What Is Shilajit Honey?

Shilajit is a sticky substance found mainly between rocks in the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from minerals and decomposed plants and animals. Its makeup depends on the conditions where it’s found, but it typically contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and organic fulvic and humic acids. Shilajit has long been used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian) medicine.

Increasingly, claims are being made that shilajit combined with honey in sticks or liquid form can be used to improve various health conditions. This article provides an overview of shilajit honey and its potential health benefits and risks.

Shilajit Honey: Potential Health Benefits

It’s essential to talk with your healthcare provider before using shilajit honey or any dietary supplement. Based on your current health, they may say it’s fine to try it or caution you against it.

That said, some of the claims about shilajit honey’s health benefits include:

• Lowers cholesterol. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels are heart disease risk factors. Studies suggest shilajit lowers cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Supports bone health. Research points to shilajit reducing bone loss, oxidative stress and inflammation, which are risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
• Inhibits viruses. Shilajit has been shown in lab studies to inactivate several types of viruses. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has the same effect within the body, but it’s an interesting result.
• Slows Alzheimer’s disease. The fulvic acid in shilajit may help prevent the buildup of proteins and the development of neurofibrillary tangles that play a role in Alzheimer’s disease, potentially slowing disease progression.
• Increases sperm count. Studies suggest taking shilajit capsules can increase sperm count and motility.
• Boosts collagen production. Shilajit may increase the production of collagen, an essential component of skin, muscles, bones, tendons and cartilage.
• Prevents anemia. Consuming shilajit might prevent iron deficiency anemia, especially if the material forms around rocks high in iron.
• Improves exercise performance. Shilajit may reduce post-exercise fatigue.
• Reduces altitude sickness. People who consume shilajit might experience milder symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea, fatigue and insomnia.

Shilajit Honey: Side Effects and Drug Interactions

Children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use shilajit or shilajit honey. It’s also important to note that the lack of research on shilajit means the possibility of medication interactions isn’t fully known. Consequently, it’s crucial to talk with your healthcare provider before using shilajit honey.

Side effects from the supplement can include:

• Increased blood iron levels. This can potentially be helpful for those with low iron levels but dangerous for people with metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood).
• Hormone interactions. Shilajit may alter hormone levels, including significantly increasing testosterone levels.
• Illness. Raw shilajit may contain heavy metals, fungi or other substances that can make you sick.

Get Advice on Shilajit Honey From Baptist Health

Shilajit might have several positive health benefits. However, our understanding of it and its effects on the body is still very limited. Consequently, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you’re considering using shilajit honey.

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