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The Surprising Soothing Power of Sour Candy for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Life After An ABA Classroom
3 min readMay 26, 2024

(I can vouch for this one they work great for my son)

When it comes to dealing with anxiety, sometimes unconventional methods can be unexpectedly helpful. While traditional strategies like therapy and medication are important, there are some surprising sources of relief. Believe it or not, sour candy can actually be an ally in the fight against anxiety and panic attacks. These tangy treats do more than just taste good — let’s explore the science behind how sour candy can help ease anxiety and panic.

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, taking different forms from general anxiety to panic attacks. Among the various coping mechanisms available, sour candy stands out for its unique sensory experience. Research suggests that sensory stimulation can have an impact on our emotional responses, offering a distraction from overwhelming thoughts and sensations. Sour candy, with its intense flavor, engages multiple senses at once, potentially interrupting the cycle of anxiety.

The tangy taste of sour candy triggers salivation and activates our taste buds, creating a physical reaction that can divert our attention away from anxious thoughts. This technique of diverting our senses is similar to grounding exercises used in anxiety management, where we focus on physical sensations to stay in the present moment. Additionally, the intense flavor of sour candy may stimulate the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are…

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Life After An ABA Classroom
Life After An ABA Classroom

Written by Life After An ABA Classroom

Mom to a wonderful son with autism, survivor of abuse, blogger, and digital creator

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