On Thu, 30 Sep 1999, Troy Gilchrist wrote:

> I don't want to wax religious or philosophic, but I do want to put in a plug
> for regular mediation. Anyone who takes the time to meditate at least 20
> minutes a day for an extended period of time will realize noticeable
> benefits (particularly stress reduction). Barry Sears explains how this
> works in his book THE ANTI-AGING ZONE. And I'm sure that everyone on this
> list is aware of the stress-reducing benefits of regular exercise.

The study below of the effects of Kriya Yoga, a discipline
that includes breathing exercises and meditation, on stress
hormones is suggestive.  The increased clearance of cortisol from
the body is highly significant, in my view.  For purposes of this
discussion, we can "bracket" the dietary variables of the study.

Todd Moody
[log in to unmask]

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Acta Physiol Scand Suppl 1997;640:158-162

Changes in cardiovascular risk factors and hormones during a
comprehensive residential three month kriya yoga training and
vegetarian nutrition.

Schmidt T, Wijga A, Von Zur Muhlen A, Brabant G, Wagner TO

Department of Epidemiology & Social Medicine, Hannover
Medical University, Germany.

In participants of a comprehensive residential three month yoga
and mediation training programme living on a low fat
lacto-vegetarian diet changes in cardiovascular risk factors and
hormones were studied. Substantial risk factor reduction was
found. Body mass index, total serum and LDL cholesterol,
fibrinogen, and blood pressure were significantly reduced
especially in those with elevated levels. Urinary excretion of
adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, aldosterone, as well as
serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels were reduced,
while cortisol excretion increased significantly.

UI: 98065154