An NHS doctor has revealed a surprisingly simple and 'powerful' method to help manage anxiety attacks: eating sour sweets. Dr Raj Arora, a respected GP and medical educator, confirmed the technique's effectiveness, explaining the science behind this sensory distraction.
The Science Behind the Sour Sensation
Dr Arora, known for her appearances on ITV's This Morning and her popular social media channels, responded to a TikTok video where a woman used sour sweets on her therapist's advice. The doctor confirmed that this approach has genuine merit for providing immediate relief during moments of heightened anxiety.
The core idea revolves around creating a strong sensory experience that diverts your brain's attention away from anxious thoughts or the physical symptoms of a panic attack. "When you have an anxiety or a panic attack, diverting your attention away from that can be pretty powerful," Dr Arora explained.
She elaborated that the intense, sour flavour creates a pronounced sensation in the mouth, effectively redirecting your focus. "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," she said.
A Short-Term Strategy, Not a Long-Term Treatment
Despite its potential benefits, Dr Arora was quick to issue a crucial warning. She stressed that this method is a coping mechanism, not a medical treatment. "Is it a treatment for it? Is it a long-term management option? Obviously not," she stated unequivocally.
The doctor highlighted the health drawbacks of consuming sweets, which are typically full of processed sugars and offer little nutritional value. She strongly advised against relying on them heavily, recommending instead: "The odd one here and there, if you feel like it does distract you, can be helpful."
Alternative Grounding Techniques for Anxiety
For those who do not like sour sweets or wish to avoid sugar, Dr Arora pointed to several other effective grounding techniques that can achieve a similar distracting effect. These sensory-based strategies can help anchor you in the present moment during an anxiety episode.
She suggested practical alternatives such as:
- Going outside and stepping barefoot on the grass.
- Stomping your feet firmly on the ground.
- Holding a piece of ice in your hand.
- Practising focused breathing techniques.
In her final message, Dr Arora reiterated the importance of seeking professional support for persistent anxiety. "In conclusion, having sour candy can be a short and easy distraction. But it's not something I would recommend long-term," she said. "So if you are suffering with anxiety, please go and see your GP and get some treatment and management."
