It sounds unusual, but sour candies can help a person suffering from anxiety or panic attacks.

Here's why they work:

According to Dr. Nicole Cain, an internationally recognized consultant for integrative and alternative solutions for mental health, sour candies trigger a strong sensory response. The shock upon tasting the sourness in your taste buds activates your vagus nerve, thus helping interrupt the panic loop.

The sour candies' jolt of flavor cuts through the spiraling thoughts and redirects a person's nervous system toward regulation.

When a person is in the middle of a panic attack or intense anxiety, sometimes logic doesn't help. The body needs a physical reset and sour candies do just that.

However, Caine clarifies that sour candies aren't cure but rather accessible tools that one should always keep in their pockets in case of overwhelming moments.

Moderation is needed, though, as sour candies have high sugar content, additives and other ingredients that may not be beneficial for health when taken in large quantities.