Yoga, Meditation and Mind-Body Health: Increased BDNF, Cortisol Awakening Response, and Altered Inflammatory Marker Expression after a 3-Month Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience June 26, 2017 B. R. Cahn, Matthew S. Goodman, C. Peterson et al.
A 3-month yoga and meditation retreat was associated with decreased anxiety and depression, increased mindfulness, and changes in biomarkers. Plasma BDNF increased, and the cortisol awakening response grew larger. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 rose while the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12 fell, but contrary to expectations, several other pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) also increased. Participants with higher anxiety showed smaller BDNF increases. The authors suggest these biomarker changes reflect mind-body integration and well-being, though physical exercise and diet may also contribute.