Meditation does more than calm you -- it rewires your brain
A new study in Communications Biology looked at the impact on your basic biology of practicing mind-body meditation techniques. The researchers found that doing various practices for a week actually activated specific brain pathways involved in pain relief and other pathways that play a role in boosting immune signaling.
New neurons were encouraged to proliferate and blood glucose was metabolized more actively. And interestingly, those participants who rated their experience with meditation as deeper and more mystical also had measurably greater biological changes, including more coordination between different brain regions. Various techniques including mindfulness, Kundalini techniques, conscious breathing, and loving-kindness meditation were used.
This is just one more piece of evidence that the mind and body are wedded -- in sickness and in health. The bidirectional brain-gut highway travels through your vagus nerve, blood vessels and endocrine system and influences your risk for Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression, heart disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases. And your cognitive health and your mood can alter the biochemistry of your intestinal and oral biome. That's why my anti-aging recommendations include emotional support through a posse, a purpose, play, and stress-relieving meditation, along with healthy nutrition and exercise.
If you sign up for my free newsletter (michaelfroizenmd.substack.com), listen to my "YOU: The Owner's Manual" podcast (rephonic.com/podcasts/you-the-owners-manual-radio-show), and read my books, you'll clearly see that I'm not overstating the importance of attending to your whole being -- both physical and emotional. That is the key to a younger, happier, longer life.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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