Living with anxiety can be challenging, especially when the panic attacks come on at random times. One doctor shared a rather unorthodox way to ease such attacks: sour candy. Does it really work?
Dr. Kunal Sood, MD, according to AAMC, is “a double board-certified physician in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine.” He is also a social media influencer with 2.6 million followers on TikTok. Dr. Sood often reacts to other TikTokers who make medical claims, sharing whether or not those claims are true and breaking down the why of it all.
He recently reacted to a video by TikTok user Bianca (@_legallybrunette1). In her video, Bianca dumped a pack of Sour Patch candy, a pack of sour Skittles, and a pack of sour gummy worms into a Ziploc bag. According to her text overlay, she learned about this trick through her therapist.
“My therapist told me to eat something sour when I felt anxiety coming on,” she says. “I tried it and it helped. So now I’m making emergency sour candy bags for work and the car.”
Dr. Kunal Sood enters the chat
“Can sour candy help with anxiety?” Dr. Sood jumps in. “When someone is experiencing anxiety, the brain shifts into high alert.”
Dr. Sood explains that eating sour candy can act as a “grounding technique.” A grounding technique is way to distract racing thoughts by focusing on the present.
“Some people use grounding techniques to calm down. And for some, sour candy helps. The intense sourness triggers a strong physical reaction, pulling away from anxious thoughts,” he explains. “This quick sensory shift can be especially useful during a panic attack.”
However, Dr. Sood warns this may not work for everyone.
“While sour candy might serve as a helpful tool for anxiety relief for some individuals, personal preferences and specific anxiety triggers play a significant role in its efficacy,” he says.
The Daily Dot reached out to Dr. Sood via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.
Therapists weigh in
Dr. Snood’s video amassed 1.9 million views. And commenters who claim to be therapists weighed in.
“Trauma therapist here, yes, these are all excellent ways to help reset an overwhelmed, ‘fried’ nervous system. Thanks for sharing and educating,” one viewer named Kristen Bradley wrote. There is a trauma therapist by the same name, the Daily Dot can confirm. The Daily Dot has reached out to her via TikTok.
“Therapist here I tell my patients ‘it doesn’t sound very clinical but [warheads]’ lol,” another said.
Others were more cynical.
“Sour candy?? Idk what kinda anxiety y’all have,” one said.
@doctorsood Sour candy can be a helpful grounding tool for anxiety for those who have failed other options. The intense taste shifts focus away from racing thoughts, but its effectiveness depends on personal preference and specific triggers. Note: make sure you are consuming in moderation due to added sugar Have you ever tried this? #medical #health #MentalHealth #anxietytips VC: @_legallybrunette1 ♬ original sound – DoctorSood, M.D.
Can sour candy really help anxiety?
According to Health.com, sour candy can be soothing for some who experience anxiety, panic attacks, or stress. The candy essentially distracts the brain from intrusive thoughts. However, heavily relying on candy can lead to other health issues, like high or low blood pressure spikes.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What may work for one doesn’t work for another.
There’s a slew of “grounding techniques” out there. Here are a few, according to Calm:
- Meditation
- Pivot your mind toward the five senses
- Note your surroundings
- Think about a tranquil place
- Affirmations
- Slow breathing exercises
- Hold a piece of ice
- Focus your feet on the ground
Speak with a medical professional about what may work best for you.
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