Hiccups Causes and How to Get Rid of Hiccups?

Hiccups refer to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscles. The diaphragm normally functions perfectly helping pull air into the lungs when you inhale. Sometimes however irritation to the diaphragm causes it to pull down in a jerky manner causing a sudden suction of air into your throat. This sudden rush of air hits your voicebox or larynx leaving you with a big hiccup.

Some factors that can cause irritation to the diaphragm include eating too much or too quickly, spicy food, irritation in the throat or stomach and nervousness or excitement. Consumption of alcohol and smoking as well as certain drugs can also cause hiccups. In most cases the hiccups do not last more than a few minutes, but at times may drag on for days or weeks. Prolonged bouts are however very unusual and generally symptomatic of some other medical condition

Hiccups Remedies for Getting Rid of Hiccups

Here are some easy and effective natural remedies and diet tips to help treat and prevent hiccups.

• If you suffer from hiccups quite frequently try to change your eating habits. Cut down on the spicy food and make it a point to eat slowly and chew your food well.
• Avoid over eating and eating junk foods and oily foods.
• If you consume a lot of alcohol learn to exercise moderation and make a significant cut in your intake.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet with a variety of foods. Make sure that your diet includes foods from all the food groups giving you all the nutrition your body requires. Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, while maintaining a minimal and moderate intake of meats and pulses. Avoid fatty and oily or junk foods. Drink a lot of water.
• Sugar is used very widely as a hiccup remedy. Have a tablespoon of sugar and leave it in your mouth swallowing it slowly.
• Curd with some salt added can also help treat hiccups. Have at least a bowl of curd with a tablespoon or two of salt added.
• Eating or sucking on small pieces of ginger is also believed to help remedy the problem.
• Boil some water with a small amount of cardamom added to it. Let it simmer for sometime and after it cools drink it slowly. This will soothe the irritation to the diaphragm curing your hiccups.

In addition to these remedies practicing some breathing exercises may also help deal with the problem.