Some effective ways to deal with the hiccups

Why do we get hiccups? What causes them and how can hiccups be stopped? In most cases, the actual cause of a bout of hiccups is a mystery, but it is known that the diaphragm involuntary contracts whenever we hiccup. This contraction causes a sharp inhalation of air and an immediate, brief closure of the vocal chords, which produces that all too familiar sound we all recognize as a hiccup. Hiccup attacks seem to be associated with eating or drinking too fast, being nervous or excited, or having irritation in the stomach and/or throat.

Why do we get hiccups is a question that is not easily answered as it could be any number of things. Hiccups usually disappear without any intervention within a few minutes but there are tried and true ways to get rid of them. Only in rare instances do they persist for hours and require medical attention. In most cases, forgetting you have them is the best way to get them to cease.

 ~

What are some home remedies for hiccups?

Why do we get hiccups may not be something that we can do anything about, but there are a few things you can try to eliminate them from your life.

1- Shocking the person with hiccups

Find a way to scare yourself. Go watch one of those scary movies alone in the dark. This is one of those things that may work for hiccups, but may have other unexpected repercussions. You could scare yourself so badly that you may not be able sleep but then you eliminated the hiccups, didn?t you?

2- Holding your breath

The reason this method often works is because when you hold your breath, the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood stops the hiccups.

3- Drink a glass of water quickly

This action works by stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the stomach. Gargling with water is also considered effective.

4- Yogurt to the rescue

Make a mixture by adding 2 tsp of common salt in a cup of plain yogurt and eat it slowly. This is a very effective home remedy for hiccups.

5- Peanut butter

Eating a spoonful of peanut butter stops hiccups quickly and is one of the most effective home remedies. Don?t get carried away and make a sandwich with jelly. Stay focused. Just a spoonful means exactly that.

6- Sugar

Place one-half teaspoon of dry sugar on the back of your tongue. (You can repeat this process 3 times at 2-minute intervals. Use corn syrup, in young children and try splenda or some sugar substitute if you are a diabetic.

 Now we understand why do we get hiccups and at least have some ideas about what we can do to get rid of them. Hiccups are the result of an action the body takes to protect itself. They are a reflex action of the body trying to get food or gas out of the stomach, thereby irritating the diaphragm.

So watch out, hiccups!

The next time you dare come by, we will know how to deal with you and your kind!