Scrolling through wellness pages and looking for newer supplements, you might’ve come across the word “shilajit” with no clue what it is. This substance is practically a gold mine in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicine. We’ll break it down for you in simple terms – with a focus on shilajit for men, its various benefits, and how to consume shilajit for the best results on strength and testosterone.
Firstly, What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky substance that seeps from rocks in the Himalayas and other mountains, developing over hundreds of years as plants slowly break down. It formed over 200 million years ago, making it one of nature’s oldest natural substances. It looks and feels kind of like tar. You’ll find it mostly in the warmer months when the heat of the sun is harsh enough to literally melt layers of the mountain, resulting in the substance that gets collected as shilajit! And because of this centuries-long development it’s packed with several vitamins and minerals – like vitamin B group, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, etc. – and essential fatty acids and amino acids. It also contains fulvic acid, humic acid, and other powerful nutrients.
Shilajit in Sanskrit is called the “destroyer of weakness”, and for good reason – people have used it for centuries as a natural energy booster (1). It’s also nicknamed the “conqueror of mountains”. Such powerful names really preface its power as a supplement for stimulating testosterone and energy production.
Fulvic Acid: The Secret Weapon
Fulvic acid is a key ingredient of shilajit, making up about 60-80% of its humic matter. You’ll see it as a common aspect in most of the functions of shilajit. It has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers, so it fights free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. Basically, fulvic acid is behind shilajit’s contribution to anti-aging, immune system support, and overall cellular health. It’s central to shilajit’s reputation for boosting energy, supporting immunity, aiding brain health, and promoting overall wellness. It really is the secret weapon of shilajit.
How is Shilajit Good for Health?
Now let’s look at some of the shilajit benefits, especially for men but useful for everyone:
1. Boosts Testosterone and Men’s Health: Shilajit for men is probably the most researched purpose for this supplement. Some studies show that regular consumption can naturally boost testosterone levels (2) – a key hormone for muscle growth, stamina, sexual health, and even mood.
2. Improves Strength and Exercise Performance: Of course by increasing testosterone, you also increase your strength and stamina. The rich mineral content in shilajit helps fight fatigue and boosts muscle power. So you also have better muscle strength and resilience during exercise, improving your performance.
3. Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue: If you feel drained or low on energy, shilajit may help! Fulvic acid helps your body produce energy at the cellular level, supporting overall vitality. This is how shilajit helps fight everyday tiredness, especially after a hectic workday or a sweaty gym session.
4. Supports Weight Loss and Fat Burn: Apart from energy, there’s also a role of shilajit for weight loss, by supporting healthy metabolism and promoting fat breakdown. Shilajit triggers your body’s mitochondria to turn nutrients into energy more efficiently. Combined with exercise, it promotes healthy weight management. (But a healthy diet and regular activity are still the most important for sustained weight loss.)
5. Supports Brain Function and Memory: Shilajit has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, so it helps protect brain cells from damage, improves memory, and supports cognitive function.
6. Immune Support and Detoxification: The minerals and fulvic acid help flush toxins out of the body and support a healthy immune system. It prevents the development of diseases related to viruses. Shilajit also has immunomodulatory effects, meaning it helps balance your immune system.
7. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease: Fulvic acid helps lower inflammation in the brain, which protects brain cells from damage. This way, shilajit can even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
How Shilajit Works for Women
You must’ve noticed that although shilajit is promoted as a male supplement, most of its functions are for women too. Let’s see how shilajit benefits women:
1. Boosts Energy: Shilajit is a natural energiser for women. It enhances energy levels by improving how your cells produce energy, helping combat fatigue and supporting stamina in daily life, which is especially important for those balancing busy schedules.
2. Supports Weight Loss: It boosts metabolism and encourages the body to burn fat more efficiently. Combine this with a healthy diet and exercise, and shilajit’s increase in energy can also promote healthy weight management.
3. Anti-Aging and Rejuvenation: Shilajit is full of minerals, antioxidants, and adaptogens that help slow down aging, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote youthful skin.
4. Aids Hormonal Function: It plays a role in balancing key hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which helps regulate mood swings, reduce PMS and menopause symptoms, and support fertility. It can also help manage stress, which can prevent further hormonal imbalance.
5. Regulates Menstrual Cycle: By supporting overall hormonal health, shilajit helps promote a more regular menstrual cycle and can decrease the chances of irregular periods or PCOS. Even in Ayurveda, it’s believed to stabilise the endocrine system and keep menstrual cycles balanced.
Shilajit for Sexual Wellness
Shilajit is also known for supporting sexual wellness.
• For men, it naturally boosts testosterone levels, which enhances libido, stamina, and overall sexual performance in men.
• For women, it aids in hormone balance, helps maintain regular periods, supports the health of the ovaries, boosts fertility, and enhances sexual well-being.
• Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers further enhance reproductive health for both men and women.
In short, shilajit acts as a natural stimulant and vitality booster, making it a valuable supplement for supporting sexual health and hormonal balance.
Tips on How to Consume Shilajit
You can find shilajit supplements as a resin, paste, in tablet form, or as capsules. But the resin might get a little sticky and hard to dissolve in a drink. So look for shilajit supplements that aren’t messy and are easy to mix in water. Also make sure that the shilajit is purified and sourced from authentic origins. Raw or unrefined shilajit can have harmful impurities.
Dosage: Take 200-500 mg of shilajit per day for up to a year.
Side Effects: Shilajit is generally safe for most people in proper doses. Potential side effects are headache, dizziness, increased heart rate, or allergies; although it’s rare to feel these because of shilajit. But do consult your doctor before trying out a new supplement.
Final Thoughts
Shilajit has been treasured in Ayurvedic medicine for ages as a true powerhouse of natural nutrients. From boosting testosterone and strength in men to using shilajit for weight loss, the benefits of shilajit for men and women result in holistic vigour and vitality. So if you’re considering adding shilajit to your routine, do so with a trusted source, start with small doses, and see how your body and energy are revitalised. This ancient destroyer of weakness has definitely lived up to its name.
FAQs
Q1. Does shilajit increase testosterone?
Yes, shilajit has been shown to increase testosterone. It contains fulvic acid, which is found to play a role in boosting testosterone production.
Q2. Is shilajit good for health?
Shilajit is good for general health as it improves your strength and energy, reduces inflammation, promotes weight loss, and supports immune system.
Q3. When to take shilajit?
The best time to have shilajit is in the morning on an empty stomach. Dissolve it in water, and you can add honey as a sweetener if you want.
Q4. Can women take shilajit?
Yes, women can also take shilajit. Not only testosterone, but it also boosts energy production and supports hormonal balance. And it has other advantages, like promoting weight loss, anti-aging properties, and boosting immune health.