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Shilajit and Humic-Fulvic Acid – What You Need to Know

In the incredible and often daunting health world of nutritional supplements, few substances are as shrouded in mystery and intrigue as Shilajit. Known for its rich concentration of humic and fulvic acids (don’t worry, I’ll explain these magic nutrients in a bit), Shilajit has been a cornerstone in traditional medicine for centuries. While most health enthusiasts are familiar with Himalayan Shilajit, few are aware of its North American counterpart, which boasts unique qualities that may make it the cleanest and most bioavailable Shilajit on the market.



What the Heck Are Humic & Fulvic Acids

Deep in the heart of nature's mysteries, lies the essence of humic and fulvic acids, two remarkable substances derived from ancient compost: decomposed plant matter. Over millennia, plants die, decompose, and return to the soil, undergoing a transformation led by natures probiotics - soil based microorganisms (SOBs). The final breakdown matter is humic and fulvic acids, which are sometimes many millions of years old (as in gone through sufficient stages of decomposition for human consumption).

Humic acids are larger molecules rich in complex vitamins and minerals, and fulvic acids, are much smaller in size and capable of carrying nutrients directly into our cells, enhancing cellular energy and vitality. The main components that provide Shilajit with its rave reviews come from the concentration of humic and fulvic acids it contains, offering countless health benefits to us, from boosting energy levels to improving nutrient absorption in our bodies. In essence, humic and fulvic acids are nature's way of recycling life's energy, by turning the old into a potent source of vitality for the new.


The Origins of North American Shilajit

Nestled in the Southeastern United States, North American Shilajit is derived from the organic remains of a prehistoric rainforest that flourished nearly 100 million years ago. This ancient woodland underwent countless cycles of growth, decay, and mineral enrichment, creating a perfect microbial environment. It is in this unique setting that humic and fulvic acids were naturally synthesized, achieving a pristine balance of 30% humic acid to 70% fulvic acid. Unlike its Himalayan cousin, North American Shilajit is extracted without harsh chemicals, relying solely on water to unveil its potent wonders[1],[2].


The Critical Importance of Purity

The quality of Shilajit is not solely dependant upon its humic and fulvic acid content, but equally as important is its organically bound trace minerals. The purity and consistency of Shilajit is of vital importance, especially where heavy metal contamination is concerned—a real problem in many regions, including Asia and India. Ensuring that Shilajit is free from heavy metals is crucial for its safety and effectiveness[3]. This is where LeafSource® North American Shilajit stands out, as it offers a product that not only meets but exceeds purity standards[4], ensuring a safer, more beneficial experience for the consumer.

As mentioned, Shilajit offers numerous health benefits just waiting to be experienced. Some of the most noted ones are:


Cellular Energy Potential

Research indicates that Shilajit has the potential to invigorate our cellular energy centers by protecting and enhancing mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, thereby improving ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production[5]. This process is vital for sustaining energy levels, promoting healthy longevity, and enhancing overall vitality[6].


Immune Support

Humic and fulvic acids are known to help the immune system function better. By modulating the body's immune response, these organic compounds can help maintain a state of balanced health, safeguarding the body against various pathogens and diseases[7],[8].


Healthy Inflammation Response

Inflammation is a double-edged sword; while essential for healing, chronic inflammation can lead to numerous health issues. Humic and fulvic acids help modulate the body's inflammatory response[9], ensuring it remains balanced and beneficial rather than harmful and chronic.


Nutrient Enhancement

The bioavailability and uptake of nutrients are significantly enhanced by humic and fulvic acids[10]. By improving how our bodies assimilate and utilize nutrients[11], these substances can profoundly impact our overall health, ensuring that we get the maximum benefit from the foods and supplements we consume.


Healthful Detoxification

Perhaps one of the most compelling benefits of humic and fulvic acids is their ability to bind with and eliminate harmful toxins from the body, including heavy metals[12] and pesticides like glyphosate[13]. This detoxifying effect can have profound implications for health, supporting the body's natural cleansing processes and contributing to overall well-being.


A Rainforest Legacy

The rainforests of today are biodiverse hotspots that are not only vital for the Earth's ecological balance but also a source of numerous compounds that form the basis of many modern medicines. It is estimated that over a quarter of current drugs available in the West are derived from natural substances found in rainforests[14], hinting at the untapped potential of these ecosystems. North American Shilajit, with its origins dating back nearly 100 million years, is rich in humic and fulvic acids—substances that have played a significant role in traditional medicine across cultures for millennia.


Medicinal Properties and Modern Prescriptions

Humic and fulvic acids are celebrated for their wide array of health benefits, from boosting immunity and reducing inflammation to enhancing nutrient absorption and aiding detoxification[15]. These benefits are not just folkloric; they are grounded in the bioactive compounds' ability to interact at a cellular level, influencing various metabolic processes. Enriched with a vast spectrum of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients, humic and fulvic acids echoes the complexity and richness of their rainforest origins.


Preserving Ancient Wisdom in Modern Health

The story of North American Shilajit and its humic and fulvic acid content is a compelling reminder of the medicinal wisdom held in the Earth's ancient ecosystems. As we continue to explore and understand these complex substances, their inclusion in health regimens signifies a bridging of ancient natural wisdom with modern health practices. This integration not only pays homage to the biodiversity of past eras but also opens a pathway to sustainable, effective health solutions that harness the full potential of the natural world.



References

[1] Cornejo, A., et al. (2011). Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 27(1), 143-153.
[2] arukas, L., et al. (2021). Determination of Organic Compounds, Fulvic Acid, Humic Acid, and Humin in Peat and Sapropel Alkaline Extracts. Molecules, 26(10), 2995.
[3] Cornejo, A., et al. (2011). Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 27(1), 143-153. doi:10.3233/JAD-2011-110623.
[4] Jarukas, L., et al. (2021). Determination of Organic Compounds, Fulvic Acid, Humic Acid, and Humin in Peat and Sapropel Alkaline Extracts. Molecules, 26(10), 2995. doi:10.3390/molecules26102995.
[5] Keller, A., et al. (2020). The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 17(1), 24. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-020-00362-w
[6] Life Extension. (n.d.). Perfect Pair: How Shilajit Boosts Effects Of CoQ10. Retrieved from https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2011/6/the-perfect-pair-coq10-and-shilajit
[7] Cetin, E., Guclu, B. K., & Cetin, N. (2011). Effect of Dietary Humate and Organic Acid Supplementation on Social Stress Induced by High Stocking Density in Laying Hens. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10(8), 2402-2407. https://doi.org/10.3923/javaa.2011.2402.2407
[8] Hriciková, S., et al. (2023). Humic Substances as a Versatile Intermediary. Life, 13(4), 858. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13040858
[9] Stohs, S. J. (2013). Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 475-479. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5018
[10] Devol, A., et al. (1984). nutrient addition experiments in lago jacaretinga, central amazon, brazil: 2. the effect of humic and fulvic acids. Hydrobiologia, 109(2), 97-103. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00011569
[11] Schepetkin, I. A., Khlebnikov, А. I., & Kwon, B. S. (2002). Medical drugs from humus matter: focus on mumie. Drug Development Research, 57(3), 140-159. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.10058
[12] Christl, I., et al. (2005). Effect of humic and fulvic acid concentrations and ionic strength on copper and lead binding. Environmental Science & Technology, 39(14), 5319-5326. https://doi.org/10.1021/es050018f
[13] Piccolo, A., Celano, G., & Conte, P. (1996). Adsorption of glyphosate by humic substances. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 44(8), 2442-2446. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf950620x
[14] Newman, D. J. and Cragg, G. M. (2012). Natural products as sources of new drugs over the 30 years from 1981 to 2010. Journal of Natural Products, 75(3), 311-335. https://doi.org/10.1021/np200906s
[15] Schepetkin, I. A., Khlebnikov, А. I., & Kwon, B. S. (2002). Medical drugs from humus matter: focus on mumie. Drug Development Research, 57(3), 140-159. https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.10058

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