Saturday Night Lecture: Placebo vs Nocebo

Introduction

• This lecture discusses the concepts of placebo and nocebo.
• Placebo: The belief in the power of something that is actually empty.
• Nocebo: The belief in the weakness of something that is empty.

Case Examples

• Placebo: Administering water believed to enhance strength.

  • Example: Desi drinks water said to be from a centenarian region.
  • Result: Performance improvement due to belief, even with ordinary water.

• Nocebo: The belief that a certain result cannot be achieved without something.

  • Example: Belief that one cannot lose weight without medication.
  • Result: Failure to achieve goals due to negative beliefs.

Nervous System and Perception

• The body's instructions: Grow and Develop (Rest and Digest) or Protect (Fight or Flight).
• Sympathetic Nervous System: Stress response, fight or flight.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Relaxation response, rest and digest.

Influence of Perception

• Significant impact on health and success.
• What we believe can lead to success or failure.
• Example: Belief in strength, success, a good body.

Self-Identification and Perception

• Tendency to focus on self-weakness can strengthen negative perceptions.
• Social media influences focus on weaknesses to gain sympathy.
• Focusing on self-strengths can alter negative perceptions.

Genetic vs Epigenetic

• Genetic Determinism: The misconception that genetics solely determine health.
• Epigenetics: Environment and behavior influence genetic expression.
• Behavior and environment have a greater influence than genetics.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Do not resign to genetic verdicts or negative perceptions.
• Epigenetics allows for change in health destiny with positive behavior.
• Creating a environment that supports better health.

Conclusion

• Placebo is better than Nocebo.
• Adopt a lifestyle that supports health: fasting, exercising, diet management.
• Do not underestimate the intelligence of the human body.
• Everyone can enhance their own health and physical fitness.

Closing

• Do not get trapped in negative perceptions.
• Utilize the body's intelligence and environment for better health.