Dr Raj Arora explains how the sensory experience works as a distraction technique – but warns it’s not a treatment
Anxiety affects a countless number of us on a daily basis. (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)
A medic has disclosed that there’s one specific type of confectionery that might genuinely help alleviate anxiety. Whether your tension stems from the workplace, domestic circumstances, or an inexplicable sense of unrest, experiencing these feelings is entirely natural.
To assist, Dr Raj Arora, a GP and medical educator, has shared guidance on managing anxiety and the dreadful symptoms that accompany it. Many recognise her from her slots on ITV’s This Morning, though she also contributes to her personal social media platforms, empowering others to champion themselves and grasp how particular health conditions can affect them.
Sharing on TikTok at @drrajarora, the beloved medic responded to footage of a woman consuming sour confectionery following her therapist’s recommendation to attempt the technique. The doctor subsequently confirmed this approach genuinely functions.
She clarified: “This is something that actually helps with anxiety. The idea behind this is a sensory experience. So when you have an anxiety or a panic attack, diverting your attention away from that or distracting your attention, it can be pretty powerful.
“So eating a really sour sweet, for example, is quite a sensory experience. It will calm you down, distract you away from that panic attack or that anxiety attack that you’re having and sort of redirect you.”, reports the Mirror.
The doctor shared the handy method. (Image: Getty)
This isn’t a cure, she cautioned.
After explaining the reasoning behind it, she also warned: “Is it a treatment for it? Is it a long-term management option? Obviously not. Sweets are full of processed sugars. They’re full of high sugar content and overall not very good for your health. So I wouldn’t recommend you’re just eating bags and bags of our sweets. However, the odd one here and there, if you feel like it does distract you, can be helpful.”
She continued: “It can be helpful because it shifts your brain’s thoughts away from those anxious thoughts into what is actually happening in the mouth and that experience that you’re going through.”
If this method doesn’t appeal to you, “there are other ways to distract yourself if you’re going through anxiety and it’s called a grounding technique”, the medic revealed.
In her closing remarks, she stated: “In conclusion, having sour candy can be a short and easy distraction. But it’s not something I would recommend long-term. So if you are suffering with anxiety, please go and see your GP and get some treatment and management.”
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