There is no question that the ancients were onto something – meditation may just be one of the best ways to enhance your health physically, mentally, and emotionally. Scientific studies continue to shed light on the multitude of ways that meditation can nurture us, even down to our DNA. Furthermore, recent research in the realm of epigenetics demonstrates that the health benefits of meditation can manifest instantaneously on a genetic level. Epigenetics is an area of study which aims to discover the factors such as diet, mental state, toxins, environment, therapies, among others, that can alter the behavior of our genes.
Instant Results
One recent study examined the effects of meditation on the genes regulating the inflammatory response, cortisol activity, and pain. The research, published in the scientific journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, analyzed a group of individuals who practiced mindful meditation for one day. The meditators displayed significant reductions in the expression of genes involved in inflammation, particularly RIPK2 and COX2, as well as genes controlling inflammation, pain, and cortisol activity. In contrast, the control group exhibited no such changes. Moreover, the meditators had better stress test recovery concerning cortisol response.
Stress, Cortisol, Inflammation and Meditation
Although earlier research has connected meditation to decreased inflammation, this latest study uncovers the specific molecular mechanisms that meditation impacts. Stress, cortisol, and inflammation are closely related, and meditation appears to affect all of these areas through its influence on our DNA. An expanding body of research is revealing that chronic stress can severely damage our genes by shortening DNA telomeres, predisposing us to a higher risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. However, meditation has also been shown to be effective in physically repairing this DNA damage.
Understanding Telomeres
Our genes are housed on twisted, double-stranded molecules of DNA called chromosomes, and at the ends of these chromosomes are strands of DNA known as telomeres. Telomeres are essentially the protective endcaps of chromosomes that allow cells to replicate effectively. Lengthier telomeres are linked with healthy aging, DNA stability, and longevity. While researchers know that telomeres grow shorter and wear down as we age, recent studies have implicated chronic stress, unhealthy diets, environmental toxins, and other factors in their deterioration. Research demonstrates that the shorter your telomeres become, the higher your risks are for developing various types of cancer, degenerative conditions, and premature aging.
Protecting Your Telomeres
Although the deterioration of telomeres cannot be altogether halted, it can be delayed and even reversed by activating an enzyme called telomerase. This enzyme guards the ends of telomeres and helps maintain their strength and health.
So, how can you boost this anti-aging enzyme? Studies have found that regular meditation can increase telomerase activity by over 30%, providing added protection and longevity to your DNA. Other factors known to promote telomere integrity include a whole-food, nutrient-rich diet, whereas processed meats, pesticide-contaminated produce, and other pro-inflammatory foods can result in shortened telomeres.
Regardless of age, health status, or other factors, consistent meditation practice can have a profound, positive impact on every level, reaching even the innermost depths of our cellular DNA. Heart health, cognitive function, and cellular health have all demonstrated improvements from regular meditation practice. An increasing amount of medical professionals now recommend this ancient, revered practice, and as a result, meditation is now widely recognized as a powerful, safe method for supporting health and preventing illness. Meditation works rapidly, and you don’t even need published research to confirm this – indulge in just 10 minutes of meditation, and experience the difference yourself.
