We all had hiccups at one point or another. While hiccups usually go away on their own, they can sometimes be very bothersome as they can interfere with speaking, eating, or discomfort.
From eating a spoonful of sugar to a glass water At once there are many ways to stop the hiccups. But which of them really work?
There is no scientifically based data on the effectiveness of these home remedies. Most of them, however, rely on centuries of anecdotal evidence. Most of these tricks stimulate your vagus (phrenic nerve), which is connected to your diaphragm.
Before we get into the long list of remedies and tricks for hiccups, let’s first understand what causes hiccups.
Causes of Hiccups
Hiccups occur when your diaphragm involuntarily begins to cramp. The diaphragm is the large muscle that helps you breathe in and out. When it cramps, you suddenly inhale and your vocal cords snap shut, resulting in a distinctive sound. Lifestyle factors that cause hiccups include eating too much or too fast, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, stress, and excitement. Alcohol, exposure to rapid changes in temperature.
Note: If you have hiccups for more than 48 hours, you must consult your doctor immediately. This can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Food tricks
Drink ice water
Slowly sipping ice water can stimulate the vagus nerve and give you relief.
Drink from the opposite side of the glass
It may sound funny, but putting the edge of the glass under your chin and drinking water from the other side of the glass can help you get rid of the hiccups.
Drink a glass of warm water
It is said that drinking a glass of warm water at a time can help stop hiccups. This is one of the most common remedies for hiccups.
Drink water from a handkerchief or towel
For this you need an absolutely clean towel / handkerchief. Cover a glass of water with a towel or handkerchief and drink the water through.
Suck on an ice cube
Take a medium-sized ice cube and suck on it until it shrinks to a reasonable size. Once it has shrunk, you can swallow it.
Gargle with ice water
This may sound strange as gargle is associated with warm water in most cases. However, to avoid hiccups, you can try gargling ice water for 30 seconds and repeat if you don’t get relief by doing it once.
Eat a teaspoon of sugar
A teaspoon of sugar sounds like a lot of calories, but it can actually help you get rid of hiccups. Take a teaspoon of sugar and chew it, then drink a glass of water.
Suck lemon
Take a thin slice of lemon and add a little salt. Suck on it for a while, then rinse your mouth out with clean water to protect your teeth from the effects of citric acid.
Drink a drop of vinegar
While it may taste awful, just a tiny drop of vinegar on your tongue can help you get rid of those not-so-nice hiccups.
Remedies proven by studies
Have an orgasm
In one case study, a man had hiccups for four days and they stopped immediately after orgasm.
Rectal massage
Another case study found that a man with persistent hiccups got immediate relief after receiving a rectal massage. You can use a rubber glove with lubricant to perform the massage.
Pressure points remedy
Squeeze your palm
Use your thumb to apply pressure to the palm of your other hand. Make sure the pressure is not too high or too low.
Press down on your diaphragm
Your diaphragm separates your lungs from your stomach. Use your hand to apply pressure to the area just below your sternum.
Close your nose
Try drinking a glass of water by pinching and closing your nose with your fingers.
Put your tongue on
Pulling your tongue stimulates the nerves and muscles in your throat. To do this, take the tip of your tongue and gently pull it forward two or three times.
Massage the carotid artery
The carotid artery is on either side of your neck. It is the nerve you feel when you feel your pulse by touching your neck. To massage it, lie down, turn your head to the left, and massage the artery on the right in circular motions for 5-10 seconds. Repeat the same on the left.
Breathing techniques
You can disrupt the hiccups by breathing slowly. Inhale to five and exhale to five.
Hold your breath
Inhale deeply and hold your breath for 10-15 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat until you feel relaxed.
Hug your knees
Sit comfortably in a chair. Now bring your knees to your chest and hold the position for about a minute or two.
Compress your chest
Sit on a chair or floor and bend forward by squeezing your chest, which puts pressure on your diaphragm.
