Hiccups are a normal physiological phenomenon, but persistent hiccups can be embarrassing. Recently, the American science website "Fact Check" summarized several clever ways to cure hiccups. Readers may want to give them a try.
1. Drink water while pinching your nose. When hiccups persist, try holding your breath and gulping down a large glass of water. Swallowing a mouthful of rice or similar foods can have a similar effect.
2. Drink honey water. Honey stimulates the vagus nerve, helping to stop hiccups.
3. Eat a spoonful of hot sauce. The intense heat distracts your mind, shifting focus to the burning sensation on your tongue.
4. Hold your breath and plug your ears with fingers. Inhale deeply first, then seal your ears.
3. Eat a small spoonful of hot sauce. The intense spiciness distracts your attention, shifting focus to the burning sensation on your tongue.
4. Hold your breath and plug your ears with your fingers. Inhale deeply, then exhale slowly until you feel the limit of your breath. Hold it, then plug your ears with your fingers.
5. Forcefully stick out your tongue. Extending your tongue stimulates the vagus nerve, relieving diaphragm spasms.
6. Eat something sweet. Consuming very sweet foods stops hiccups—like swallowing a spoonful of sugar. Sugar irritates the esophagus in the throat; when the esophagus is stimulated, the phrenic nerve resets, ending the hiccups.
7. Eat something sour. Take a bite of a very sour food like lemon. If lemon isn't appealing, try drinking a spoonful of vinegar.
9. Eat peanut butter. The extensive chewing required can disrupt breathing patterns and stop hiccups.
10. Rinse with ice water. Many doctors recommend rinsing with ice water to stimulate nerves in the mouth.
11. Sniff strong odors. Inhaling potent scents alters breathing patterns; lemon or vinegar smells can help stop hiccups.
12. Massage the roof of your mouth with your tongue. Stimulating this area activates the vagus nerve, relieving diaphragm spasms. (Compiled by Zhao Pengcheng)