Distraction Through Sensory Overload
The intense sour flavor provides a jolt to the senses, capturing attention and redirecting focus away from racing thoughts or overwhelming emotions.
A Grounding Technique in Action
By honing in on the physical sensation — the tangy taste, texture, and salivation — individuals may feel more connected to their body and the present moment, easing feelings of detachment or dissociation.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Swallowing and the act of eating engage the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Activating this nerve can promote calmness and counter the body’s “fight-or-flight” response.
Interrupting Anxious Thought Loops
The surprising, sometimes even jarring, sourness can effectively serve as a thought-stopper, halting spiraling or repetitive thinking that fuels panic.