.
In the modern era, reputable sellers use sophisticated machinery to remove shilajit’s impurities before it is filtered and cleaned. Trust me, you don’t want to consume ‘raw’ shilajit as it’s full of heavy metals, soil particles, rock pieces, and much more.
If you regularly use unpurified shilajit, contaminants such as lead, mercury, and arsenic can build up in your body over time. As a result, you could experience severe health issues such as organ damage and neurological damage!
Stay safe by only buying shilajit from reputable sources, such as Premium Jane. We provide third-party testing with our gummies to verify their purity.
Shilajit Is a Safe Supplement When Used Properly
We believe shilajit is a fascinating natural substance with many potential health benefits. However, it’s essential that you use it safely and responsibly. This means choosing purified products, using a sensible amount of the substance, and understanding the potential side effects and interactions with medications.
As long as you follow the advice in this article, you’ll find that shilajit IS safe, so find out what it can do for you today by trying our gummies!
