Chocolate as a Stress Reliever – Take Your Fill!
It doesn’t matter how much research you have done or how excited you are about the results, the chances are you will feel a bit anxious when finally heading to the clinic for your Laser Eye Surgery treatment. But while you might be tempted to reach for some medication to keep your nerves at bay, this is generally not recommended.
Thankfully, there is another option: Chocolate.
The Medicinal Benefits of Cacao
This might sound silly but chocolate has long been associated with an impressive number of health benefits. In fact, cacao – the plant from which chocolate is derived – has been used in ancient medicinal practices for thousands of years. Perhaps most notably, the indigenous Mayan people of South America used the plant for medicinal, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes. Cacao’s name literally translates from the Mayan traditional language as “heart blood”, highlighting the importance of the plant.
Indeed, more recent research has found that cacao is high in iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants. When it comes to our health, these compounds can present several benefits. For example, iron is essential for muscle function, oxygen transportation, and a healthy immune system. Antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of some diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
But do these benefits translate to chocolate?
Chocolate for Stress Relief
Well, cocoa – made from the seeds of the cacao plant – contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods. Evidence shows that these antioxidants can offer cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, protect nerves from injury and inflammation, and have positive effects on cognitive function and mood!
Moreover, a 2014 study which aimed to assess whether commercially available chocolate could reduce perceived stress found that “consumption of 40 g of Dark and Milk chocolate daily during a period of 2 weeks appear to be an effective way to reduce perceived stress.”
Obviously, that’s not to say that we should all binge on masses of chocolate every time we feel a bit stressed or anxious. After all, many chocolate products also contain a lot of fat that can be associated with several health problems when consumed in excess.
However, perhaps indulging in a chocolatey treat during times of particular stress (which some may experience when heading to the clinic for their treatment), chocolate can be a little helping hand – and a delicious one at that!
Complementary Chocolates (and Massages) at London Vision Clinic
It just so happens that the London Vision Clinic waiting room always has a healthy stash of complementary chocolates (as well as biscuits and a vast selection of teas) for our patients to enjoy.
Dr Dan and the LVC team find the combination of comforting chocolate (full of its feel-good endorphins and nutrients) alongside the gentle administrations of a relaxing Indian head and shoulder massage on patients, simply melt away any pre-operation nerves.
So, if you feel tempted to reach for a sedative or other anti-anxiety medication before your treatment, speak to one of our clinic coordinators. They will be able to point you in the right direction of the abundant chocolate supply. Or, if you need something a little stronger, oral relaxants are available and can be administered around half an hour before your treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about preparing for Laser Eye Surgery, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. To find out if treatment could be right for you, Book a Consultation today!