We’ve all encountered moments of sheer terror, where our hearts race and perspiration beads on our foreheads. In such high-adrenaline situations, finding a way to regain composure can be a challenge. While deep breathing and patience may seem like the only recourse, there’s a long-standing Mexican tradition that suggests an alternative path to calm: eating bread. Surprisingly, there is scientific support for this practice.
Recently highlighted by NBC News, this captivating Mexican tradition has been passed down through generations, with a particular preference for a bread known as the bolillo—an elongated roll with a crispy crust and a soft interior. A cold tortilla is also deemed suitable. Mexican grandmothers have cherished this wisdom and handed it down over the years.
Gastroenterologist Nayeli Ortiz Olvera explained that fear triggers a surge of adrenaline in the body, setting off various physical responses. “All of this stimulates our nervous system and makes the heart beat much faster, and breathing is much faster,” Ortiz Olvera elaborated. In response to these signals, the body amps up stomach acid production to accelerate energy generation.
“The bolillo is a carbohydrate; when we eat it, the acid produced in the stomach is neutralized,” Ortiz Olvera continued. “In addition, the simple act of chewing, of distracting our attention, helps to reduce agitation, and we regain control over our body.”
While some may dismiss the practice of consuming bread when frightened as mere superstition, it holds logical merit. Tearing into a piece of bolillo can swiftly replenish the body with much-needed energy, especially after an unexpected, adrenaline-fueled expenditure. Moreover, the act of eating provides a diversion, diverting one’s attention from fear—a strategy frequently employed by parents to soothe a crying child with a snack.
So, the next time you find yourself in the grip of fear, consider the wisdom of Mexican tradition and reach for a piece of bread. It just might offer you a comforting path back to tranquility, backed by science and generations of wisdom.
