Can Thyroid Patients Take Shilajit?

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Shilajit is an old resin that is known for its ability to make people feel better, notably in Ayurvedic medicine. People generally say good things about it since it helps with energy, stamina, and hormonal balance. If you have a thyroid issue, like Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism, you may be unsure if shilajit is safe. Let's investigate how this natural ingredient affects the health of the thyroid.
Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Table of Contents
- What Is Shilajit?
- The Thyroid’s Role in the Body
- How Shilajit Might Affect Thyroid Function
- Safety and Considerations for Thyroid Patients
- Should You Try It?
- References and resources
What Is Shilajit?
In high-altitude mountain ranges like the Himalayas, shilajit oozes out of rocks and is sticky and tar-like. Over hundreds of years, it formed from dead plant debris and is full of fulvic acid, minerals, and trace elements. Shilajit is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body deal with stress and stay in balance. It has been used for a long time to boost energy and vigour.
People use it for a lot of different health aims, including as raising testosterone levels, helping the body make energy, and boosting nutritional absorption. Shilajit comes in capsules or resin form, and its dark, earthy taste and smell come from the minerals it contains.
The Thyroid’s Role in the Body
The thyroid gland makes hormones that control metabolism, energy, and the balance of all hormones. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can make you tired, gain weight, and be sensitive to cold. When the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can cause anxiety, weight loss, and a fast heartbeat. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one example of an autoimmune thyroid disease.
To keep your thyroid healthy, you need to keep your hormones in balance, lower inflammation, and make sure you get enough nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine. This is where natural vitamins like shilajit could help, but you need be careful.
How Shilajit Might Affect Thyroid Function
There is limited direct study on shilajit's effects on the thyroid; nevertheless, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence indicate it may have a supportive role, especially in cases of hypothyroidism.
People think that shilajit boosts mitochondrial activity, which can help cells get more energy. This energy-boosting effect could be helpful for persons with hypothyroidism, who often feel tired and sluggish.
The minerals in shilajit, including zinc, selenium, and iron, are also very important for making and changing thyroid hormones. Fulvic acid may also help these nutrients get into the body, which may help the thyroid work better over time.
Some animal studies indicate that shilajit may assist in regulating thyroid hormones, specifically T3 and T4; nevertheless, further human study is necessary. These results are encouraging, particularly for individuals with marginally low thyroid levels or a sluggish metabolism.
But if you have hyperthyroidism or are on thyroid medicine, it's very important to keep a close eye on your hormone levels. Any natural therapy that affects hormones, even in a little way, can affect treatments that have been prescribed.
Safety and Considerations for Thyroid Patients
If you have a thyroid problem that has been diagnosed, especially one that is treated with drugs like levothyroxine, you should talk to your doctor before using shilajit. It might help your body absorb nutrients better and change your energy levels, but it can't replace thyroid hormone therapy.
It's also vital to get shilajit from well-known companies. Products that are not of good quality may have heavy metals or other harmful substances in them, which could make autoimmune or thyroid problems worse. When you buy shilajit, be sure it has been refined and tested in a lab. This is especially important if you already have a long-term health problem.
Shilajit may temporarily hide signs of thyroid imbalance without fixing the underlying problem because it helps overall health. This means that it can be used as an extra therapy, but not as a treatment on its own.
Should You Try It?
Shilajit may help people with thyroid problems, especially those who are tired, have poor energy, or don't get enough nutrients. When administered with a well-planned treatment plan, its adaptogenic and mineral-rich profile could help regulate hormones.
That being said, it's not a supplement that works for everyone. Those with autoimmune thyroid problems should be careful and talk to a skilled practitioner about their choices. If you're thinking about taking shilajit, it's advisable to start with a tiny dose and see how it makes you feel, especially in terms of energy, sensitivity to warmth, and heart rate.
When used correctly, shilajit may help boost energy and fill in nutritional gaps, which can help the body find balance. But it should always be part of a bigger, more thought-out plan for keeping your thyroid healthy.
Key Takeaway
Shilajit may help the thyroid work better by increasing energy and nutritional absorption, but it should only be used with caution and under the care of a doctor, especially if you have an autoimmune disease or are taking medication.
References and Resources
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Higuera, V. (2024b, February 19). 9 Benefits of Shilajit. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/shilajit
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SHILAJIT: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1697/shilajit
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Professional, C. C. M. (2025b, March 19). Thyroid hormone. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22391-thyroid-hormone
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Wentz, I. (2024, July 31). Adaptogenic Herbs & Hashimoto’s - Dr. Izabella Wentz. Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/adaptogenic-herbs-benefit-hashimotos/
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Hypothyroidism: diagnosis and treatment. (2021, May 15). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33983002/