How to get rid of hiccups

Some of the involuntary reflexes come in a variety of forms, but the most annoying one is having hiccups. The recapitulation theory suggests that fetuses have a lot of hiccups to aid them in breathing before their lungs fully developed. So, what are hiccups? Hiccup is an involuntary and sudden contraction of the phrenic muscles. Usually, this action is repeated several times.

It is believed that the hiccup is caused by irritation of the phrenic nerve. This nerve mainly consists of nerve fibers that are responsible for the contraction of the diaphragm. Many hiccups can contribute to the aggravation of the phrenic nerve. Therefore, the so-called agent can have the opposite effect and prolong the episode. Hiccups occur when the diaphragmatic muscles have contractions, and these irritations cause irregular breathing sounds.

It is also found that overeating and eating spicy food can cause hiccups. Apart from the causes as mentioned above, some kidney and stomach infections can cause hiccups. Some of the hiccup-related cases are spontaneous, but some of them may be due to some problems.

To cure hiccups, you can use the remedies explained below:

Peppermint essential oil is also known to cure hiccups when you place just one drop on the roof of your mouth. The essential oil works by stimulating the vagus nerve which causes one to burb. When this occurs, a muscle called the sphincter muscle which is on the lower part of the esophagus relaxes causing the contractions to stop.

We should be cautious when using this remedy since it involves putting the liquid inside your mouth. It is recommended that you only use certified therapeutic oil which should be safe to consume. People who regularly have hiccups should help themselves by getting a bottle of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint essential oil has other health benefits, and it is also available at a fair price.

Gargle with Ice WaterThis means work better when you gargle the ice cold water which gets into the contracting vocal cords which help them to relax. Ensure that you don't swallow any ice cubes since you would trigger chocking which is much worse than having the hiccups.

Holding your breathThis is a well-known remedy that people are quite familiar with. It entails holding your breath for a 10-second interval for some time until the hiccups are gone. It is a simple way that you can use to treat hiccups.

Use a paper bagOne other old-fashioned remedy is to try to breathe into a brown paper bag. Hold the opening that is around your mouth and tightly seal it to avoid air from escaping. Then, inhale and exhale at about ten times at a similar speed and frequency that is each secure and comfy.

Take a Teaspoon of SugarThis is a sweet remedy of coping with the hiccups. You can either use a spoonful of sugar or a sugar packet and wash it down with a glass of water, there other alternate foods that can be used as a substitute which includes a teaspoon of vinegar or a tablespoon of peanut butter.

Author's Bio: 

Hey there, I'm Nancy, founder and editor in chief here at Cooky Mom
, and I'm absolutely in love with cooking, food, and the kitchen. I'm on a mission to share my insider cooking and kitchen tips with all of you.