Meditation, microbes, and gamers

What's the link between meditation and your gut health?

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IN a nutshell You've probably heard about the age-old connection between what you eat and how you feel. For example, eating too many sugary treats is linked with an increased risk of mood disorders like depression. On the flip side, a well-balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and other nutrients might help boost your mood. Now, there's a new question at play: Can your mood affect your gut health? A recent study says yes, and your spirits can be lifted through healing practices like deep meditation. Before we dive in, here's a sneak peek at other topics we're covering below: • one of the most popular digital therapy platforms • this is your brain on video games • apple or avocado: which is better for brain health? • more health stories you need Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota January 30, 2023 • 6 min read

what's got us buzzing Deep meditation can boost gut health On a quest to discover the link between gut health and emotional well-being, researchers recently studied how 37 Tibetan Buddhist monks' meditation practices influenced their digestive system. They found that regularly scheduled deep meditation could enhance gut health by regulating the gut microbiome (i.e., all the microbes that break down food in the digestive tract and affect mood and behavior through the gut-brain axis.) The meditation group's gut microbes were drastically different (read: healthier) than their non-spiritual neighbors. The monks also showed signs of lower risk of heart disease and better mental health (less depression and anxiety). More research is needed, but the researchers say these results support that long-term deep meditation may enable the body to maintain optimal health. Add this to the impressive list of health benefits of meditation, like reduced stress, better food digestion, increased immune response, improved self-awareness, decreased age-related memory loss, etc. So, if you've been needing a reason to take up a meditation practice, here you go! tl;dr: Deep meditation can improve gut health by boosting the gut microbiome. To learn more about this study's findings, click here. You can also check out our gut health guide to better understand your own digestive system and learn how to spot the signs of an unhealthy belly. Tell us: Do you notice the connection between your own behaviors, emotions, and gut health? We'd love to hear from you. Share your experiences with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!)

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Monday Kick Start Let kids play video games … for brain health! As a lifelong gamer, I'm excited to report that a new study suggests video games can boost kids' brain health and development. Gaming may actually be more helpful than harmful for well-being, especially for kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ICYMI: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a video game treatment for children with ADHD in 2020! This largest study to date found plenty of perks for kids who game, even when they play beyond the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended daily screen time guideline of 1 hour or less per day. The most notable mental health benefits among the youth include: • better ability to manage impulsive behaviors • improved information retention • faster, better performance on cognitive skill tests • higher brain activity in memory and attention This is great news! But we still have to say it: Gaming isn't all fun and games. There's insufficient evidence that playing "Call of Duty" will make your child a danger to society, but the American Psychological Association suggests there *is* a link between violent video games and increased aggression in young men (but a very insufficient link to criminal activity). Staring at screens for too long can negatively affect your eye health and lead to myopia (or nearsightedness), too. To prevent eye strain, teach your child the 20-20-20 rule. Doing eye exercises like this and establishing a (literal) game plan in terms of screen time limits will help protect the young gamers in your life. And hey, let them have some fun, will ya? Gaming has improved my life in so many ways and connected me with awesome people all over the world.

Health Hype Is an apple or avocado better for brain health? (Find the answer at the end of this email)

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health stories you need What we're reading next 💪 10 best multivitamins for men. Our bodies have different needs. Compared with women, men require more of some nutrients and less of others. These supplements may help. ☀️ 8 health benefits of morning walks. If you need a reason to start your day with a walk, read this list of convincing mental and physical perks of morning walks. 🧠 Can better emotional regulation reduce dementia risk? Yes, carrying negative emotions for a while is linked with depression, anxiety, and rumination, which may increase risk of dementia. 💊 A cancer-causing chemical was found in some diabetes medications. Merck is working to fix this. For now, learn about which meds contain nitrosamines and which meds are affected. ⚖️ What's the difference between fibroids and endometriosis? Both conditions affect the uterus and share similar symptoms, but they're very different. Let's compare and contrast.

Health Hype Answer Is an apple or avocado better for brain health? Avocado! Don't get us wrong. An apple a day might keep the doctor away due to its long list of health benefits (e.g., increased heart and gut health, lower risk of diabetes, cancer prevention, etc.). Different apples carry different perks, too. But in terms of which fruit is better for brain health, avocados reign supreme since they're rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are linked with depression and anxiety relief, boosted brain health during pregnancy or end of life, decreased ADHD symptoms in children, and prevention of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. On that note, we officially declare avocados the winner of this cognitive contest. Want to learn more about 11 other foods that are rich in omega-3s? Click here!

Thanks for reading! And congratulations to Nicholas M., who won our Clorox air purifier giveaway. Shout-out to everyone who entered last week (all 450+ of you!). We hope you all have a lovely week full of fresh air and good health.

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001