Today I am going to divulge the mystery behind the subject of hiccups and offer a proven cure. 

Hiccups come at unexpected times and can be caused by many things that include eating too fast and eating spicy food.  Specifically, hiccups are usually caused by irritations in the diaphragm that result in spasms.  These spasms cause air to irregularly pull into your lungs.  When the air passes by the vocal chords, the result is what you know as the “hiccup” sound. 

 

In other words, the best way to avoid hiccups is to regulate your swallowing and eating so that your habits do not irritate your diaphragm.  Interestingly, there are some irregular cases in which the hiccups can last for weeks.  However, these incidences are another matter entirely that can be helped by the use of medication. 

 

When it comes to hiccups, everyone’s a doctor.  Many think they have a secret remedy to cure them.  These magical cures include the ever popular spoon full of sugar remedy to the more unique having one foot in cold water while dancing around cure.  According to Wikipedia (a most trusted source for many college students) home remedies for curing hiccups fall into three categories: diverting attention, swallowing, and altered breathing. Below I spell out my own personal remedy for curing hiccups.  The trick is to have a cure that encompases all three categories. 

The following is an easy three-step exercise to rid these hiccups fast.                      

 

1) Bend forward as far as possible

2) Drink a couple large sips of water while bending over.

3) Then hold your breath for 15 seconds after swallowing the water and then slowly stand up.

 

Hiccups generally go away with time, but in order to get rid of them faster I highly recommend the above three step process. It has never failed me.  If it does not work then you probably did it wrong.

 

But, perhaps you know of another cure that has been passed down in your family since Eve hiccupped after eating the apple.  If so, feel free to comment and let everyone know!