Get rid of hiccups

We all have had hiccups at some point or the other. While hiccups usually go away on their own, sometimes it can be really bothersome as it can interfere with talking, eating or make you feel uncomfortable. From eating a spoon of sugar to having a glass of water in one go, there are many remedies to stop hiccups. But which of these really work?

There is no science-backed data on the effectiveness of these home remedies. Though, most of them are backed by centuries of anecdotal evidence. Most of these tricks work by stimulating your vagus (phrenic nerves), which are connected to your diaphragm. Before we delve into the long list of remedies and tricks for hiccups, first let us understand what causes hiccups?

Causes of hiccups

Hiccups happen when your diaphragm begins to spasm involuntarily. The diaphragm is the large muscle, which helps you breathe in and breathe out. When it spasms, you inhale suddenly and your vocal cords snap shut, which leads to a distinctive sound. The lifestyle factors that cause hiccups include, eating too much or too quickly, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, stress, excitement. alcohol, exposure to quick change in temperature.

Note: If you get 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

Sipping slowly on ice water can help stimulate the vagus nerve and provide you relief.

Drink from the opposite side of the glass

It might sound funny but putting the brim of the glass up under your chin and drinking water from the other side of the glass can help you get rid of hiccups.

Drink a glass of warm water

It is said drinking a glass of warm water in one go can help stop hiccups. This is one of the most common hiccups remedies.

Drink water from a hanky or towel

To do this you need an absolute clean towel/hanky. Cover a glass of water with a towel or hanky and then drink the water through it.

Suck on an ice cube

Take a medium-sized ice cube and suck on it until it shrinks to a reasonable size. Once it's shrunk, you can gulp it down.

Gargle with ice water

This might sound weird as gargling in most cases is associated with warm water, but to stop hiccups, you can try gargling with 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, chew it and have a glass of water after it.

Suck on lemon

Take a thin slice of lemon and add some salt to it. Suck on it for some time, then rinse your mouth with plain water to protect your teeth from the effect of citric acid.

Have a drop of vinegar

Though it might taste awful, just a tiny drop of vinegar on your tongue may help you get rid of those not so nice feeling hiccups.

Remedies proved by studies

Have an orgasm

In a case study, a man had hiccups for four days and they immediately stopped after he had an orgasm.

Rectal massage

Another case study found that a man with ongoing hiccups got instant relief after a rectal massage. You can use a rubber glove with lubricant to perform the massage.

Pressure points remedies

Squeeze your palm

Using your thumb, apply pressure on the palm of your other hand. Make sure the pressure is not too much or too less.

Press on your diaphragm

Your diaphragm separates your lungs from your abdomen. Using your hand apply pressure on the area just below your sternum.

Close your nose

Try having a glass of water by squeezing and closing your nose with your fingers.

Pull-on your tongue

Pulling your tongue stimulates the nerves and muscles in your throat. To do this, grab the tip of your tongue and pull it forward twice or thrice gently.

Massage the carotid artery

The carotid artery is on both sides of your neck. It is the nerve that 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 side in a circular motion for 5-10 seconds. Repeat the same on the left side.

Breathing techniques

You can disrupt the hiccups by breathing slowly. Inhale for a count of five and exhale for a count of five.

Hold your breath

Inhale deeply and hold the breath for 10-15 seconds and then breathe out slowly. Repeat till you feel relaxed.

Hug your knees

Sit down comfortably on a chair. Now bring your knees to your chest and hold the position for around one-two minutes.

Compress your chest

Sit on a chair or floor and bend forward compressing your chest, which puts pressure on your diaphragm.