For the past few years, some research studies have appeared to suggest that regular practice of mind-body based practices such as yoga, Tai Chi and meditation may be able to alter gene expression over a period of time. These practices may be able to influence the up-regulation of protective genes and simultaneous down-regulation of genes involved in inflammatory response. 

A systematic review published in the journal Frontiers of Immunology* in 2017 tends to support this notion.  The paper suggested, “that these practices are associated with a down-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B pathway; this is the opposite of the effects of chronic stress on gene expression and suggests that MBI practices may lead to a reduced risk of inflammation-related diseases.”

For example, a previous study has also indicated that meditation training changes the way genes express among practitioners. Going by the recent indications from trends in research in the area of yoga and meditation, it can be suggested that doing these practices on a regular basis can be one of the ways to improve healthy living. Other studies are also suggestive of the same.

*Buric, et al. (2017). What is the Molecular Signature of Mind–Body interventions?  A Systematic Review of Gene expression Changes induced by Meditation and Related Practices. Frontiers of Immunology, 8, 670.