Could an ancient, gooey substance known as the “Destroy of Weakness” also be the “Destroyer of Alzheimer's”?
According to a growing body of research, Shilajit, an ancient superfood that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayan Mountains, might play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky substance rock-like substance found in the lower Himalayan hills at altitudes between 1000 to 5000 meters in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh. It is also found in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Tibet, and the former U.S.S.R..
It is composed of humus and organic plant materials that have been compressed by layers of rocks, and is is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to heal the body from many ailments.
Since ancient times, Shilajit also was known as the “Destroyer of Weakness” and the “Conqueror of Mountains.”
The substance is known for its high mineral count, containing 84 of 102 important minerals needed for the body. It can energize, detox, and balance the body by replenishing minerals.
Importantly, Shilajit is high in Fulvic acid, which acts as a carrier molecule in the human system, aiding in the transportation of nutrients into the deep tissues, and removing deep-seated toxins from the body.
Buildup of Tau Protein
One key marker of Alzheimer’s Disease involves what is called the tau protein.
Tau protein is produced in brain cells (neurons) and this protein contributes to the stabilization of internal microtubules(which are filaments that maintain healthy cell structure). Dysfunction of the tau protein, however, has been found to have association with Alzheimer’s Disease.
This recent study out of Japan reveals how “excess tau” protein “impairs signaling between neurons in the brains of mice.”
In people with Alzheimer’s Disease, the levels of tau have become high, and they collect into “insoluble structures” called “neurofibrillary tangles.”
"A lot of scientists focus on the impact of these visible neurofibrillary tangles that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's, but actually, it's the invisible levels of soluble tau that correlate most closely with cognitive decline," said Professor Tomoyuki Takahashi, senior author of the study, and head of the Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit at OIST.
The Power of Fulvic Acid
So, these neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein forming in one’s brain are a key and early marker of Alzheimer’s Disease.
What does this have to do with Shilajit?
As mentioned above, Shilajit is high in Fulvic acid. Fulvic acid is what’s considered a “humid” substance, which means it’s naturally a naturally occurring compound found in soils, compost, coal, peat, and sediments in lakes in oceans.
A growing body of research funds that Fulvic acid might be an effective healing agent when it comes to Alzheimer’s Disease.
For example:
This 2011 study found that Fulvic acid “inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease.”
This 2012 study found that supplementation of Shilajit with B vitamins could be a “novel nutraceutical with potential uses against” Alzheimer’s Disease.
This 2013 study found that Fulvic acid can prevent the buildup of tau which leads to Alzheimer’s Disease.
All of these studies stress that more research is needed to show a clear link between Shilajit, Fulvic Acid, and the impact on Alzheimer's Disease — but the current body of research looks promising.
Where to Get Shilajit
In addition to its potential role against Alzheimer’s Disease, Shilajit has also been found to help with boosting energy and muscle recovery, reducing anxiety and stress, and enhancing cellular health.**
So, where can you get it?
First, as with any superfood or supplement, it’s important to ensure your Shilajit isn’t contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.
That’s why we recommend Cultivate Elevate’s Shilajit resin and/or Shilajit tablets:
Cultivate Elevate's Shilajit resin extract is suspended in distilled water and purified to perfection. They do not any add preservatives to our product such as maltodextin, soy lecithin, or plasticizers.
Cultivate Elevate’s Shilajit tablets are also “clean” — and cold pressed and extracted into tablet form.
In the video below, Freedom Media Network founder Curt Mercadante interviews Matt Roeske, co-founder of Cultivate Elevate, on some of the benefits and background of Shilajit: