✪ Key Takeaway: Shilajit shows promise for blood sugar control in early studies, but more human research is needed before recommending it for diabetes.
Introduction
Your doctor just told you that your blood sugar levels are too high, and now you are searching for every possible solution.
You have probably heard about shilajit, this mysterious black substance that comes from the mountains and promises to fix everything from energy levels to blood sugar control.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach, and today I am going to explain whether shilajit can actually help manage your diabetes and what the science really says about this ancient remedy.
What Exactly Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant materials in mountain rocks.
This mineral-rich compound contains over 80 different minerals and is particularly high in fulvic acid, which helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively.
Traditional medicine systems have used shilajit for thousands of years to treat various health conditions, including what we now recognize as diabetes symptoms.
The substance is primarily found in the Himalayan mountains, Altai mountains, and other high-altitude regions where specific geological conditions allow its formation.
Modern processing methods purify raw shilajit to remove heavy metals and other contaminants, making it safer for human consumption.
✪ Fact: Authentic shilajit should dissolve completely in warm water and have a distinct earthy smell.
How Does Shilajit Affect Blood Sugar?
Research suggests that shilajit may help regulate blood sugar through several different mechanisms in your body.
The fulvic acid in shilajit appears to improve insulin sensitivity, which means your cells become better at using the insulin your pancreas produces.
Studies on diabetic rats showed that shilajit supplementation reduced blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance tests significantly.
The mineral content in shilajit, particularly chromium and vanadium, may also play a role in glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin function.
Additionally, shilajit contains antioxidant compounds that may protect pancreatic beta cells from oxidative stress, which is crucial for maintaining insulin production.
However, most of these findings come from animal studies, and we need more human clinical trials to confirm these effects in people with diabetes.
✪ Pro Tip: Never stop your prescribed diabetes medications when trying shilajit or any other supplement.
What Does Current Research Say?
The scientific evidence for shilajit and diabetes is still in its early stages, with most studies conducted on animals rather than humans.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that shilajit extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats over a 45-day period.
Another animal study showed that shilajit improved glucose tolerance and reduced oxidative stress markers in diabetic mice.
However, human studies are extremely limited, and the few that exist focus more on general health benefits rather than specific diabetes management.
One small human study suggested that shilajit might help with metabolic parameters, but the sample size was too small to draw definitive conclusions about diabetes treatment.
The lack of large-scale, controlled human trials means we cannot yet recommend shilajit as a proven diabetes treatment.
✪ Note: Animal studies often show promising results that do not translate directly to humans.
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
While shilajit is generally considered safe for most people, there are several important safety considerations you should know about.
Raw or unprocessed shilajit may contain heavy metals, free radicals, and other harmful substances that could cause health problems.
Some people experience digestive upset, including nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain when first starting shilajit supplementation.
If you have diabetes and take medications, shilajit could potentially cause your blood sugar to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia.
People with active heart disease should be cautious, as shilajit may affect heart rhythm in some individuals.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding shilajit to your diabetes management plan, especially if you take prescription medications.
✪ Pro Tip: Start with the lowest recommended dose and monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently when trying shilajit.
Should You Try Shilajit For Diabetes?
The decision to try shilajit for diabetes management should be made carefully with professional guidance.
While preliminary research shows promise, shilajit should never replace proven diabetes treatments like proper diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications.
If you decide to try shilajit, choose a reputable brand that provides third-party testing results to ensure purity and safety.
Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently when starting any new supplement, and keep detailed records to share with your healthcare team.
Remember that lifestyle changes like eating whole foods, staying physically active, and managing stress remain the foundation of effective diabetes management.
Consider shilajit as a potential complementary approach rather than a primary treatment for your diabetes.
The Bottom Line
Shilajit shows promising potential for blood sugar management based on early animal studies, but we need more human research to confirm its effectiveness and safety for diabetes treatment.
Supplements can support your health journey, but they cannot replace the proven power of consistent healthy habits.
I would love to hear about your experiences with shilajit or any questions you might have about managing diabetes naturally, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.
References
At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in creating this article:
- PMC: Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity
- PMC: Health Benefits of Shilajit
- WebMD: Shilajit Uses and Benefits
- Cleveland Clinic: Shilajit Benefits
