JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax investigates whether a TikTok trend that claims popping a sour candy in your mouth will help provide sweet relief from anxiety and panic attacks.
“I suffer from depression and anxiety,” says Connie Lucey, who told Action News’ Jax Ben Becker she’s never heard of the trend — but many others have, and now you will.
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Videos on the platform have tens of millions of views where posters swear by the sour technique.
In a video, a TikTok user said, “My therapist told me to eat a warhead every time I feel a panic attack and when I say I’ve never had anything ripped from fireballs” **Having a panic attack on I mean soon.â€
It’s not just warheads, but also candies like Airheads and Sour Patch Kids.
“When I say sour power, what do you say?” Certified Psychologist Dr. Becker asked. Justin Da Arienzo. “I say distraction with a punch.” The science behind butterscotch includes acidic ingredients that release a large amount of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
“It is supposed to stop. It’s a grounding technique, says D’ Arienzo. “And it also activates the brain’s natural reward system when you eat it. So think about spicy foods. It really does the same thing.â€
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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 19.1% of people age 18 and older in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders—making anxiety the most common mental illness in the country.
The CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Cleveland Clinic all link anxiety and panic attacks to depression.
Some experts call it an epidemic of discontent, for which it is to blame people have more choices than ever, including food, shopping or information on your smartphone.
Dâ € ™ Arienzo says sour power has weaknesses.
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“So to be clear it’s a tool for acute symptoms. It’s not going to cure your anxiety or depression. So it’s not a substitute for psychotherapy and medication if needed,” says D’Arienzo.
What exactly is a panic attack? According to the Mayo Clinic, it includes:
- A feeling of being out of control
- Fear of imminent death or punishment
- A beating heart
Dâ € ™ Arienzo says that if you are buying sour cream, make sure it is a known brand from the store and not something online. This is because it is not known what those ingredients might be.
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