Shilajit As Ayurvedic Medicine For High Altitude Sickness

Introduction:

High altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can pose serious health risks to individuals ascending to elevated regions. As people continue to explore mountainous terrains and engage in high-altitude activities, the search for effective remedies has intensified. In the realm of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, Shilajit has emerged as a promising solution for combating the symptoms of high altitude sickness. This blog explores the benefits of Shilajit and its role as the best Ayurvedic medicine for high altitude sickness.

High altitude sickness is a condition that challenges an individual’s resilience as they’re exposed to great heights. High altitude sickness often presents a complex array of symptoms that impede the happiness of mountaineers and travelers alike.

High altitude sickness arises due to insufficient acclimatization to decreased oxygen levels at heights. It simply means that the body doesn’t get enough time to accustom itself to decreased levels of oxygen. Therefore, the human body, accustomed to a level of oxygen at sea level, struggles to quickly adapt to the thinner air at higher altitudes. The condition can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild symptoms like headache and nausea to severe and potentially life-threatening conditions such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

For effective management and prevention of serious health complications, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms early. Keeping all of what’s conveyed in perspective, this blog post acknowledges the limitations and health risks imposed by the condition and discusses how Shilajit can be utilized in regions like the Himalayas, a remedy that has been used for centuries.

What Is High Altitude Sickness?

High altitude sickness is also referred to as altitude sickness. It’s a medical condition that occurs when individuals are at high elevations too rapidly. High elevations are typically above 2,000 meters or 6,600 ft. The core issue at high altitudes is the reduced availability of oxygen. So what happens when altitude increases, and the overall air pressure decreases? Now, though the percentage of oxygen in the air remains relatively constant, the lower pressure results in less oxygen being available. In cases of altitude sickness, symptoms often appear within 10 hours of ascent an individual experiences headache, sleep disturbance, fatigue, confusion, stomach illness, and dizziness. In dire cases, high-altitude sickness leads to life-threatening conditions including high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

What Causes High Altitude Sickness?

The primary cause of high altitude sickness is the rapid movement to heights. The problem with “rapid” movement is that it cuts off the body’s adequate time to adjust to the decreased oxygen levels. This rapid climb prevents the body from acclimatizing to the new environment. Thus, leading to symptoms associated with altitude sickness. Factors that contribute to the onset and severity of the condition include the rate of climb or ascent, altitude attained, length of exposure to high altitude, and course, individual susceptibility. About individual susceptibility, however, here’s an important bit to remember: the susceptibility to altitude sickness varies among individuals, with some being more prone to it than others.

Understanding High Altitude Sickness:

High altitude sickness occurs when individuals ascend to altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Traditional remedies often fall short, prompting a growing interest in alternative approaches like Ayurveda.

Common Symptoms Of High Altitude:

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, headaches, lightheadedness, fatigue or weakness, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Below is a complete list of common symptoms of high altitude sickness:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue or weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Insomnia
Shortness of breath upon exertion
Loss of appetite
Rapid heartbeat
Swelling of hands, feet, and face (Peripheral edema)
Nose bleeding
Confusion
Pins and needles sensation
Persistent dry cough
Difficulty walking (ataxia)

Taking a few extreme cases into account… Symptoms of high altitude sickness can also include pulmonary edema, but only in extreme cases. The condition presents as persistent dry cough, shortness of breath even at rest, and fever. Additionally, Cerebral edema also happens to be among the extreme symptoms, which is characterized by severe headache, unsteady gait, increased nausea, vomiting, and possible loss of consciousness.

Shilajit: The Best Ayurvedic Medicine For High Altitude Sickness

A Brief Overview

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that oozes from rocks in the Himalayan and Altai mountain ranges. Known as the “destroyer of weakness” in Sanskrit, Shilajit has a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is revered for its rejuvenating properties. Composed of organic plant material and microbial metabolites, Shilajit contains a unique blend of minerals, fulvic acid, and other bioactive compounds.

It’s used and praised in Ayurvedic medicine for various health conditions which also includes altitude sickness. Shilajit or Silajeet is believed to offer numerous health benefits due to having a high concentration of fulvic acid along with other minerals. Additionally, it’s thought to aid in the body’s adaptation to the changing environment; simply by improving cellular functions and energy production. Among the things that Shilajit is known for are its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which directly contribute to reducing high altitude sickness symptoms.

Pure Himalayan Shilajit Resin’s adaptogenic nature helps the body better cope with the stress of a low-oxygen environment, which is the defining characteristic of high altitudes. Moreover, Shilajit is believed to help regulate the immune system and improve cardiac health, which can be advantageous in high-altitude conditions where the body is under increased stress.

Research on Shilajit and High Altitude Sickness:

Several studies have explored the potential of Shilajit in mitigating the symptoms of high altitude sickness. One notable research article published in the “International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease” (2012) discusses the neuroprotective effects of Shilajit. The study suggests that Shilajit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help protect the brain from the hypoxic conditions associated with high altitudes.

Furthermore, a study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” (2016) investigated the adaptogenic properties of Shilajit. Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to stress, and Shilajit demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing the body’s resilience to altitude-induced stressors. The study concluded that Shilajit has the potential to be a valuable natural supplement for individuals exposed to high altitudes.

How Shilajit Works:

Shilajit’s therapeutic effects are attributed to its rich mineral content, especially fulvic acid. Fulvic acid acts as a potent antioxidant and helps in the transportation of nutrients into cells, enhancing their bioavailability. Additionally, Shilajit’s adaptogenic properties support the body’s ability to cope with the physiological challenges posed by high altitudes, such as decreased oxygen levels.

Dosage and Precautions:

While Shilajit shows promise in addressing high altitude sickness, it’s crucial to use it responsibly. Dosage recommendations may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before incorporating Shilajit into one’s routine. Moreover, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medication should seek medical advice to ensure there are no contraindications.

Conclusion:

In the quest for Ayurvedic medicine for High Altitude Sickness, Shilajit stands out as a noteworthy option backed by scientific research. Its traditional use in Ayurveda, coupled with modern studies validating its efficacy, makes Shilajit a compelling choice for individuals exploring high-altitude environments. As with any supplement, it’s essential to approach Shilajit with caution, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure safe and optimal use.