Is It Okay to Take Shilajit Every Day?

Shilajit is a unique supplement that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. But is it safe to take shilajit daily? Let's take a closer look.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a thick, tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in several mountain ranges across Asia. It's composed of plant matter and minerals that have been compressed by layers of rock over centuries.

People have used shilajit to boost energy, stimulate the immune system, and support several other health benefits. But while shilajit shows promise in these areas, more research is still needed.

So what does the current research say about taking shilajit every day? Should you add it to your regular supplement routine? Let’s explore.

Is Taking Shilajit Daily Safe?

There are currently no major safety issues reported with taking purified shilajit according to recommended dosages. Since shilajit contains such a dense amount of minerals and other compounds extracted from the earth, quality is incredibly important.

Low-grade shilajit may be contaminated with heavy metals, free radicals, and other toxins. So as long as you get high-quality shilajit from a reputable source, taking shilajit daily appears to be safe.

But it’s always wise to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take any medications or have a medical condition.

What Are the Recommended Dosages?

Human studies use dosages between 200 - 500 mg of purified shilajit per day. However, it’s best to start with lower doses like 100 mg to assess tolerance.

Shilajit may amplify the effects of other supplements and medications. It’s also generally advised to take shilajit earlier in the day since it may provide a significant energy boost.

What Are the Benefits of Daily Shilajit Supplementation?

Regularly taking shilajit as a supplement may:

• Increase energy levels
• Improve memory, mood and motivation
• Stimulate the immune system
• Protect brain cells and nerve tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve heart health markers
• Increase testosterone and fertility in men

While promising research exists for all of these benefits, larger human trials are still needed.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When taken as recommended, most people tolerate shilajit well. However, some temporary side effects are possible:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Rash

High doses may increase uric acid levels or interact with anti-anxiety medications. Therefore, it’s best to start with smaller doses of 100-200 mg per day.

Be sure to buy purified shilajit from a trusted source as well. Poor quality products are more likely to cause stomach and other side effects.

A Summary: Is It Safe to Take Shilajit Daily?

Shilajit is rich in nutrients like fulvic acid, dibenzo-alphapyrones, and minerals that offer a range of health properties. According to Ayurvedic tradition and emerging clinical research, shilajit is safe and well-tolerated when using pure, high-quality supplements at recommended dosages.

To summarize - taking 100-500 mg per day of shilajit seems to be both safe and potentially beneficial. However, more human trials are still needed to determine efficacy for the various conditions it’s used for.

Frequently Asked Questions about Taking Shilajit

Shilajit is growing in popularity as a health supplement, which also means more questions surround its safety and efficacy. Here are answers to some of the most common shilajit questions.

What is the best time of day to take shilajit?

Since shilajit can significantly boost energy and metabolism, it’s often recommended to take it earlier in the day. This allows its stimulating effects to wear off by nighttime. Taking shilajit too late can make falling asleep difficult.

However, some people report taking shilajit a few hours before exercise gives them more strength and endurance. As with any new supplement, start slowly and pay attention to your body’s response.

Is shilajit safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

At this time, little research exists on shilajit’s safety for pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, it’s best they avoid shilajit until more definitive safety data is available.

Can I take shilajit if I have a health condition or take medication?

Before taking shilajit, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider if you take any medication or have an underlying health issue. Shilajit can potentially interact with certain drugs like anti-anxiety meds.

It also naturally helps regulate dopamine and serotonin. So it’s especially important for those with dopamine-related conditions to exercise caution with shilajit.

How long until I feel the effects of shilajit?

Most people begin noticing subtle boosts in energy, cognitive function, libido, and muscle strength within several days to a few weeks of daily shilajit supplementation. However, shilajit’s compounds accumulate gradually in the body for maximal effects.

Consistency is key. With sustained use at optimal dosages (200-500 mg/day), the full effects may take 12 weeks or longer before becoming apparent. Pay attention to how you feel over time rather than expecting dramatic changes right away.

What happens if I take too much shilajit?

High doses of shilajit may cause side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, irritation, and changes in heart rate or uric acid levels. Stomach upset and diarrhea are also possible if exceeding recommendations.

That’s why it’s crucial to start with smaller doses of 100-200mg until you know how shilajit affects you individually. Work up slowly to a 400-500 mg daily dose, discontinuing use if any concerning reactions occur.

Summary

Shilajit is a nutrient-dense biomass that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to boost energy, stimulate immunity, and promote overall health. Also called “mineral pitch,” quality shilajit contains over 80 minerals and fulvic acid to deliver antioxidants and other beneficial compounds directly to cells. Research suggests shilajit supports energy production, brain health, muscle function, fertility, and more when taken regularly as a dietary supplement.

While generally safe and well-tolerated according to most studies, be sure to source quality purified shilajit to avoid contamination. Experts recommend starting with small doses of 100-200mg per day. Track any effects on mood, cognition, exercise performance, etc before slowly increasing your dose up to 500mg daily. Side effects are rare but may include headaches, dizziness, changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Speak to your doctor before using shilajit if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have a medical condition. While human trials are limited to date, shilajit shows promise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

75 Word Summary: Shilajit is an antioxidant-rich biomass used in Ayurveda to boost energy, immunity, brain function, fertility and more. Preliminary research suggests shilajit may offer cognitive, physical, reproductive and wellness benefits. When taken regularly at optimal doses of 100-500mg and sourced from quality purifiers, shilajit appears safe for most people. However, consult your doctor before using shilajit supplements, especially if pregnant, on medications or have health conditions. More human trials are still needed.