by What is becoming increasingly clear is that expectations and predictions have a powerful influence on basic experiences, how we feel and what we perceive. If you do anything that you believe will help you feel better, you will probably end up feeling better.
– Dr. Leonie Koban, Ph.D., Neuroscience and Affective Sciences, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center
What is the Faith Effect?
The Belief Effect occurs when patients’ expectations and beliefs play a significant role in determining their health outcomes. It mimics the brain’s ability to produce real physiological responses in the absence of any active treatment or intervention.
Belief and attitude can influence the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune system responses, all of which can influence the functioning of the body.
Scientific evidence
Many studies have detailed the complex relationship between belief, nutrition and health, showing how our cognitive processes can significantly influence our well-being. How else does the Belief Effect play a central role in shaping our dietary choices and health outcomes?
How your beliefs shape nutritional health
The Ghrelin response
In a study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers examined the expected effect on ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
The participants were given identical milkshakes, but were told that one was a “degrading indulgence” and the other was a “sensible, low-calorie choice.”
Surprisingly, those who believed they were eating the indulgent shake showed a more significant increase in ghrelin levels or an increase in feelings of hunger or dissatisfaction with the meal, even though the nutritional content of the of his shaking, those who had the “sensishake”. ” felt less hungry, or had a lower ghrelin level.
The perception of taste
A study published in Appetite investigated the relationship between beliefs about food health and taste perception. Participants were presented with identical items of food but believed that one was healthier than the other.
The results showed that individuals who believed the food was healthier rated it as tastier, indicating the influence of belief on taste perception. The person’s belief or how he/she interprets (interpretation or internal representation) directly controls the biological response or behavior.
Another notable study involved a woman who suffered from split personalities. At her baseline, her blood glucose levels were normal. However, when she believed she was diabetic, her entire physiology changed to that of a diabetic, including elevated blood glucose levels.
Diet & nutrition
Belief in the effectiveness of a particular diet can have a major impact on diet adherence and outcomes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) explored the influence of religion on weight loss.
Participants with a strong belief in the efficacy of a particular diet were more likely to adhere to it and achieve better weight loss results compared to those with less conviction. (This is one I personally have to subscribe to – I usually last about a week on a new diet regime before I get off track.)
The belief effect extends to nutrient absorption, as well. Studies have shown that believing you are eating a nutrient-rich meal can improve your body’s ability to absorb those nutrients. Your belief in the nutritional value of a meal can affect how efficiently your body absorbs vitamins and minerals.
Metabolic response
Our beliefs about their healthiness may affect our metabolic response to different foods. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine investigated the effect of belief on post-meal metabolic markers. Participants who believed they were eating a healthy meal showed more favorable metabolic responses, including improved insulin sensitivity, compared to those who believed the meal was unhealthy. Unbelievable what the mind can do!
There is also a podcast dedicated to the connections between neuroscience and human behavior: The Huberman Lab podcast, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, explores topics related to the impact of beliefs on health.
In a recent episode, Dr. Huberman emphasizes the importance of understanding how faith affects our overall well-being. In this program on the mind and health, Dr.
The Effect of Faith extends far beyond nutrition
Let’s briefly examine some of the ways the Faith Effect affects overall health.
Pain management: Studies have shown that individuals who believe they are taking a powerful pain reliever but are ingesting a placebo often have a reduced perception of pain. This shows the brain’s ability to release endorphins and modulate pain signals based on belief alone.
Mental health: Belief in the effectiveness of psychotherapy or medication can significantly improve mental health outcomes. Positive expectations can lead to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Immune function: Religion can influence immune responses, affecting the body’s ability to fight infections and disease. Optimistic beliefs and positive attitudes are linked to improved immune function.
Cardiovascular health: Belief in the benefits of lifestyle changes, such as improvements in exercise and diet, including lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels, may lead to better cardiovascular outcomes.
These studies provide strong evidence supporting the notion that religion can significantly influence nutrition and health outcomes. Acknowledging the power of belief in shaping our dietary choices and metabolic responses emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health that includes both physical and psychological factors.
