Shilajit and Hashimoto’s: Can This Ancient Resin Support Thyroid Health?

Shilajit has become well-known as a strong natural way to boost energy, health, and hormone balance. If you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disease, you may wonder if shilajit is safe or helpful.
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 and What Does It Do?
- Understanding Hashimoto’s and Its Challenges
- Can Shilajit Help With Thyroid Function?
- Considerations and Risks for Hashimoto’s Patients
- Final Thoughts
- References and Resources
What Is Shilajit and What Does It Do?
Shilajit is a mineral resin that looks like tar and comes out of rocks in high-altitude areas like the Himalayas. It takes hundreds of years for plant matter to break down and turn into this substance, which is full of fulvic acid, trace minerals, and bioactive chemicals.
Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time because it helps the body deal with stress, boosts energy, and helps the body absorb nutrients. Some recent studies show that it may also improve mitochondrial function, testosterone levels, and the balance of the immunological system.
Its many benefits make it an interesting supplement for people who have chronic weariness, hormonal imbalances, or inflammatory problems, which are all typical in thyroid dysfunction.
Understanding Hashimoto’s and Its Challenges
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system erroneously targets the thyroid gland. Over time, this causes the thyroid to make less hormone, which can cause symptoms like:
- Tiredness and sluggishness
- Sensitivity to cold
- Putting on weight
- Fog in the brain
- Changes in mood
- Thinning hair
Hashimoto's is not simple. It includes not just an imbalance of hormones but also long-term inflammation, problems with the immune system, and occasionally trouble absorbing nutrients, including iron, selenium, and B vitamins.
Managing Hashimoto’s often includes thyroid hormone replacement, anti-inflammatory diet changes, and supplements to support immune modulation and cellular energy. This is where natural remedies like shilajit enter the conversation.
Can Shilajit Help With Thyroid Function?
Shilajit is not a replacement for thyroid hormones, but it may help patients with Hashimoto's, especially with fatigue, mitochondrial health, and inflammation.
This is how shilajit could help:
- Energy/mitochondrial support: Shilajit has fulvic acid, which helps move nutrients into cells and makes more ATP, which is the body's energy currency. This could help with fatigue, which is one of the hardest Hashimoto's symptoms to get rid of.
- Antioxidant properties: Shilajit may help lower oxidative stress, which tends to be elevated in many autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's.
- Mineral replenishment: Shilajit is a natural supply of trace minerals including zinc, magnesium, and iron, which are all important for the thyroid and the immune system.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Animal studies indicate that shilajit possesses anti-inflammatory properties, perhaps aiding systemic equilibrium in autoimmune illnesses.
However, clinical research, especially addressing Hashimoto’s patients, remains exceedingly scarce. The majority of our knowledge stems from brief studies or conventional methods.
Considerations and Risks for Hashimoto’s Patients
Some people may not be able to use Shilajit, especially those with autoimmune diseases that make their immune system too sensitive.
Here are some things to remember:
- Autoimmune stimulation: Adaptogens like shilajit can sometimes make the immune system work harder. This could be bad for people who are having a flare or who aren't managing their symptoms well.
- Risk of heavy metal contamination: Not every shilajit is the same. If not thoroughly purified, some products may include heavy metals or other harmful substances. Choose only supplements that have been evaluated in a lab and come from well-known companies.
- Timing of thyroid medication: Taking Shilajit too close to thyroid medication could make it less effective. It's better to take it a few hours after your thyroid medicine.
- Personal reactivity: People with Hashimoto's may be more likely to respond badly to new supplements. It's vital to start with a modest dose and check for any bad side effects.
As always, talk to your doctor before taking any new adaptogen or supplement, especially if you have Hashimoto's disease.
Final Thoughts
Shilajit has a lot of promise as a helpful tool for thyroid health because it can enhance energy, reduce inflammation, and replace minerals. It won't cure Hashimoto's, but if used correctly, it might help some people feel more balanced and energized.
But this resin is quite strong. It's not a regular tea herb, and it can change how pharmaceuticals work or how your immune system works. If you have Hashimoto's, the best thing to do is to work with a functional medicine practitioner or naturopath who knows what you require.
Key Takeaway:
People with Hashimoto's may benefit from Shilajit for thyroid and energy support, but only if they are careful and follow the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
References and Resources
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Clinic, C. (2025c, April 22). A quick introduction to Shilajit. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shilajit-benefits
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Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. International Journal of Alzheimer S Disease, 2012, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142
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Higuera, V. (2024, February 19). 9 Benefits of Shilajit. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/shilajit
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Hashimoto’s disease - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2025, April 30). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855
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Hashimoto’s Disease. (2025, June 2). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17665-hashimotos-disease