Don't you just hate it when you get the hiccups? It doesn't matter if it's an easily subdued hic or a loud annoying wheeze, hiccups are a pain in the butt. These annoying and sometimes painful contractions can make your life a living hell but luckily for you, we have some really simple ways to rid yourself of them once they start.
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#1 Hold Your Breath
The most well-known remedy for hiccups is the one we will cover first. Simply take a deep breath and hold it in for 45 seconds or more. If you hold it long enough for the next hiccup to pass you will allow carbon dioxide to build up in your lungs. This instantly relaxes the diaphragm, stopping the hiccups instantly. If it doesn't work the first time, swallow a few times while holding your breath.
#2 Drink a glass of water.
If you find yourself hiccuping uncontrollably, get you a glass of water and either gargle it or sip it several times to flex and exercise your esophagus. When you do this, it relieves the tension in your esophagus thereby stopping the hiccups. Make sure the water is cold when you do it for the best effect.
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#3 Hyperventilating into a paper bag.
In order for this method to work, you must breathe into the paper bag rapidly. Supposedly this will calm your diaphragm and stop your hiccups. Why not give it a try. Much like with holding your breath, you should stop immediately if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
#4 Chewing lemon and bitters.
This one is a favorite of bartenders. If you take a lemon and coat it with something bitter and then proceed to bite down on it, you will stop hiccupping almost instantly. Bartenders have been suggesting this remedy to their patrons for ages.
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#5 Chew dill seeds.
When you chew dill seeds they activate the vagus nerve which can stop your hiccups instantly. Make sure you share this neat remedy with your friends.
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#6 Sticking out your tongue.
I know this one definitely sounds weird but stay with me. When you stick out your tongue it stimulates the glottis which will then relax and reduce the spasms that cause hiccups. So while it may be embarrassing to do in public it is a great way to rid yourself of those pesky hiccups.
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#7 Plugging your ears.
This one might sound silly but try it out for yourself. If you plug your ears for 30 seconds your brain will start sending signals to your vagus nerve which will then calm your hiccups.
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#8 A spoonful of peanut butter.
This one may seem a little looney but it actually works. If you eat a spoonful of peanut butter once you start hiccupping this will rid you of the annoyance. Because of the texture and consistency of the peanut butter, when you swallow it changes your breathing in such a way that relaxes your diaphragm and stops the episode.
