Beli Prenatals are HSA/FSA eligible!

Shilajit, Too Legit to Quit

In the process of creating a men’s prenatal vitamin based on all the available research in men’s fertility nutrition, we unearthed a few key nutrients that are surprisingly absent even in most men’s multivitamins. Shilajit is one of them. It may be a mouthful to say, but this adaptogen has been an important part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, thanks to its powerful anti-aging benefits. Still, that’s not why it has a starring role in Beli Vitality for Men. Our proprietary formula is the first to include this powerhouse ingredient, which we added specifically because clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy for male fertility, including improved sperm count and overall sperm quality. Impressive, right? If you’re researching Shilajit for male fertility, read on for everything you need to know.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Shilajit, an important element of Ayurvedic medicine been used for centuries to improve stamina, longevity, and virility. It’s a naturally-occurring substance formed through the decomposition of humus and plant remains.
  • Clinical studies confirm that Shilajit improves sperm count and quality, promotes blood flow to male genitalia, and reduces anxiety and stress, among other benefits.
  • Shilajit’s potency and efficacy led to its designation as a “strategic material” and closely-guarded state secret in the former USSR. In fact, Shilajit deserves some credit for the Olympic dominance of the Soviet and Eastern Bloc during the Cold War era!
  • Beli Vitality for Men was the first men’s prenatal vitamin to include Shilajit for male fertility.

WHAT IS SHILAJIT?

You know it’s important in Ayurvedic medicine, it’s been around forever, and it’s a veritable goldmine for male fertility. But what exactly is Shilajit? Good question! And honestly, it’s not much to look at — but looks can be deceiving, as we all know. In its natural state, Shilajit is a naturally occurring, blackish-brown rock substance that’s formed by the gradual decomposition of humus and plants remains. It’s most commonly found in the Himalayan mountain range between India and Nepal, but variations have also been also found in Tibet, Russia, Afghanistan, and the Chilean Andes. Because of its ability to improve stamina and longevity, Shilajit is consumed daily in parts of Nepal and northern India. But its roots are deep — Shilajit has been used for centuries.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF SHILAJIT?

Even its name is impressive — Shilajit is Sanskrit and translates to “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” It has a very long history, with recorded use for restoring energetic balance and enhancing vitality dating back more than 2,500 years. Preparation of the material for human consumption was reputedly devised by Aristotle and some of the earliest use of this substance was in ancient Greece.

In the mid-20th century, Shilajit research really accelerated and use among elite athletes and special armed forces in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc nations became widespread, thanks to Shilajit’s beneficial effects on endurance, muscle strength, and recovery. In fact, Shilajit has been widely used by Russian Olympic athletes, cosmonauts, national athletes and the elite military forces.

Much of the research done at this time was conducted by Dr. Nikolai Volkov, professor of biochemistry at the Moscow Institute of Physical Education, and one of the respected members of the Ascential Advisory Committee. The results of Dr. Volkov’s studies led to Shilajit being designated as a “strategic material” and a closely guarded state secret in the former USSR. Shilajit played a major role in the Soviet and Eastern Bloc’s dominance in the Olympics during the Cold War era. That kind of gives you an idea of what exceptional value there is in this very unique compound!

The more we've learned about Shilajit, the more we've come to love this naturally occurring wonder. There's no denying that there are dozens (if not hundreds) of dietary supplement ingredients that have been shown to support male health. So what makes Shilajit different — and better? Let's take a closer look at one of the most regularly cited (not to mention significant) modern studies concerning the potential benefits of Shilajit.

THE STUDY: "CLINICAL EVALUATION OF SPERMATOGENIC ACTIVITY OF PROCESSED SHILAJIT IN OLIGOSPERMIA"

As formal and complicated as the name of this study may sound, it's really just the scientific (and concise) way of saying: "A Formal Evaluation of How Shilajit Does (or Does Not) Affect the Sperm Counts of Men With Infertility (Due to Low Sperm Counts and Other Factors)." For this study, 60 male volunteers were given 100 mg of Shilajit twice a day for a 90-day period.

At the start of this trial, a number of metrics were recorded for each participant. The list of metrics included total semenogram and serum testosterone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, Malondialdehyde (a marker for oxidative stress), and semen content, among other factors.

It's also worth noting that at the start of the trial, all 60 of the male participants were observed to have had sperm counts of 20 million or less (which technically qualifies them as "oligospermatic," or infertile).

THE RESULTS

Of the 28 participants who completed the trial, some significant (P < 0.0001) improvements (relative to the established baselines) were observed. Among other things, researchers noted that:

  • Total sperm count increased (+61.4%)
  • Motility (ability to move) increased (+12.4-17.4% at different intervals)
  • Normal sperm count increased (+18.9%)
  • Serum testosterone increased (+23.5%; P < 0.001)
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone increased (FSH; P < 0.05)
  • Improved reproductive health improving sperm quantity and quality

Shilajit has also been shown to relieve anxiety and stress, which can improve sexual arousal and enhance virility. As if that weren’t enough, men who’ve taken Shilajit also report increased levels of energy and general well being. Other studies find that Andean Shilajit may effectively treat certain cognitive disorders. Really, this compound is positively dizzying in its abilities! Beyond its fertility effects, other benefits of Shilajit include:

  • Increasing energy and endurance
  • Improving athletic performance
  • Natural brain boost for improved concentration and brain health
  • Improving heart health
  • Great anti-aging properties for skin
  • Boosting immune system
  • Alleviating altitude sickness

THE BOTTOM LINE

We say it again and again — getting pregnant is largely about increasing your odds. Science is clear that key nutrients can go a very long way, and taking Beli’s proprietary vitality blend with Shilajit is an easy way to boost the pregnancy potential of sperm. A man’s health prior to conception can play a profound impact on his fertility, his partner’s fertility and the long-term health of their baby, which means a high-quality prenatal as part of a healthy lifestyle is kind of a no-brainer. So — are you taking your vitamins?

 

Additional Resources

Once a month, PMS symptoms make their unpleasant presence known. And while knowing what’s happening won’t make PMS magically disappear, it can help you manage symptoms by balancing hormones and supporting your reproductive health. Let’s review.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

If you have endometriosis, you can already recite its lengthy list of pretty terrible symptoms. And the standard options for managing those symptoms — medications, hormone therapy, hormonal birth control, estrogen blockers, surgery —  aren’t always great. But there is evidence that a so-called “endometriosis diet” can help.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Optimal nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing fertility and supporting a healthy pregnancy. A diet rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats, lays the foundation for reproductive health.

Read More

Is there anything unsexier than scheduled, pressure-ridden, trying-like-hell-to-conceive sex? But good news. We’ve found handy workarounds and tricks of the trade, so forget the basal temperature chart for a second and read on for four ways to keep things hot when you’re TTC.

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More

A shot to the balls may be played for laughs on screen, but testicular impacts really aren’t a joke. Worse case scenario, getting hit in the balls can affect fertility thanks to complications like sexual dysfunction, low testosterone and other issues. Let's discuss.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

When it comes to becoming parents, good habits really will take you where you want to go. Now, new science is giving us insight into exactly how long it takes to form those good habits. We're breaking down all the ways you can build healthy habits to boost your chances of conception. Think of it as life-hacking, but for grown-ups.

Read More

Preparing for a baby means doing everything in your power to nourish your fertility health. If you’re totally on board but wondering what that actually means, we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts for planning a pregnancy.

Read More

Somewhere between the “let’s have a baby!” conversation and seeing those two pink lines, you’re going to end up researching prenatal vitamins. And trust us when we say you’re going to have a ton of options to wade through. Consider this your handy guide to the best prenatal vitamins for men and women in 2024.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re working hard to raise awareness of the important role men play in the baby-making equation, which brings us to today’s topic of men’s preconception health and specifically, sperm health. Knowing what you’re working with can save you a lot of time, but is at-home sperm testing considered an important part of men’s preconception health? Let’s break it down.

Read More

Most births occur between June and early November. Count back nine months, and you’ll see that places most conceptions in the fall and winter. So what’s the deal? Is it the cold weather, all the festivities, or something else driving us between the sheets? That ugly sweater is pretty cute, but you can chalk this up to reproductive seasonality. Here’s what that means, why it matters, and what to do to use it to your advantage.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

Heard the one about ice baths and testosterone? Spoiler: there's little to no research behind that idea. Here’s what to know about cold plunges and male fertility, according to the research, plus where you should really focus your efforts if you’re trying to improve sperm health.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

Read More

There’s a persistent misconception that a woman’s egg quality is largely untouchable—you get what you get, and the rest is out of your hands. But for women actively planning on becoming mothers, there are a handful of best practices that can go a very long way. So, can you improve egg quality in 90 days?

Read More

Can weight loss improve your fertility? That depends on what you read. In today’s post, we’re running through all the latest data on weight loss and fertility, and clarifying why the focus should be less on pounds lost and more on prioritizing habits that support your health as a whole.

Read More

Perimenopause is a transitional time that’s pretty wild in its own right, with hormonal changes similar to a roller coaster and major changes to your cycle. Balanced hormones are, of course, key to successfully becoming pregnant and it’s certainly reasonable to wonder whether it’s possible to get pregnant during perimenopause. The short answer is oh yes. 

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More

Raise your hand if you already know that you have a biological clock. From age 35 and beyond, there is a natural decline in testosterone and sperm quality. Just as people lose muscle strength, flexibility and endurance with age, sperm also tend to lose their "fitness" over the life cycle. But what does that mean—and does it really matter?

Read More

It’s an easy assumption, but you’re much better off thinking that every prenatal vitamin is wildly different in terms of composition, nutrient quality and, importantly, nutrient amount. Not only is that actually true, it puts you in the smart consumer mindset of understanding what matters in a prenatal vitamin—and why.

Read More

Men really do benefit from specialized nutrition in the form of a prenatal vitamin that’s formulated to support sperm health. Here’s what that looks like, and how specific nutrients can impact a man’s fertility health before fatherhood.

Read More

Shilajit is finally getting the credit it’s due, and we’re proud to point out that our proprietary formula was the very first to include this powerful Ayurvedic compound. Here’s why shilajit is rapidly becoming the darling of the male fertility world–and what you’re missing if you’re skipping it.

Read More

Ever wondered why men produce so much darn sperm, especially if only one of them will ultimately fertilize the egg? There are millions of sperm in normal ejaculate because it increases the likelihood that one will reach the egg and seal the deal. It begs the question, what exactly happens on the journey to the egg?

Read More

Just as women’s bodies need to be prepared for pregnancy, men’s bodies need to be ready to contribute healthy sperm for conception. Nutrients are the foundation that support the normal structure and function of sperm and men's fertility health. Taking Beli’s male prenatal supplement is a proactive way to strategically fuel your body to optimize fertility contributing to your overall chances of conceiving and supporting a healthy pregnancy.  

Read More

Diet has been suggested to have an influence on the quality and function of human sperm. More specifically, the results of a randomised trial have shown that including nuts as a component of a regular diet improved the quality and function of human sperm.

Read More

A shot to the balls may be played for laughs on screen, but testicular impacts really aren’t a joke. Worse case scenario, getting hit in the balls can affect fertility thanks to complications like sexual dysfunction, low testosterone and other issues. Let's discuss.

Read More

With the New Year upon us, there are all kinds of articles and videos making the rounds with predictions of the Zodiac signs most likely to get pregnant in 2024. But here at Beli, we take a much more scientific approach to conception. Here are the top eight things people will do to get pregnant in 2024.

Read More

Research shows that the overall health of both biological parents during the preconception window plays a huge role in everything from conception to pregnancy health to the lifetime health of their baby. Luckily, there are simple steps you can both take to improve your health together.

Read More

When it comes to becoming parents, good habits really will take you where you want to go. Now, new science is giving us insight into exactly how long it takes to form those good habits. We're breaking down all the ways you can build healthy habits to boost your chances of conception. Think of it as life-hacking, but for grown-ups.

Read More

Here at Beli, we’re working hard to raise awareness of the important role men play in the baby-making equation, which brings us to today’s topic of men’s preconception health and specifically, sperm health. Knowing what you’re working with can save you a lot of time, but is at-home sperm testing considered an important part of men’s preconception health? Let’s break it down.

Read More

There’s a certain magic to the holiday season, whether you’re all-in on the decorations and the family time or a self-proclaimed Scrooge from mid-November to the New Year. But when you’re trying to conceive, it can be a challenging time.  We’re sharing five tips for managing the holidays when you’re trying to conceive.

Read More

Everyone knows that alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix. But what about before you’re pregnant, during the trying-to-conceive stage? There’s no evidence that the occasional drink—i.e. one or two a week—is going to torpedo your chances of parenthood. But it is true that the more you drink, the greater the likelihood it will have an effect on your health. Here’s what the research says about alcohol and your fertility.

Read More

You’re clear on the mechanics of making a baby, but how much do you really know about conception and fertility? There are a lot of wild stories, downright falsehoods and notions that are actually rooted in a kernel of truth out there. In the interest of sticking to the facts, we’re debunking 15 of the most common myths about conception and fertility.

Read More

When you’re knocking boots in an effort to get knocked up, timing is everything. Your best chance of conceiving is during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle—when you ovulate. The key is figuring out exactly when that happens. Fortunately, you have a few ways of detecting ovulation. Here’s what to know about understanding ovulation and timing sex for pregnancy.

Read More

You have big plans for parenthood in 2024, which means this is the time to start laying the groundwork for everything to come. While so much of conception is beyond our control, there are actionable steps you and your partner can take right now to support and nourish your fertility.

Read More

Welcome to our little corner of common fertility and pregnancy terms! We know that jargon can be overwhelming, so consider this your very own baby-making dictionary. Here, confusing medical terms transform into easy-to-understand facts that help you confidently navigate your family planning journey. 

Read More

Is there anything worse than the two-week wait? All the listicles out there sensibly advise keeping busy and journaling and talking it out, but we’re sharing more specific recommendations collected from the Beli community. Read on for seven tips for surviving the two-week wait without losing your mind.

Read More

Heard the one about ice baths and testosterone? Spoiler: there's little to no research behind that idea. Here’s what to know about cold plunges and male fertility, according to the research, plus where you should really focus your efforts if you’re trying to improve sperm health.

Read More

As a society, we’re an impatient bunch, and that applies to pregnancy, too. The second you decide it’s time to try for a baby, you’re ready to see those two pink lines. If you’ve recently tossed the birth control and you’re wondering how long it should take to get pregnant, here's what to know.

Read More

Jimmy Fallon. Hugh Jackman. Mark Zuckerberg. Keith Urban. Gordon Ramsey. Kyle Busch. Besides immediate name recognition, what else do these men have in common? They’ve all struggled with infertility issues—and it’s something they’re all talking about publicly. Here's why that matters.

Read More

While it’s true that popular hair loss meds work minor miracles on that receding hairline and back-of-the-head bald patch, it’s also true that it can come with side effects—some of them sexual. So, what does that mean in terms of male fertility? Here’s what couples should understand about the effects of popular hair-loss medications on sperm health.

Read More