In today’s episode, we’re talking about placebo. The word originally comes from one that means “I shall please” (1:49). However, fast forward to today, it’s an intervention that has no true physiological effect but has such an effect on your psychology. Back in 2004, a study was done with two groups of people with advanced Parkinson's disease, which Miguel makes sure to discuss in more depth (4:23). 

Moving forward, let’s go into the topic of supplements and placebo (8:15). More than 95% of the supplements on the market are placebo benefited, which means that people taking a certain supplement thinks it is doing more than it’s actually doing. CBD being a prime example (9:00) because of the conditions you have to keep in mind that are susceptible to placebo. Those conditions include things that are chronic, highly subjective, lack physiological symptoms, and have fluctuations - anxiety, digestives, and headache to name a few (10:45). Going off of these conditions, Miguel explains that it is the expectation that an individual has from a certain treatment that induces the placebo effect (11:47), as well as having a diagnosis of the condition you have. For example, if you have gut problems or a sleep disorder, a strong diagnosis will significantly improve your symptoms, even if it’s the wrong diagnosis (12:40). If you’re in pain and you’re given a solution, you want it to work, even if it doesn’t.

Previously, a study around chronic pain (17:09) was done where people were told they were getting a placebo effect, yet those people still felt reductions in their pain levels. This study just goes to show that a sense of hope and a vision of better times are so powerful. To wrap up this episode, Miguel dives into a final animals vs human study - taking placebo out of the equation (21:52), the effect on the outcome of the treatment based on the individual giving it to you (25:20), and the complexity of/your adherence to the treatment itself (30:39)

Show Notes/All Resources from Episode:

https://www.flexibledietinglifestyle.com/podcast-show-notes/

• Zach’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theflexibledietinglifestyle/ 
• The Flexible Dieting Lifestyle website - https://www.flexibledietinglifestyle.com 
• Miguel’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mblacutt/
• Miguel’s website - https://miguelblacutt.com 
• Miguel’s coaching - http://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/