Health Coach Tip - Improve Your Immunity With Meditation
Harnessing Meditation to Strengthen Your Immune System
Can meditation help support the immune system? When creating a health arsenal to support your immune system and combat illness, I bet that meditation isn't the first thing that comes to your mind. While it’s always important to incorporate as many immunity-boosting, health-supporting foods, supplements, and healthy habits as possible, there are other lifestyle modalities to focus on – like mindfulness and meditation.
Several studies have found that meditation bolsters the immune system. One such study discovered that eight days of ten-hour meditation supported the genetic activity of genes involved in the immune response. Although this type of intensive meditation is not easily replicable, researchers concluded that meditation, in no particular form specified, may play a major role in improving a weakened immune system.
A systematic review of similar studies found that mindfulness meditation—a type of meditation which focuses on cultivating awareness in daily life—may improve markers of inflammation and cell-mediated immunity, thereby supporting the immune system.
Meditation may support the immune system by reducing levels of a stress hormone. A steady diet of stress torpedoes your immunity. Several studies have shown that practicing meditation reduces levels of cortisol, also known as ‘the stress hormone.’ For instance, one study found that a four-day mindfulness meditation program led to reductions in blood levels of cortisol among participants. Similarly, a review of studies found that meditation significantly reduces cortisol levels for stressed populations.
Meditation likely supports various markers and genes to enhance the immune system. Up your unwinding time to keep immunity humming. One of the easiest ways to de-stress anywhere, anytime, is to meditate. Even ten minutes per day is a great start!
Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective strategy to bolster your immune defenses. By dedicating a few minutes each day to mindfulness or meditation practices, you can reduce stress hormones, improve immune response, and promote overall well-being. As part of a comprehensive approach to health, meditation offers a powerful tool to support your body's natural defenses and enhance your longevity.
Update from Frank Lipman, on 2024-11-24Source