Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does mindfulness affect physical health? What should we be cautious of when interpreting the results?
Mindfulness practice has been shown to have some impact on physical health, although the effects are modest. For example, long-term meditation appears to reduce the body's inflammatory response to stress and may increase activity of telomerase, an enzyme linked to longer cell life and longevity. However, we should be cautious when interpreting these results. Some researchers suggest that the differences between meditators and non-meditators could be due to factors like education or exercise, both of which can also have a positive impact on brain function and health. Additionally, it's possible that people who are naturally more drawn to meditation may already have certain characteristics or tendencies that contribute to better physical health outcomes. So while mindfulness practice may indeed have some benefits for our bodies, we should be careful not to overstate its effects or assume that it will be good for everyone in every situation.