Does Sour Candy Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety affects millions of people and can have debilitating impacts on people’s everyday lives, so it is no wonder that so many people seek alternative treatments to help manage panic and anxiety disorders. Sour candy or sweets have been said to reduce symptoms of anxiety, as well as help people who experience panic attacks. But does sour candy help with anxiety? Find out more here.

What is Anxiety? Signs and Symptoms

Anxiety is a natural and often necessary response to stress or potential threats and is something that everyone experiences from time to time. Anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily life and well-being.

Signs and symptoms of anxiety are different for everyone, as not everyone experiences anxiety the same way. There are also a number of forms of anxiety, including:

• Panic disorders
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Social anxiety or phobias
• Phobias
• Generalised anxiety disorder

These forms of anxiety all present differently, as some are caused by a traumatic or deep routed event, whilst others are due to a chemical imbalance. Some common symptoms of GAD (generalised anxiety disorder) include:

• Feeling worried, anxious or stressed for no exact reason
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations and panic attacks
• Trouble with concentration
• Sweating

Do Sour Sweets Help Anxiety?

Finding a method that works for you is key to managing anxiety and improving your own wellbeing. A recent trend that some people who experience panic attacks have stated helped them is sour candy/sweets.

This is due to the sharpness of sour candy, which causes a physical reaction that takes the mind away from panic symptoms. Panic attacks typically consist of an increased heart rate, sweating, difficulty breathing and severe anxiety.

By sucking on a sour sweet, the body and brain can instead focus on the sensations. On your tongue, there are taste receptors called “sour receptors” that are sensitive to acidic substances.

When these receptors come into contact with the acids in sour candy, they send signals to your brain, which interprets the taste as sour. Although it is not a clinically proven treatment, it may be worth trying if you struggle with panic attacks and want to try something new, as this sensation may help during a panic attack.

How Can Sour Sweets Help With Anxiety?

Although sour candy itself is not clinically proven to ease symptoms of anxiety, it is a method that works for many people as the sensation of sour candy can be a distraction to the brain. Extremely sour sweets cause a strong physical reaction which distracts the brain from the symptoms of panic and anxiety that takes place as a panic attack builds.

Even though sour candy is not a clinically proven treatment for anxiety, managing anxiety in a way that works for the individual is a worthwhile practice. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America reported that 19.1% of the population aged 18+ experience some form of anxiety disorder, highlighting the widescale impact that anxiety has on our society.

Proven techniques to manage panic attacks are breathing exercises, mindfulness activities and exercises such as yoga, cutting out caffeine, alcohol and smoking, and anxiety medication such as Pregabalin or SSRIs for people with severe anxiety disorders.

How to Beat Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but it is possible to overcome it with the right strategies and mindset. The first step in beating anxiety is to acknowledge and accept it.

Understand that anxiety is a natural response to stress and that it is okay to feel anxious at times. Next, it’s crucial to identify the triggers that set off your anxiety. By recognising what causes your anxious feelings, you can work towards managing and minimising triggers.

Another effective way to beat anxiety is through relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body.

Regular exercise is also a powerful tool in combating anxiety as it releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep can significantly impact your anxiety levels.

Seeking support is essential as well. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can provide you with valuable tools and coping strategies to deal with anxiety. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends and family can also make a significant difference.

Lastly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if your anxiety becomes too overwhelming to manage on your own. Be patient with yourself throughout the process, as overcoming anxiety is a journey that may require time and effort, but with dedication and the right approach, it is possible to beat anxiety and regain control of your life. See our tips to overcome anxiety here.

Treatments for Anxiety

If you are struggling with anxiety, whether it is GAD, PTSD, panic disorders or phobias, reach out to a medical professional to ask for help. Your local GP is a good place to start if you have severe anxiety and require some helpful resources.

Your GP may refer you for treatment or suggest mental health organisations to reach out to. Treatments for anxiety typically involve either therapy or medication and sometimes both will be suggested in serious cases.

Although anxiety can be a debilitating condition, there is help available out there. Seeking help and support is key to avoiding problems along the road, such as addiction which may develop if you choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Put your mental wellbeing first and invest in anxiety treatment if you are struggling.

Posted on Friday, January 12th, 2024 at 4:32 pm in Latest News.