Mindfulness is usually sold as a way to feel calmer. Some research suggests it may also show up in the blood.
What the research links
In two randomized controlled trials, adults who did mindfulness training that emphasized acceptance showed lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, than those who didn’t (Villalba, Lindsay, et al., PLOS One, 2019). Notably, the effect depended on the acceptance component — attention training alone didn’t do it.
Why it matters here
CRP is one of the markers mindspan reads, and it’s among the most responsive to stress and mental state. That a specific mindset practice could nudge it is exactly the kind of mind-body link this whole field is about. It’s early evidence from particular programs — not a promise that any meditation lowers inflammation — but it’s a promising thread.
What mindspan measures
hs-CRP is one of the markers mindspan reads — part of the Optimism Biology Score, and among the most responsive to stress and mental state.
References
- Villalba DK, Lindsay EK, Marsland AL, et al. Mindfulness training and systemic low-grade inflammation in stressed community adults: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials. PLOS One, 2019.
This article is for education and general wellbeing. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not replace your physician. mindspan is a wellness screen, not a diagnostic test.
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