A Beginners Guide to Meditation
It probably comes as no surprise that meditation is considered beneficial for a whole host of reasons, having positive effects on various aspects of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Meditation comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s worth exploring what approach works best for you personally. Whether it’s 10 minutes of guided meditation whilst you sit on the train on your morning commute, or half an hour of mantra meditation before bed, the meditation world is your oyster! Whatever you find works best for you, making it consistent is the key for success, so have a little bit of patience to figure out what the best method is for you.
What about meditation and our gut, I hear you ask? Meditation can have really positive effects on your gut health through various mechanisms. The gut-brain axis is a big area of research at the moment, and studies are finding that the relationship between the two are more intertwined than we’ve ever been aware of – here’s some of the ways that meditation can help your overall health, as well as your gut more specifically;
Stress Reduction: Meditation is known for its stress-reducing benefits. Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to digestive issues. By practicing meditation regularly, you can lower your stress levels which helps to alleviate gut-related problems caused by stress.
Mind-Body Connection: The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between your gut and brain, plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Meditation enhances the mind-body connection, promoting a state of relaxation and calming the nervous system. This connection can positively influence your gut by reducing gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, cramping, and irregular bowel movements.
Immune System Regulation: Research suggests that meditation may have positive effects on immune system function. Since a significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut, a balanced and well-functioning immune system can contribute to better gut health.
Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to digestive disorders like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Meditation has been shown to reduce inflammation markers in the body, and it is possible that it may also have a beneficial impact on gut inflammation.
Improved Eating Habits: Regular meditation practice can enhance self-awareness, mindfulness, and impulse control. This awareness can extend to your eating habits, helping you make better food choices and develop a more mindful approach to eating. A balanced diet that includes fibre-rich foods, prebiotics, and probiotics can positively impact gut health.
While meditation can support overall wellbeing, including gut health, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional as a first step about any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Happy Meditating!
