THE CHEMICAL BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

The Chemical Benefits of Meditation

by Daniella Miniero (Guest Author - FIT Fashion Business Management) & Dr. Shamil 

Source: https://eocinstitute.org 


Meditation is widely known for its stress and anxiety relief properties however, there is much more you can benefit from by practicing meditation. In fact, meditation has a profusion of extraordinary benefits reaching everywhere in the mind, body, and soul. There are seven key chemicals that are critical to the brain and body that are supported by meditation practice.

1. Meditation Boosts Serotonin

Serotonin, “the happy neurotransmitter”, is key to helping relay signals from one part of the brain to another. This chemical has an enormous impact on our mood while contributing to our overall state of wellbeing. According to Barry Jacobs, PhD, depression develops when fewer and fewer new brain cells are created caused by stress and age. Thankfully, meditation is a highly effective all-natural solution to depression. Activities like mindfulness have a direct impact on the brain’s production of serotonin levels. Meditation’s replenishing effect of serotonin work to create an ideal chemical environment for the production of new brain cells; therefore, making you a happier and healthier person.

2. Meditation Reduces Cortisol

Cortisol, an age-accelerating hormone, is one of the few chemical where we don’t need a lot of it. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol in abundance. Long term, chronic stress is not normal and leads to blocking the creation of good hormones, anxiety, depression, increased blood pressure, brain fog, insomnia, and inflammation. Therefore, too much cortisol is extremely bad for your overall health. However, there is a powerful connection between mindfulness and the production of cortisol. A study by a Rutgers University doctor discovered that people who meditate have 50% reduction in cortisol levels.

3. Meditation Boosts DHEA

DHEA, "the longevity molecule", is one of the most important hormones in the body. As you get older your DHEA levels decrease, pronouncing us to disease and accelerated aging. DHEA levels are directly linked to lifespan; the less DHEA you have, the fewer years you have left to live. However, people who practice meditation daily have 43.77% more DHEA over everyone else.

4. Meditation Boosts GABA

GABA is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in your central nervous system. Not having enough of this chemical can cause anxiety, nervousness, racing thoughts, and sleeplessness. Luckily, there is an effective natural solution. Psychiatrists at the Boston University School of Medicine found a 27% increase in GABA levels after only 60 minutes of mindful exercises. By practicing meditation every day for 30 minutes to an hour, you can effectively melt away any anxiety and addiction you may carry by increasing your GABA chemical levels.

5. Meditation Boosts Endorphins

Endorphins, the neurotransmitter that our body uses as an internal pain killer, is the sense of happiness we sometimes feel. A study published in the Biological Psychology Journal, tested the neurochemical release of two groups: 11 elite runners and 12 long-practicing meditators after running and meditation. Both groups’ endorphin levels were greatly elevated however, meditation's "feel-good effect" scored even higher than running. This happy, zen-like, state of bliss can be a powerful and highly pleasurable experience, explaining why so many people are addicted to running and/ or meditation.

6. Meditation Boosts Growth Hormone

Growth hormone stimulates growth during childhood and sustains our tissues and organs today. However, starting in your 40s, your pituitary gland gradually decreases the amount of Growth hormone it creates. The decrease of growth hormone causes these aging signs: weaker bones and muscles, increased body fat, poor heart contractions, bad moods, lack of motivation, and fatigue. The state where our brains release the most growth hormone, "Delta", is a key brainwave frequency found during both meditation and the deepest stage of sleep. Therefore, when you meditate you naturally elevate your growth hormone levels.

7. Meditation Boosts Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, is the key to good mood and restful sleep. Our modern lives of staring at a screen all horus of the day is taking a heavy biological toll on us and our melatonin levels; we are shutting down our body’s production of this critical chemical. However, there is a very effective and natural solution around this problem. Rutgers University researchers discovered that melatonin levels for people who practiced meditation daily were boosted by an average of 98%. By incorporating meditation into your life, you can get a better night's sleep and re-balance your body.


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