An NHS medical professional has revealed an unexpected household item that can provide genuine relief from anxiety attacks: sour sweets. According to Dr Raj Arora, an NHS GP and medical educator known for her appearances on ITV's This Morning, this simple method can offer short-term relief for those experiencing stress or panic.
The Science Behind Sour Sweets and Anxiety
Dr Arora explained the technique in response to a viral TikTok video showing a woman using sour candy after her therapist recommended the method. The concept relies on creating a powerful sensory experience that diverts attention away from anxious thoughts.
"When you have an anxiety or a panic attack, diverting your attention away from that or distracting your attention can be pretty powerful," Dr Arora stated. "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."
Important Limitations and Health Warnings
While confirming the technique's effectiveness, Dr Arora was quick to emphasise that this shouldn't be considered a long-term solution. She cautioned against regularly consuming large quantities of sour sweets due to their high processed sugar content.
"Is it a treatment for it? Is it a long-term management option? Obviously not," she warned. "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 sour sweets. However, 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 prefer methods without sugar, Dr Arora suggested several effective grounding techniques:
- Step outside and walk on grass
- Stomp your feet on the ground or grass
- Hold ice in your hand
- Practice focused breathing
These alternatives work on the same principle as the sour sweet method - they shift your brain's focus away from anxious thoughts and into physical sensations happening in the present moment.
Dr Arora concluded: "In conclusion, having sour candy can be a short and easy distraction. However, it's not something I would recommend in the long term. So if you are suffering with anxiety, please go and see your GP and get some treatment and management."
