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11 Ways to cure hiccups

Cure hiccups

Hiccups also known as hiccough can be quite annoying for almost anyone. Most people believe that hiccups are just involuntary bodily reflexes however the reality is quite the opposite. Hiccups are basically involuntary twitching of the muscles of the diaphragm that gets repeated several times in a single minute. It could be due to certain digestive disturbances as well. The hic sound is created when the vocal chord close due to an abrupt air rush. The hiccups can be quite troublesome and might hinder your speech. But they do not harm you in any way. In medicinal world, hiccups are known as Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (SDF) or simply singultus. Hiccups tend to get resolved in a few minutes on their own, however in cases of chronic hiccups medical treatment might be required. A normal person gets three to five hiccup strokes in a year. Several home remedies have proved to be beneficial for curing hiccups. Read on to learn about some tried and tested home remedies for hiccups.

1. Eat something sweet

Sweetening the hiccups is one of the easiest ways of getting rid of the stubborn hiccups. A spoonful of sugar might calm down the hiccups. The sweetness of the sugar overloads the nerve ending in your mouth thereby doing away with the hiccups. You ideally need to place a spoon full of sugar at the back of the tongue and allow it to do the trick in no time.

2. Close your ears

Some of the doctors recommend this quick remedy wherein all you need to do is to gently insert your fingers in the ears. This way the vagus nerve which plays a major role in causing hiccups gets stimulated. The stimulation of vagus nerve’s endings in the ear makes it go into action in the ear area. In simple words, you befool the vagus nerve and divert its activity to the ear area which eliminates the hiccups instantly. Do not dig your fingers too far into your ear.

3. Get surprised

The vagus nerve can be triggered or overwhelmed by getting surprised. Get someone to scare you or surprise you, this will help you get rid of the nasty hiccups.

4. Water cure

Drinking water is one of the oldest remedy for curing hiccups. Water basically interrupts the cycle of hiccups which can gently calm down the nerves which cause hiccups. You can also use water for gargling in case swallowing does not prove to be beneficial for soothing hiccups.

5. Pull the tongue out

Pulling the tongue out can really be helpful for curing hiccups instantly. You can further start yanking the tongue sideways for a quick relief. This remedy is very easy and helpful.

6. Tickle

Tickling can also be very helpful for doing away with the hiccups. You can use a cotton swab to tickle the palate of the mouth’s roof. This is a quick remedy. You can also take help of someone and get tickled. This will be very beneficial in doing away with hiccups.

7. Hold breathing

Act like you are about to jump in a pool, hold your nose tightly and keep your mouth closed. This will help you get rid of hiccups in sometime. Hold your breath for as long as you can.

8. Breath in a paper bag

Breathing inside a paper bag is also quite helpful for curing hiccups. This is a very old remedy which works on the same principle as the breath holding method. This will automatically increase the amount of carbon dioxide in blood which makes the body shift its focus from hiccups to getting rid of the excess carbon di oxide.

9. Pop an antacid

Magnesium based antacid tablets can help in curing the hiccups in a major way. They tend to lower irritation which calms down the vagus nerves. Popping one or two of antacid tablets can help you get rid of hiccups in no time. Keep some tablets in your bag or desk to fight hiccups at any time.

10. Eat slowly

Eating the food fast is a major cause of hiccups. It is important to chew the food properly not only to keep hiccups at bay but to also ensure healthy digestion. When you eat at a fast pace, air tends to get trapped between the food pieces which is responsible for triggering of vagus nerve. Eating slowly is one good recommendation.

11. Avoid spicy foods

The lining of esophagus and stomach tends to get irritated because of certain spices. Such spices can also make the stomach release some acids into the esophagus which tends to bring on the hiccups. Avoid consuming spicy foods, if you are someone more prone to hiccups.

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