Summary
Dr. Jeffrey Gladden talks with Nodari Rizun about shilajit, a tar-like phytomineral complex found in high-altitude rocks that contains fulvic and humic acids. They cover what shilajit actually is versus the myths, how it functions as a regenerative adaptogen, and what to look for in terms of purity and sourcing when choosing a product.
Key Points
- Shilajit is a fermented phytomineral complex formed over 40+ years from adaptogenic plants decomposing in high-altitude rock crevices, not a simple soil extract.
- Genuine shilajit is always a resin; powders, tablets, and tinctures are almost always counterfeits made from isolated fulvic/humic acid soil extractions.
- Fulvic acid (the smaller, bioavailable component) acts as an antioxidant, mineral transporter, and mitochondrial cofactor, while humic acid works primarily in the gut to bind toxins.
- Shilajit stimulates mitochondrial respiration while simultaneously mimicking potent antioxidants, addressing both energy production and oxidative damage.
- Studies show shilajit may increase testosterone and DHEA in middle-aged men and inhibit tau protein aggregation relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
- Take a pea-sized amount dissolved in warm water or milk daily; quality varies dramatically between brands, so look for resin form from verified shilajit-bearing rock sources.
Key Moments
Shilajit as a phytomineral complex of fulvic and humic acids
Nodari explains that shilajit is a phytomineral complex of fulvic and humic acids found in high-altitude rocks, and that sourcing quality shilajit is like finding the right cantaloupe at the market, requiring specific consistency, color, and glycine content.
"And it's a phytomineral complex, right? So it's a plant and mineral complex of fulvic and humic acids."
How fulvic acid supports mitochondrial health and acts as an electron donor
Dr. Gladden explains that fulvic acid in shilajit helps scavenge free radicals while also serving as an electron donor, supporting mitochondrial health and energy production at the cellular level.
"OK, so I'm just pulling up a couple of things here on humic and fulvic acid, which are actually found in several different things"
Shilajit as an adaptogen for maintaining homeostasis
Dr. Gladden discusses how shilajit functions as an adaptogen, helping the body maintain homeostasis and balance as things get out of equilibrium with aging, making it valuable for longevity protocols.
"Well, adaptogens are incredibly important because things as we age do get out of balance. So anything that you can have that enables"
