10 Tips To Cure Hiccups

1: Sweeten the Hiccups

Overloading the nerve endings in the mouth with a sweet sensation may do the trick. Have a teaspoonful of sugar, and if you can, place the sugar on the back of the tongue, where "sour" is tasted. This way, the sugar overload will pack the most punch.

2: Play "Hear no Evil"

 Some doctors recommend that you put your fingers in your ears to stop hiccups. The branches of the vagus nerve also reach into the auditory system, and by stimulating the nerve endings there, the vagus nerve goes into action. But be gentle, and don't stick your fingers too far into your ears. 

3: Get Scared Silly

Having someone surprise you can overwhelm the vagus nerve and put an end to hiccups. 

4:Drink Water

Swallowing water interrupts the hiccupping cycle, which can quiet the nerves. Gargling with water may also have the same effect. 

5: Pull on Your Tongue

Sticking out your tongue and yanking on it may stop hiccups.

6: Tickle Them Away

Tickling the soft palate of the roof of your mouth with a cotton swab may do the trick. Or, if you're the type who enjoys getting tickled, have someone find your ticklish spots.

7: Hold Your Breath

Hold your nose and close your mouth--the way you would when you're ready to jump into a pool--for as long as you can or until you sense that the hiccups are gone.

8: Bag Those Hiccups

The old standby, breathing into a paper bag, is believed to work on the same principle as the breath-holding method. Both increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, and the body becomes preoccupied with getting rid of it and forgets about the hiccups.

9: Take an Antacid

This method may be more effective if you choose one that contains magnesium, since the mineral tends to decrease irritation and quiet the nerves. One or two tablets should take care of hiccups.

10: Eat Slower

If you eat fast, you are probably not chewing food thoroughly, which seems to cause hiccups. And rapid-fire feeding causes air to get trapped between pieces of food, which may set off the vagus nerve. Chew deliberately and take smaller sips of drinks to keep your air intake to a minimum.

An there you go, 10 steps to cure hiccups. Which one will you try?