Mongolia, with some reports also indicating its presence in places as far as Antarctica. Shilajit is derived from rocks containing the substance described as mineral pitch. These rocks store organic matter, including amino acid bases, from plants mostly medicinal and adaptogenic.
Shilajit is mainly used as a dietary supplement although its healing properties are renowned in the ancient world and Ayurveda practices. Shilajit has been known and used for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine, as a rejuvenator, and as an anti-aging compound. It is a potent and very safe dietary supplement, restoring the energetic balance and potentially able to prevent several diseases.
Shilajit is a unique Phyto-complex, which means a mixture of active and inactive molecules present in the plants and is very rich in fulvic acid, which prompted the researchers to hypothesize that Shilajit is produced by the decomposition of plant material. Shilajit is composed mainly of humic substances, including fulvic acid, which accounts for around 60% to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound plus some oligo elements including selenium of anti-aging properties. Also, the humic substances are the results of the degradation of organic matter, mainly vegetal substances, which is the result of the action of many microorganisms.
It is likely that the curative properties attributable to shilajit are provided by the significant levels of fulvic acids that shilajit contains, considering that fulvic acid is known for its strong antioxidant actions.
What is fulvic acid?
Fulvic acid is a group of chemicals formed through the organic degradation of microorganisms. It is found in the humus (organic matter) part of natural materials such as Shilajit, soil, peat, coal, and bodies of water such as streams or lakes and looks yellow-brown. Fulvic acid is well known for its ability to increase the bioavailability of minerals and nutrients in the body. Its low molecular weight allows it to pass through the body’s tissues easily and go directly into the cells, taking vital minerals and vitamins with it.
This is extremely beneficial since poor digestive health impedes the body from breaking down food and absorbing nutrients from food efficiently.
An interesting fact about it is that Fulvic acid can change with geographic location. For example, in Israel, Fulvic acid isolated from clay contains ~2.0% (m/m) nitrogen, and the one isolated from sand contains ~4.4% (m/m) nitrogen. In addition, Fulvic acid isolated from Israel has ~49% (m/m) carbon whereas the one from Italy has ~39% carbon content.
Benefits of fulvic acid
Before we dive into see how beneficial fulvic acid is for the human body, it is imperative to know that although Fulvic acid is being used in Ayurveda medicine for nearly 3000 years, modern science has not fully researched all of the health effects of Fulvic acid. In short, although the health effects of fulvic acid are present,
they have not yet been fully researched and approved by the FDA.
So, let’s take a detailed look at the numerous benefits of fulvic acid, which are undergoing research.
- Fulvic acid should have immune-modulation, antioxidant, diuretic, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic effects.
- Early research shows that taking fulvic acid by mouth for 7 days might help reduce allergic reactions in people with allergies to pollen.
- When applied externally, it is claimed to be antiseptic and analgesic. Early research shows that applying fulvic acid of 5% to the skin twice daily for 4 weeks might improve some symptoms of eczema.
- Fulvic acid is shown to decrease pro-inflammatory markers but also activate the immune system to kill bacteria.
- It has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and even induce apoptosis in hepatic cancer lines. Besides that, it can also influence the micro-biome and possibly improve gut functions and gut health.
- It can also speed up recovery time, improve skin conditions, boost energy levels, and has ongoing numerous research about its effect on Alzheimer’s disease and reducing tumor growth.
Dosage
The appropriate dose of fulvic acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. Currently, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses of fulvic acid (in children/ adults). Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe, and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professionals before using.
It’s best to start slowly and increase your dosage in increments to make sure you experience no side effects. Diluting fulvic acid with water is safer than taking it alone in high amounts.
Side Effects
It seems to pose few side effects, mainly when taken in high doses. Fulvic acid helps detoxify the body, and in so doing may cause diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, headaches, or nausea.
Oral intake: Fulvic acid is perhaps safe when taken for up to 7 days. Some people have a headache or sore throat after taking fulvic acid.
Topical application: Fulvic acid is perhaps safe when used for up to 4 weeks.
In conclusion
Shilajit is sold in several forms, including capsules, powder, and liquid resin. But authentic shilajit comes only in resin form. And is expensive to source from. Several brands labeled as fresh resin or soft resin are simply watered down.
Most shilajit commercially available is cooked that essentially destroys the beneficial characteristics of the resin and many vendors add fulvic acid to increase the volume and make ridiculous claims of minimum content levels. Cooking, fast tracks the purification process, and adding fulvic acid makes the product cheaper as this acid is commercially available at low prices. Vendors try to add fillers to increase the quantity and keep low prices.
Unfortunately, many fall for this price dilemma and are consuming products that may be harmful. So it is necessary to obtain these supplements from a reputable source that is verified and approved and ethically sourced, like Shilajit USA.
Disclaimer: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider, and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
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