Shilajit is potent and highly revered in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its rich mineral content and numerous broad effects on the body and mind. However, to maximise its potential, it's crucial to understand how to take Shilajit correctly, especially the optimal dosage and timing.
Shilajit is a complex organic mineral substance that forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants. It is rich in fulvic acid, a potent antioxidant and natural chelator, and over 84 minerals, making it an incredible powerhouse of nutrients.
Believed to support well-being, physical performance, and the body's natural healing process - today we’re getting right to the point and asking, “What dose of Shilajit is right for me?”.
If you’re only learning about Shilajit for the first time, please check out our Complete Guide to Shilajit to get familiar with this interesting supplement.
Determining the Right Dosage
Determining the right dosage of Shilajit is a key step in ensuring its effectiveness and safety.
The dosage can vary widely depending on many factors, including your body size, general health, metabolism, and the specific effects you're seeking.
As a starting point, it's generally recommended for a healthy adult to begin with a small amount, roughly the size of a grain of rice (~100 mg), once per day. This conservative approach allows your body to adjust to the new supplement and helps you monitor any initial reactions or side effects.
After a few days, if you're tolerating the supplement well, you can gradually increase the dosage. You can also start taking it 2-3 times per day. The goal is to slowly increase the amount of Shilajit taken, with each dose up to a large pea size (~300 mg) until you achieve the desired effects.
However, it's important to remember that these are general guidelines and individuals’ needs can vary greatly. For instance, if you're larger in body size or have a higher body mass index (BMI), you might require a higher dosage compared to someone smaller or with a lower BMI. Similarly, if your metabolism is fast, you might need a higher dose as your body may process the Shilajit more quickly. There are many other factors that affect an individual’s tolerance to Shilajit, which are not always easy to predict or understand, so as mentioned, take a slow and steady approach of gradually increasing dosage.
The benefits you're seeking from Shilajit can also influence the dosage you choose. For example, if you're looking for general wellness effects, a lower dose might be sufficient. However, if you're seeking dopaminergic effects, a higher dose might be required.
Finally, remember that Shilajit, like any supplement, should be taken with care and respect for your body's signals and responses. If you experience any discomfort or side effects, it's a good idea to stop taking Shilajit immediately.
Determining the right dosage of Shilajit is a personalised process that should take into account your individual characteristics and goals. It's always a good idea to start slow, monitor your body's reactions, and adjust the dosage as needed.
When and How to Take Shilajit
To maximise absorption, it's best to take Shilajit on an empty stomach (usually in the morning). This is ideal, as some people feel that Shilajit gives them a significant energy boost, meaning use in the evenings could interfere with sleep.
Shilajit can be consumed in several ways. Traditional Ayurvedic practice recommends taking it with organic ingredients like hot milk, ghee, raw honey, or sesame oil. Vegans can opt for coconut oil, herbal teas, or spring water.
Why Shilajit Capsules?
Shilajit capsules offer a convenient and straightforward way to incorporate this potent supplement into your daily routine. They provide a pre-measured dose of Shilajit, eliminating the guesswork and potential mess associated with measuring out resin or powder forms. Here are some reasons why you might consider Shilajit capsules:
Easy Dosing: Each capsule contains a specific amount of Shilajit, typically ranging from 100mg to 500mg. This makes it simple to keep track of your daily intake and adjust your dosage as needed. You don't need to worry about measuring out a "rice grain" or "pea-sized" amount of resin, which can be subjective and vary significantly.
Convenience: Shilajit capsules are easy to take, especially when you're on the go. You don't need to mix them with any liquids or foods, although you can if you prefer. Simply swallow the capsule with a glass of water, and you're done. This makes them a great option for busy lifestyles.
No Taste: Some people find the taste of Shilajit resin or powder to be strong and somewhat unpleasant. Capsules are a great alternative as they have no taste. The Shilajit is enclosed in the capsule, so you won't taste it when you swallow.
Controlled Quality: Shilajit capsules often undergo rigorous quality control processes to ensure they contain pure, high-quality Shilajit without any fillers or additives. This can provide peace of mind about the product's safety and effectiveness.
Gradual Release: The Shilajit in capsules is released gradually as the capsule dissolves in your stomach. This can result in a more steady absorption of the supplement, potentially enhancing its benefits.
While Shilajit capsules offer these advantages, it's important to ensure you're purchasing them from a reputable source like JM Wholesale. Look for products that are tested for purity and potency, and avoid those with unnecessary additives or fillers..
Considerations and Precautions
While Shilajit is generally safe for most people, it's important to consider certain factors. If you're taking other medications or supplements, pregnant, or lactating, consult with a healthcare professional before starting Shilajit.
Some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or difficulty sleeping when starting Shilajit. These are usually temporary and indicate that you should reduce the dosage for a few days before gradually increasing it again.
Shilajit is not known to interact with medications, but this does not mean it can’t! Always take care when using Shilajit with any medication, and try to use a smaller dose to ensure maximum safety.
Making the Most of Your Shilajit
To get the most out of your Shilajit, consider the following tips:
- Quality Matters: Ensure you're using high-grade, authentic Shilajit. Avoid powder forms as they are often imitations.
- Personalisation is Key: Keep a journal of your experiences to find the dosage that works best for you.
- Healthy Lifestyle: The benefits of Shilajit can be enhanced with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Cycling: Consider supplementing in cycles. This involves periods of use and disuse, which can prevent the body from becoming dependent on it.
- Storage: Store Shilajit at room temperature. It can become sticky when hot, so consider refrigerating it on warm days.
