Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) relief - using the power of the ‘placebo effect’

IBS is one of the top ten reasons why people seek medical care worldwide accounting for millions of lost working days. If you suffer from IBS you will know that the symptoms last for two to four days when, the symptoms usually improve but do not disappear completely. The most common symptoms of IBS are: abdominal pain and cramping; diarrhoea or constipation, or sometimes both; bloating and swelling of your abdomen; flatulence; a feeling you have not fully emptied your bowels; passing mucus. Because of the pain and discomfort IBS sufferers often experience, feelings of depression and anxiety often manifest themselves.


Self help for IBS concentrates, as you would expect, on getting your diet sorted - Eat three regular meals each day - don't be tempted to skip meals. make meals using fresh ingredients; Chew food well, don't rush; sit to eat; Drink plenty of fluid - at least 8 cups of water, sugar-free squash or herbal teas; Take regular exercise e.g. walking, cycling, swimming; Make the most of YOU time and relax. Stressful environments can make IBS symptoms worse. Discover what affects you. Use relaxation, meditation and the power of the 'placebo effect' to reduce your symptoms

  • Placebos without Deception: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    A group of leading placebo researchers tracked the health of 80 volunteers with irritable bowel syndrome for three weeks as half of them took placebos and the other half didn’t...

    Read More
    Placebos without Deception: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Oder adults benefit from fake supplements in as little as three weeks

Even a Fake Supplement Can Boost Mind and Body in Older Adults

By edited by Placebo World • March 26, 2026
Placebo treatments taken knowingly—could be a simple and ethical way to improve quality of life in older adults.
open water swimmer

Why Open Water Swimming Is Beneficial to Your Health and the Influence of the Placebo Effect

By Placebo World • May 4, 2023
Open water swimming is all about swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea, rather than at a swimming pool. It can be an invigorating and exhilarating experience, but it also has many health benefits that are unique to this type of activity. We explore here some of the reasons why open water swimming is good for your health and how the placebo effect may play a role in enhancing its positive effects.
More Posts