The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program improves psychological and physiological indicators of stress

Increasing evidence suggests that chronic psychosocial stress enhances oxidative stress, which may contribute to the aetiology of many lifestyle-related degenerative diseases. Mindfulness practice is defined as “paying attention in an intentional and non-judgmental way to the present moment”. Past studies investigating the link between Mindfulness and stress response demonstrated that the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is a stress management protocol that has beneficial effects on emotional and psychological responses to stressors. In contrast, there are fewer studies of its effect on physiological parameters. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the MBSR program on a sample of 39 people analyzing blood pressure, carotenoids plasma concentration, salivary cortisol, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels, before and after a MBSR training. Levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and awareness were assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale, State Anxiety Inventory, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale questionnaires. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that MBSR training significantly improves both psychological and physiological parameters. The carotenoid data is particularly interesting because recent research has shown the possible preventive and protective effects of β-carotene on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Further studies on redox-related mechanisms are needed to better evaluate MBSR systemic effects.