Conclusion
This non-randomized controlled longitudinal prospective study is among the first and largest to explore the gut microbiome and metabolome profile after an advanced Samyama meditation program delivered with a vegan diet. First, we observed changes in meditator beta diversity after Samyama. Additionally, after the preparatory phase, there was an increase in branched short-chain fatty acids and changes to other metabolite composition. While the implications of these results are not fully understood, these findings do pave the way for further exploration of the impact of meditation and diet on the gut-brain axis. Further study is warranted to validate current observations, investigate significance and mechanisms of action related to diet, meditation, and microbial composition and function, on psychological processes, including mood.