Isha yoga practices, vegan diet, and participation in Samyama meditation retreat: impact on the gut microbiome & metabolome - a non-randomized trial.
Maitreyi Raman, Ramana V. Vishnubhotla, Hena R Ramay, Maria C B Gonçalves, Andrea S Shin, Dhanashri Pawale, Balachundhar Subramaniam, Senthilkumar Sadhasivam
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies April 5, 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03935-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 288 |
| Population | Participants in an advanced meditation program (Samyama) and household controls |
| Interventions | vegan diet including 50% raw foods daily yoga and meditation practices |
| Duration | 2-month preparation phase, 3-month follow-up after Samyama |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Brain-gut axis Microbiome Vegan diet Yoga |
| Citations | 25 |
| Registration | NCT04366544 |
| Key findings | Beta diversity of the gut microbiome changed significantly after the Samyama program in meditators, and branched short-chain fatty acids increased after the preparation phase. |
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests a role for gut bacteria and their metabolites in host-signaling responses along the gut-brain axis which may impact mental health. Meditation is increasingly utilized to combat stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. However, its impact on the microbiome remains unclear. This study observes the effects of preparation and participation in an advanced meditation program (Samyama) implemented with a vegan diet including 50% raw foods, on gut microbiome and metabolites profiles. There were 288 subjects for this study. Stool samples were collected at 3-time points for meditators and household controls. Meditators prepared for 2 months for the Samyama, incorporating daily yoga and meditation practices with a vegan diet including 50% raw foods. Subjects were requested to submit stool samples for 3 time points - 2 months before Samyama (T1), right before Samyama (T2), and 3 months following Samyama (T3). 16 s rRNA sequencing was used to study participants' microbiome. Alpha and beta diversities along with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) were assessed. Metabolomics were performed on a mass spectrometer coupled to a UHLPC system and analyzed by El-MAVEN software. Alpha diversity showed no significant differences between meditators and controls, while beta diversity showed significant changes (padj = 0.001) after Samyama in meditators' microbiota composition. After the preparation phase, changes in branched short-chain fatty acids, higher levels of iso-valerate (padj = 0.02) and iso-buytrate (padj = 0.019) were observed at T2 in meditators. Other metabolites were also observed to have changed in meditators at timepoint T2. This study examined the impact of an advanced meditation program combined with a vegan diet on the gut microbiome. There was an increase in beneficial bacteria even three months after the completion of the Samyama program. Further study is warranted to validate current observations and investigate the significance and mechanisms of action related to diet, meditation, and microbial composition and function, on psychological processes, including mood. Registration number: NCT04366544 ; Registered on 29/04/2020.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Undergraduate students | 2006 | Observational cohort | |
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice Long-term Buddhist practitioners and controls | 2004 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Neural and molecular changes during a mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open label placebo healing intervention Communications Biology November 6, 2025
- Metabolomic profiles impacted by brief mindfulness intervention with contributions to improved health. Scientific Reports July 25, 2025
- Transformative tourism experiences in spiritual retreats Current Issues in Tourism October 17, 2026
- Health Benefits of the Isha Samyama Sadhana Meditation Programme: A Scoping Review International Journal of Health Sciences and Research February 12, 2026
- Effects of Isha Yoga Practices on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Controlled Studies. Cureus 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 5
- Isha Yoga Practices and Participation in Samyama Program are Associated with Reduced HbA1C and Systemic Inflammation, Improved Lipid Profile, and Short-Term and Sustained Improvement in Mental Health: A Prospective Observational Study of Meditators Frontiers in Psychology May 19, 2021
- Advanced Meditation and Vegan Diet Increased Acylglycines and Reduced Lipids Associated with Improved Health: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine August 2022
- Possible Roles of Cyclic Meditation in Regulation of the Gut-Brain Axis Frontiers in Psychology December 22, 2021
- Advanced Meditation Alters Resting-State Brain Network Connectivity Correlating With Improved Mindfulness. Frontiers in Psychology 2021
- 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