Ayurvedic medicine has been using a sticky, tar-like resin in the Himalayas and Altai mountains famously known as shilajit as a medicine over the last few centuries. It is sold in the market as a natural energy enhancer, muscle building supplement, as well as an overall vitality boosting supplement.
The wellness market is actively seeking alternatives to the synthetic supplements which are made just to replicate the chemical structure of natural nutrients. Also, the commercially made synthetic supplements lack essential co-factors such as bioflavonoids, trace minerals and enzymes which are believed to aid in nutrient absorption and utilization.
But, does Shilajit help in Muscle Gains?
Yes, Shilajit does help in pre workout and muscle gain. It is believed that Shilajit contains fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones and more than 80 minerals that add to its health properties.
According to some studies, Shilajit has helped increase muscle growth and physical performance in many ways. Here is the science behind Shilajit’s potential muscle building aid.
- Testosterone Boost – Shilajit has shown to increase testosterone which stimulates muscle protein synthesis and accrues strength. One study released in 2016 in the journal Ethnopharmacology discovered that men who consumed purified Shilajit showed an extensive testosterone rise in contrast to a placebo group.
- Greater ATP Production – Shilajit is believed to increase the functioning of mitochondria resulting in a better energy (ATP) formation. This would enhance exercise tolerance, workout endurance and recovery.
- Less Fatigue: With boost in the mitochondrial function more cellular energy is circulated. Also the oxidants present in Shilajit fights off oxidative stress that prevents feeling of constant tiredness. With active energy production and reduced fatigue levels workout seems smooth and muscle building is easier
- Speeds up recovery: The inflammatory and antioxidant properties of shilajit helps reduce inflammation and soreness in muscle. This helps in quick recovery and improvement in muscle repair this is the reason why shilajit is considered for post workout as well.
Nonetheless, although the initial studies are encouraging, further large-scale human studies are required to verify such effects in order to be more scientific.
Real-World Experiences
Shilajit is a product that has been sworn by many gurus of fitness and bodybuilders to have increased their strength and muscle enlargement. Anecdotal evidence confirms an enhanced ease of exercising, quicker recuperating and muscle definition. Although effective for fitness and workout not everyone will respond to it similarly. There are safety factors that one needs to consider before and during use too as Shilajit is not risk free.Some of the common risks are:
- Heavy Metal Pollution: Impure or uncooked Shilajit may include poisonous heavy metals, e.g., lead, arsenic, and mercury. Repeated use of toxic Shilajit could result in heavy metal intoxication, which entails neuronal as well as renal impairment.
- Digestive problems and Allergies: Others complain of stomach pain, nausea or allergies. Although it helps in moderated quantities, fulvic acid can lead to gastrointestinal imbalances in sensitive people.
- Effect of Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Effect: The product can reduce blood sugar level and blood pressure, which is dangerous to individuals using diabetes or high blood pressure drugs.
- Hormonal Interactions: It is worth noticing that Shilajit is likely to influence the testosterone level; therefore, people with the hormone-sensitive diseases (e.g. prostate cancer) are advised to take it with caution.
The growing supply of false Shilajit
As the benefits of Shilajit has been rising, low quality or fake Shilajit products have found their way in the market. Fake Shilajit can be identified with.
- Contamination – Certain malpracticing sellers mix Shilajit with cheap products such as pine resin or asphalt in order to add bulk to the product.
- Artificial Fulvic Acid – Additives synthetic versions of already existing fulvic acid might be used instead of natural fulvic acid with no true benefits.
- Fake Labels – Much of the products are labeled as being 100% pure yet fillers are used or the products do not have bioactive compounds.
But as it has been gaining popularity, the issue of counterfeit merchandise, health risks and false health claims have also surfaced.
What is the Way to Identify Authentic Shilajit?
- Pure Shilajit without leaving any residue dissolves easily in water..
- Always look for third party lab analysis for heavy metals and fulvic acid content.
- Sourcing Transparency reveals the source of origin e.g. in Himalayan mountains or Altai mountains.
- Natural Shilajit is earthy smelling and sticky tar like texture.
- Check for the product reviews, brands web presence, reviews and authenticity
Does Shilajit Work?
Shilajit has the promise to be used as a muscle building, energy enhancing, and a wellness supplement. Nevertheless, the advantages of it should be analyzed against potential risks, in particular, with regards to the quality of produced and uncontaminated goods.
Here are some assumptions before taking Shilajit
- Select a brand with qualities that you trust, tested in the labs.
- Begin by administration with low dose of shilajit to determine tolerance.
- Seek the advice of a health expert in the event that you possess specific health issues.
Although Shilajit exhibits some possible performance boost, it is by no means a magic bullet. The muscle gains and healthy body are based on the right nutrition, training, and recovery.