Facts checked by editors at Shilajit Resin 
Pregnancy is the most beautiful and painful yet rewarding experience for every woman on earth. The nine-month-long grueling experience is unlike anything one experiences, but it is all worth it in the end. There are many supplements that help throughout the pregnancy journey and Shilajit is one of them.
Shilajit is an ancient Indian herbomineral that has been used throughout the Indian subcontinent for its miracle health benefits. But there is a lack of proper research regarding the matter if Shilajit is safe for pregnancy. Is it safe during breastfeeding? What does the research say on this matter? Let’s discuss it here!
Key Takeaways
Even though any big organization has given a full-on green signal for Shilajit to be considered safe in general & during pregnancy, here are some facts that show a different story:
Is Shilajit safe for pregnancy?
Shilajit is a naturally occurring mineral that develops over thousands of years from the slow decomposition of plants. It has been used as a medicinal drug for centuries in the Indian sub-continent and is still used today. Regarding its safety, there have been many studies done which directly point out that Shilajit is safe for daily consumption. A 91-day study on Black Shilajit revealed it is safe to consume on a daily basis without any side effects.
The majority of these studies have been done on rats which might be the reason many people might not trust these studies. But allow us to clear all the doubts. You see, rats are used in the majority of scientific studies if not every, due to their genetic, biological, and behavioral characteristics being close to those of humans.
According to the Foundation of Biomedical Research (FBR), “Researchers study rats and mice because they are very similar to people genetically.” Apart from this, many human symptoms can be easily replicated in rats and mice making them all the more potent for research. This is why, one can easily accept the research done on rats.
How does Shilajit help during Pregnancy?
Digestion During Pregnancy
Shilajit also helps in digestion during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, the hormones can affect the digestive system, making it slower. Majorly, the hormone progesterone results in muscle relaxation and slowing of digestion inside the stomach and both small and large intestines.
Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid that encourages good bacteria growth inside the stomach, leading to efficient and effective digestion. It also has Benzoic acid that helps balance acid inside the belly.
Mental Health
A pregnant lady not only has to deal with a lot of physical changes but also a lot of mental changes as well. It is said around 10% to 20% of women are affected by perinatal depression, a period couple of weeks before or after birth. This period is extremely fragile for women. When they are going through depression, they don’t even bond or breastfeed their newborn, which is truly heartbreaking.
Shilajit has been shown to have a positive effect on mental disorders. Although psychological disorders are often treated by treating your brain, there are many other factors that also assist in overcoming such disorders. There are numerous studies that have proven your diet does affect your mental health.
Mumijo aka Shilajit contains over 84 vital minerals that are extremely beneficial for your body. When consumed daily, it promotes better mental health, along with a bunch of other benefits. We are not saying, Shilajit cures depression or any other mental disorders because for that you need to consult with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist. Nevertheless, the mineral pitch does give you a mental edge over a longer period of time.
Assists in Healthy Fetus
Speaking of research, a 2005 study claimed that pregnant rats who were given humic acid, a substance that is richly available in Shilajit, had better fetus growth as opposed to those who were not given humic acid.
A healthy fetus is fundamental for the baby. If anywho the fetus has complications, then the baby might develop some health issues later on.
Is Shilajit safe during breastfeeding?
Yes, Shilajit is definitely safe for breastfeeding moms. Breastfeeding is one of the most critical stages when it comes to taking care of an infant. It is during this period an infant receives all the vital nutrients up until they become old enough to be able to digest other food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a woman should breastfeed her child exclusively for the first six months. Afterward, a complementary diet should be incorporated along with breastfeeding for about two more years or maybe longer.
Breastfeeding not only is beneficial for the newborn but for the mother as well. It has the following benefits for both the child and the mother:
Benefits to Infants
Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe lower respiratory disease
- Acute otitis media (ear infections)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants
Benefits to Mothers
Mothers who breastfeed their infants have a lower risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
During breastfeeding, CDC recommends new mothers consume foods that are rich in iodine and choline, which are the two of the most important nutrients during breastfeeding. Surprisingly, a study has shown Shilajit to help acetylcholine, a precursor to choline, to not metabolized, resulting in an increased level of acetylcholine in the brain.
But breastfeeding is an important part of a women’s life and that’s why, a supplement like Shilajit is something that is generally frowned upon. Not just Shilajit, but other supplements like CBD and Ashwagandha are also advised not to use by lactating females.
Although Shilajit is quite different than CBD due to its all-natural properties, due to a lack of studies on the subject is Shilajit safe during breastfeeding we advise you to consult with your medical supervisor before continuing or starting Shilajit resin while breastfeeding.
Final Verdict
With numerous benefits, Shilajit is considered safe to be consumed by everyone. Many studies have also pointed toward the safety of this ancient Indian Ayurveda supplement. It is proven to be a great medicine for a variety of diseases and also increases overall health.
But like we said both pregnancy and breastfeeding is an extremely delicate, it is important to seek thorough counseling before even beginning to think about incorporating Shilajit into your daily diet.
