
Meditation Benefits Continue to GROW
I’ll admit it. Many of the folks promoting meditation in the past were hippy-dippy types. And the “woo” surrounding it could be a bit too much to take.
But, ironically, those incense-burning, chanting New Agers were RIGHT about meditation’s BENEFITS all along.
A growing pile of research leaves little doubt that meditation… sitting quietly for a while focusing on your breath, health, or even religious thoughts… can have REAL-WORLD payoffs.
In fact, some are SO impressive they seem almost too good to be true.
If you feel you need to be busy and entertained every moment you’re awake, you’re in good company. Most of us feel that way these days.
So we fill every potentially silent moment with things like listening to music, watching TV, and playing on our smartphones. Our poor overworked brains never get a break.
But studies have already shown that slowing down and sitting quietly in meditation helps to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Ease depression
- Improve sleep
- Boost self-confidence
- Curb negative thoughts and emotions
- Lower inflammation
- Ease pain
- Decrease blood pressure
And as impressive as that list is, it’s still NOT all these good bugs can do!
A group of researchers found that meditating for a few minutes every day could protect your brain from getting Alzheimer’s.
The study published in JAMA Neurology followed 137 men and women for a year and a half. The researchers found that volunteers who meditated had an increased global composite score and better attention regulation and socioemotional and self-knowledge capacities compared to their peers.
If that last sentence made you say, “Huh?” don’t worry. It’s just a bunch of scientific jargon that essentially boils down to “their brains worked significantly better.”
Scientists aren’t completely clear yet why meditation brings all these benefits. But one thing is for sure, and that is it works.
So if you haven’t already made it a part of your regular routine, it’s high time you do. And I can help you get started. I prefer to start with a type of meditation called “mindfulness.” It’s easy to understand and simple to do.
To practice mindfulness, simply pay close attention to whatever task you’re doing at the moment. For example, if you’re washing dishes notice how the water feels, smell the subtle scent of the soap, and listen to the sound of the water splashing.
Focus all of your attention on your senses and shut out any outside thoughts.
If you’re up for trying something more ambitious, sit comfortably in a quiet place and focus all your attention on your breath. Slowly breathe in through your nose for about three seconds, hold that breath for three seconds, and then breathe out slowly for three seconds.
Do this for several minutes a few times a week to start.
I recently watched a video from Dan Harris, a former ABC News anchor who turned to meditation after an on-air panic attack. It’s a funny video, worth the watch. And it demonstrates how life-changing meditation can be even for someone who steers clear of anything “new age.”
If you have trouble meditating and feel like giving up, try changing tactics instead. Sit in a quiet place for 10-15 minutes a day and do nothing at all. This “timeout” can be nearly as beneficial for your brain.
P.S. New research reveals a DRUG-FREE way to dial down your blood sugar that rivals prescription meds. Click here to find out how it directly ties in with today’s topic.
Source:
“Effect of an 18-Month Meditation Training on Regional Brain Volume and Perfusion in Older Adults: The Age-Well Randomized Clinical Trial,” JAMA Neurol. Published online 10.10.22. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.3185

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...
This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss
Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...
“Banned in Europe” Food Additive Triggers Hormone Chaos
If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright white frosting on a cookie or vibrantly colored candy, you’ve likely consumed titanium dioxide. This common food additive, used to make products look more appealing, is now at the center of a growing health debate. Titanium dioxide is essentially makeup for food—a white powder that enhances colors and makes...
Your Phone Is DESTROYING Your Brain—Here's How to Fight Back
Ever notice how—after a day of bouncing between your phone, computer, and TV—your brain feels like it’s been stuffed with cotton? You may struggle to remember what you need at the store, fumble for words, or stare blankly at your crossword puzzle. It’s not because you’re getting older—it’s what your devices are doing to your...
The Coffee "Prescription" That Fights Aging
Hold onto your coffee mug… because I’ve got news that’ll make your favorite morning ritual even better. New research reveals that your daily coffee habit isn’t just keeping you alert—it could also be keeping you from becoming frail as you age. And if you’re a superfan, the news is even better. The study found that...
Mailbag: Boost Your Blood Pressure Routine NATURALLY
“What are the best supplements to use for treating high blood pressure when one is currently taking blood pressure medication?” —Under Pressure Hi Under, I’ll be the first to admit I’m skeptical of certain so-called “important” medical measurements. However, blood pressure is not one of those. It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep their blood...
Common Deficiency Weakens Your "Cancer Barrier" (Are You at Risk?)
If you’re over 50, you likely know that colorectal cancer is a serious threat. It’s one of the most common—and deadliest—cancers affecting older Americans. But what if I told you that a common vitamin could slash your risk up to 58 percent? A new study once again confirms that this inexpensive nutrient is one of...
Independent Lab Reveals DISTURBING Toothpaste Truth
New, independent testing is exposing some truths about toothpaste. And what it reveals is downright shocking… It turns out that every time you brush your teeth, you could be exposing yourself to dangerous toxins. Testing conducted by Lead Safe Mama (LSM), a leading advocate for lead poisoning prevention, revealed that our toothpaste may be contaminated...
Ancient Persian Secret Unlocks Perfect Sleep in 3 Weeks
If you’re among the millions tossing and turning at night, with sleep remaining frustratingly out of reach, I’ve got exciting news. Scientists discovered an ancient spice—prized for its distinctive flavor and color—might hold the key to better sleep. And unlike many sleep medications, this natural approach works without the morning grogginess or dependency potential… Two...
$5 Pharmacy Find Reverses Aging by 4 Months (Or MORE)
We’re all searching for the elusive fountain of youth. You know—the one anti-aging hack that will give us more happy, healthy years on this Earth. But what if I told you that a simple supplement you can pick up at any pharmacy today might actually slow down your biological aging? A groundbreaking new study suggests...