Long-term deep meditation alters gut microbiota
2023
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
Advancements in research have confirmed that gut microbiota can influence health through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Meditation, as an inner mental exercise, can positively impact the regulation of an individual’s physical and mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of long-term deep meditation on the gut microbiome structure. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on faecal samples of 56 Tibetan Buddhist monks and neighbouring residents (controls), and subsequent analysis was employed to identify differential intestinal microbial communities between the two groups. In addition, the researchers evaluated biochemical indices in the plasma. The gut microbiota composition differed between the monks and control subjects. The microbiota enriched in monks was associated with a reduced risk of anxiety, depression and cardiovascular disease and could enhance immune function. Overall, these results suggest that meditation plays a positive role in psychosomatic conditions and well-being.
Alteration of faecal microbiota balance related to long-term deep meditation
Jinghong Chen, Donghong Cui
Added on: 01-19-2023
[1] https://gpsych.bmj.com/content/36/1/e100893[2] https://neurosciencenews.com/meditation-microbiome-health-22276/
