EOC Institute

Did you know that those who consistently meditate have significantly lower levels of the hormone Cortisol? What is Cortisol and what makes it so harmful? Higher and more prolonged levels of Cortisol, an age accelerating hormone, in the bloodstream has been found to have effects such as decreased bone density, elevated blood pressure, suppressed thyroid function, weakened cognitive performance, chronic stress, blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia, decrease in muscle tissue, lowered immunity and inflammatory responses in the body, increased abdominal fat, which is related to many more health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body, heart attacks, strokes, the increase of higher levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL), which leads to other health problems. In other words, too much cortisol is very damaging.     

Are you aware that people who regularly meditate have considerably increased levels of the neurotransmitters GABA? What is GABA and what makes it so good? GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is one of the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and is best known for stabilizing mood disorders. Anxiety, tension, insomnia, and epilepsy are believed to be due to the failure to produce adequate levels of GABA. In a study at Yale, people with panic disorder were found to have 22% less GABA than people without panic disorder. Addicts, including those addicted to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, caffeine, food, gambling, and even shopping, all have one thing in common; not enough of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is very important.

Did you know that those who consistently practice meditation have dramatically boosted levels of the hormone Melatonin? What is Melatonin and what makes it so beneficial? Melatonin is a hormone manufactured in the brain by the pineal gland, from the amino acid tryptophan. Levels of melatonin in the blood peak before bedtime and its function is to create restful sleep. Stress significantly lowers melatonin levels. Research has also revealed that it is a powerful antioxidant. Do you sleep like a baby every night? Now you can.

Are you aware that those who regularly meditate have significantly increased levels of the hormone Serotonin? What is Serotonin and why is it so good? Serotonin is a main neurotransmitter and neuropeptide that influences mood and behavior in many ways. Depleted serotonin levels are linked to depression, obesity, insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, and fibromyalgia. It is used in treating anxiety and depression related disorders, drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft boost serotonin. Do you think Serotonin is important?

Did you know that those who consistently practice meditation have considerably higher levels of Endorphins? What are Endorphins and what makes them so beneficial? Endorphins are a category of neurotransmitters created by the body and used internally as a pain killer. This categories of compounds gives an all-encompassing sense of happiness. They are thought to reduce blood pressure and have been linked in the fight against cancer. Endorphins are most well known to those who exercise, producing what is known as 'runner's high'.  To sum, Endorphins are extremely beneficial plus they make you feel really good.

Are you aware that people who regularly practice meditation have dramatically boosted levels of the hormone DHEA? What is DHEA and what makes it so good? We now know that low levels of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) are strongly associated with heart attack risk, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and chronic fatigue. It enhances memory, alleviates depression, and causes a remarkable improvement in a person's sense of psychological and physical well-being. Lastly, we know that it so strongly supports the immune system that many scientists have become convinced that a deficiency of this very hormone factors extensively in the immune system's collapse during old age. It decreases stress, improves sleep, and seems to increase the sex drive in some people. Do you think DHEA is important?

Did you know that those who regularly practice deep meditation have dramatically boosted levels of Growth Hormone (HGH)? What is HGH and what makes it so good? Your body naturally produces growth hormone - it stimulated growth throughout your childhood and sustains your tissues and organs all the way through your life. Starting in your 40s, your pituitary gland, the pea-sized structure at the base of your brain where growth hormone is produced, gradually decreases the amount of HGH it creates. The body's diminishing supply of HGH causes the frailty that comes with aging - decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, more body fat, weakening heart contractions, poor mood and motivation, and poor exercise capacity. You can see why so many people have been taking HGH! HGH is very important!

Do you remember back in chemistry class the PH scale? It goes from 0-14, 0-7 = acidic, 7 = neutral, and 7-14 = alkaline. Did you know that all people with disease, from diabetes to cancer (especially cancer), have an acidic PH? Researchers have proven that meditation alone, without any changes in exercise or diet, can raise the PH to healthier levels.