Sour candies can prove useful not only on the road. As the specialist explains, their effect is related not so much to the stomach as to the functioning of the nervous system. ### Why sour helps with nausea During the dissolution of a sour candy, the taste receptors on the tongue are irritated. The brain shifts its attention to a stronger stimulus, which temporarily makes the feeling of nausea or dizziness less pronounced. Essentially, this is one form of distraction therapy: while the nervous system processes the intense sour taste, the unpleasant sensations take a back seat. ### Benefits for digestion Sour foods also have a physiological effect. They stimulate the production of digestive juices and activate the work of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result: * food moves through the digestive tract faster; * the feeling of heaviness and bloating decreases; * intestinal motility is restored more actively. That is why after certain surgeries on the abdominal organs, doctors sometimes recommend sour candies or drinks to gently stimulate intestinal activity. ### When sour candies are contraindicated Despite the potential benefits, this method is not suitable for everyone. It is better to avoid sour candies if you have: * peptic ulcer disease; * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); * acute pancreatitis. In addition, sour foods are not recommended for stomatitis, inflammation of the tongue, bleeding gums, and other diseases of the oral mucosa, as the acid can exacerbate irritation and slow healing. ### Should you always carry them with you? If you often get motion sickness or occasionally experience mild nausea, a few sour candies can indeed be helpful. However, they do not replace treatment and do not eliminate the cause of discomfort. Sour candies can help temporarily reduce nausea and activate the digestive system by affecting the taste receptors and the gastrointestinal tract. But this method should be used with caution: for chronic diseases of the digestive organs or oral cavity, it is better to consult a doctor first.