Mindfulness interventions may reduce chronic inflammation and aging

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 89 studies suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may positively influence chronic inflammation and the aging process, a phenomenon known as ‘inflammaging’.

Inflammaging is linked to the development of various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. The research indicates that mindfulness practices can reduce age-related inflammatory processes and improve biomarkers of biological aging, such as telomere length and telomerase activity. These processes are often characterized by increased concentrations of inflammatory messengers like Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP).