Every emotion we feel is the result of the influence of certain hormones. When they are in the optimal amount, they cause positive feelings, and when they are lacking, they affect the occurrence of negative emotions.
The psychological theory explains how positive thoughts, beliefs and suggestions can have an effect on improving the general state of the organism as well as good mood. In addition, the environment and sensory experience have an impact on the neurochemical reactions, which leads to biochemical changes in the organism (neurological, endocrine, immune system). In some cases, this leads to healing, otherwise, diseases or significant health disorders may arise.
What is the placebo and nocebo effect?
Placebo is the belief that something will be successful, thus leading us to success, while a negative approach (nocebo) certainly takes us away from the goal. Although scientifically verified and explained, placebo and nocebo act on the body in a way that cannot be accurately measured.
It is known that the mechanism of many psychosomatic diseases that arise due to negative attitudes and behaviours can be reversed by positive suggestions, the placebo effect, even without the use of drugs.
Most research shows that 30 to 40% of patients experience a positive placebo effect. Friedman and Benson found placebo improvements in 60 to 90% of the diseases.
Placebo and nocebo occur in many other intangible processes that consequently affect the human hormonal system.
Generally, they are mostly associated with medicines and their effects, while common and everyday stimuli are ignored.
Where does the word placebo come from?
The word placebo comes from the Latin word placere, which means “I will satisfy”. In the 19th century, “placebo” took on the meaning of giving a medicine with the intention of satisfying the patient and convincing him that a certain medicine is trying to cure him successfully. This practice still exists today, so it narrows the possibility of other applications of placebo and suppression of nocebo.
What affects our mood?
Happiness and good mood hormones (oxytocin, endorphin, adrenaline) and neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, endocannabinoids, neurotransmitter GABA) affect positivity, satisfaction and good mood.
So, a smell that is perceived as a pleasant stimulus in the limbic system releases, for example, enkephalin, which acts as an endorphin. A positive mood occurs circularly, we release endorphins during certain activities such as eating, exercising or spending time with others, which motivates us to repeat these activities in the future.
The connection between hormones and food has been proven, and even the theory of the nation’s obesity is connected to the general condition and the satisfaction of the nation. If the majority of people are dissatisfied with the general condition, then eating, any eating, creates a sense of satisfaction, ultimately an obese and sick nation.
To what extent can food, with its composition, have an influence on the creation of the hormones of happiness?
Given that our diet is essential for the creation of neurotransmitters, proper nutrition is key for the health of our brain and body. Nutrient-rich foods can help how we feel and think. Stabilizing mood by knowing and implementing a proper diet can help reduce addiction to processed foods that affect the normal chemical properties of the brain.
Food for good mood and protection consists of those foods that have the property of protecting brain tissue from damage, for example, by oxidative stress, and those foods that participate in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Serotonin’s function is related to the transmission of messages between nerve cells, it affects the increase of self-confidence and contributes to feelings of happiness. The consequences of serotonin deficiency can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
