Researchers have found that long-term meditation may regulate gut microbiota homeostasis, affecting mental health.
The study, in General Psychiatry, involved 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed on faecal samples of 56 Tibetan Buddhist monks and other residents.
According to the study: “Long-term traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation may positively impact physical and mental health.”
“We confirmed that 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.”
