How Meditation May Boost the Immune System

listening relaxing music at home, relaxed man in headphones sitting in deck chair in modern bright interiorNew research suggests that meditation done at an intense level could help to strengthen the immune system. These findings come after researchers analyzed blood samples from pre- and post-meditation genetic activity among more than 100 men and women.

The study involved 106 men and women with an average age of 40. All participants had enrolled in a meditation retreat conducted at the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in McMinnville, Tennessee.

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Blood samples were taken from all participants multiple times. The first samples were taken 5 to 8 weeks before the retreat, then just before the retreat began, and three months after the retreat was completed.

The retreat lasted for eight days and provided all participants with vegan cuisine, and they all followed a regular sleep schedule. Meditation sessions lasted 10 hours a day and were all conducted in silence.

After analyzing the blood samples, researchers found an uptick in activity involving 220 immune-related genes, including 68 genes engaged in “interferon signaling.” This type of signaling can be the key to mounting an effective defense against various health conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and even COVID-19.

The impact of molecular activity seen among retreat participants held up even after accounting for sleep and diet patterns.

Researchers note that the findings do not prove that meditation actually caused gene changes to occur. They also stress that their study involved 10-hour daily marathon meditation sessions in total silence for eight straight days.

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In the real world, most people could not replicate these methods. However, they suggest that meditation could someday be used for newly developed behavioral therapies to maintain brain health and treat neurological diseases.

A Strong Immune System

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By taking a daily supplement, following a healthy diet, and exercising daily, you can help to ensure a strong immune system. A daily meditation practice can also help keep you focused and reduce stress which may help to boost the immune system. So, be sure to take some time each day to slow down and practice a short time for mindful meditation.

Author Bio

Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.

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https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-12-meditation-immune.html
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26799456/

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