People living in fast paced and workaholic life at present time has pushed anxiety and depression to extreme levels. Although common pharmaceutical medications are immediately prescribed for fast-acting and can help with acute anxiety symptoms alternative and long lasting ways are being sought out.
Among different supplements, Shilajit is preferred as one of the organic nature based healing and wellness elements. This tar-like substance extracted from the Himalayan Rocks promotes neurogenesis and support cognitive functions.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a mineral-containing ooze that is produced in hundreds of years as the result of the decomposition of plants and the work of microbes. It has fulvic acid, humic substances and more than 84 minerals within it. Among them iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium are the essential minerals that our body needs.
The Shilajit regulates brain neurotransmitters, reduces inflammation and enhances mitochondrial function. This plays a vital role in energy production, energy supply and mental wellbeing throughout the day.
The most important nutrients present in Shilajit that helps to keep brain healthy are the following:
- Fulvic acid: Fulvic acid has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is able to preserve the brain cells against damages and helps in their improvement of mental capabilities.
- Other trace minerals: These are the ones needed in the synthesis of neurotransmitters as well as overall brain metabolism.
- Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones: The rare compounds can shield neurons and improve the performance of the mitochondria which is vital to energy generation in the brain cells.
Mental Benefits of Shilajit (image)
- Cognitive Enhancement
There is little evidence of animal studies and some preliminary human studies which indicate shilajit can enhance memory, concentration and learning. Antioxidant activity assists in fighting the formation of oxidative stress in the brain, the most important factor leading to cognitive loss. - Anxiety Relief and Stress Relief
Shilajit exerts adaptogenic effects which means that it assists the body to be able to tolerate stress. Shilajit might reduce anxiety levels and improve emotional balance by controlling the levels of cortisol and harmonizing the work of adrenal glands. - Antidepressant Potential
Initial studies suggest there could be an antidepressant outcome, possibly as a result of shilajit effect of inducing the equilibrium of such neurotransmitters as dopamine and serotonin. They are brain chemicals that are significant in regulating the mood. - Neuroprotection
The chronic inflammation and the presence of dysfunction of mitochondria are associated with such diseases as Alzheimer and Parkinson. The fulvic acid and other bioactive elements of Shilajit can be beneficial against these processes, the protective cover against these effects on the long-term health of the brain.
Scientific Evidence
Traditional use and some scientific reports can be taken into account, but there should be more high-quality studies in humans to validate the effect of Shilajit on mental health. Much existing evidence is based on animal experiments or smaller human studies, usually with conflicting findings.
As such, a single trial research carried out in Journal of Alzheimer and Disease indicated that fulvic acid in shilajit may help prevent the formation of tau proteins complicating the occurrence of Alzheimer disease.
Safety use of Shilajit
In the case of safety use of Shilajit we have covered the following ingredients.
- Select supplements which are authentic and are of high quality standards
- Other supplements or raw shilajit may also include heavy metals or contaminants.
- Begin with low doses
- Always talk to the medical practitioner before using.
- Watch out the side effects generally, well-tolerated, shilajit can produce allergic reactions or conflict with other drugs.
Final Thoughts
It is at this interesting place where medicine and modern neuroscience meet that Shilajit is found. Although it still requires more investigation, early studies and centuries of usage indicate that it has potential to become a natural aid to mental health. Like any supplement, it must be considered as an item of overall wellness approach that involves therapy, diet, exercise, and professional advice.