HICCUPS
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
I remember one of my clients who suffered from chronic hiccups for many months and couldn’t get rid of this very annoying problem using many different medications and methods. Fortunately, as a result of implementing the principles included in the Health Recovery Plan and use of the powerful natural remedies, supplements, and phytochemicals (listed below), after a few months, he was completely free from hiccups!
A hiccup is defined as an involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm (muscle under the lungs) followed by the quick closure of the vocal cords. As the diaphragm tightens, the space between the vocal cords closes, causing the characteristic “hic” sound. Normally, hiccups may last for a few minutes to few hours and sometimes even a day or two. Chronic (persistent) hiccups last for more than two days. The longest recorded episode of persistent hiccups lasted 60 years.
Persistent hiccups may cause many unpleasant complications including sleeping problems, fatigue, emotional stress, and embarrassment, etc.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HICCUPS THAT LAST LESS THAN 48 HOURS
– Overeating, eating too quickly, consuming spicy foods, having a bloated stomach
– Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, drinking hot or fizzy drinks (carbonated beverages)
– Excitement, emotional stress, anxiety, fear, etc.
– Sudden external and internal (in the stomach) temperature changes (eating hot food followed by a cold drink, etc.)
– Swallowing air while eating or chewing gum
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF PERSISTENT HICCUPS THAT LAST MORE THAN 48 HOURS
The most frequent cause of persistent hiccups is irritation of or damage to the vagus nerve (supplying the upper digestive tract and other organs of the chest and abdomen) or phrenic nerves, which serve the diaphragm muscle. Over 100 diseases and conditions have been reported to cause hiccups.
The following factors are believed to be responsible for the damage or irritation to these nerves:
– Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD), also known as acid reflux, or a heartburn is regarded as one of the most common causes of chronic hiccups. Read more >
– Central nervous system disorders. An infection or a tumour in the central nervous system or damage to the central nervous system (caused by encephalitis, meningitis, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc.) can disrupt body’s normal control of the hiccup reflex.
– A tumour, cyst or goitre in the neck
– Sore throat or laryngitis
– A hair or something else in your ear touching your eardrum
– Diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels)
– Electrolyte imbalance
– Kidney failure
– Anaesthesia
– Steroids
– Barbiturates
– Tranquilizers
– Chronic hiccups may also be associated with alcoholism, pleurisy of the diaphragm, uraemia, pneumonia, bowel diseases, pancreatitis, pregnancy, bladder irritation, hepatitis liver or cancer.
TREATMENT
Since there are so many possible causes of hiccups the most important part of the treatment is to find the underlying cause and eliminate it. After you manage to find out the cause you need to go to the DISEASES section of this website and find out how to treat the specific condition. For instance, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD), also known as acid reflux or a heartburn is regarded as one of the most common causes of chronic hiccups. If you suffer from this condition here is the link to the article dealing with this problem >
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
Most hiccups will stop on their own but in case of persistent hiccups physicians usually prescribe Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Haloperidol (Haldol) or Metoclopramide (Reglan). Also, certain sedatives or muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed to reduce symptoms. Phrenic nerve surgery (the nerve that controls the diaphragm) is sometimes performed but only in treatment-resistant cases.
NATURAL (HOME) REMEDIES
Since medication always causes side effects it is wise if you first use certain home remedies which are usually effective. The following techniques that stimulate the vagus and the nasopharynx nerve (which runs from the brain to the stomach) can be effective in decreasing or eliminating hiccups:
– Breath as much air as you can and hold your breath for a short time. Repeat this procedure a few times until the hiccup is gone
According to one study: “CPAP-induced intrathoracic pressure elevation may prevent the pressure drop responsible for hiccups, thereby resulting in either reduced hiccup frequency or complete resolution. The common practice of breath holding with the mouth and nose closed may also alleviate hiccups through a similar mechanism.’ Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in your body may also help stop hiccups, which is why people sometimes try breathing into a paper bag for relief. Virtually any activity that’s capable of interrupting the hiccup reflex — like a good scare, being tickled or drinking water upside down — may also be effective, although none of these are backed by science.”
– If the above breathing technique doesn’t work, take a deep breath and hold it. Keep the air inside your lungs and at the same time impose a pressure on your lungs by straining your muscles. This is similar to the straining on the toilet. Repeat it a few times.
– Sip ice-cold water
– Block your nostrils and quickly drink a glass or two glasses of water
– Eat a spoonful of peanut butter or raw almond butter
– Pull hard on your tongue
– Bite on a lemon
– Breath into a paper bag
– Gargle with water
– pull your knees up to your chest
– According to Dr Joseph Mercola, “Rectal massage using a finger cured intractable hiccups in seven out of seven patients, possibly by stimulating the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.”
In case of chronic (persistent hiccups) you need to detoxify, regenerate, nourish and strengthen your body and nervous system by using the following:
– Chlorella: Since Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier and energy booster it is better to start with a smaller dose such as 1 teaspoon or 3 tablets 30 minutes before breakfast and the same amount 30 minutes before lunch with 2 glasses of water, vegetable juice or smoothie. Then gradually increase the intake every day (by approximately 1 tablet) until reaching the maximum dose of 2 or 3 heaped tablespoons or 10 – 20 tablets (500mg) 30 min before breakfast and the same amount 30 min before lunch. Altogether you can take 2-6 round tablespoons or about 20-40 tablets (500mg per tablet) of chlorella a day. The dose of course also depends on age and body weight.
After three months instead of Chlorella use Clean Greens powder or capsules (Pukka) for a period of 1 to 3 months and then come back to Chlorella.
– Vitamin B12 (must be sublingual Methylcobalamin and not Cyanocobalamin!): 2,000 mcg under tongue only in the morning with breakfast.
– Alpha lipoic acid: 3 times a day 200mg.
– Vitamin D3: 30,000 IU a day with meal.
– Magnesium (citrate or another well-absorbed type): 400 to 800 mg 60 min before breakfast and 400 to 800 mg 1 to 3 hours before bed.
– Multivitamin-mineral formula (must be good quality such as VM75 or Earth Source – Solgar or Special Two – NOW Foods, etc.): 1 after breakfast and 1 after lunch.
– If possible you can also add NAC to the above list: 2 – 3 times 200mg.
If you can’t afford all above-mentioned use at least the three first ones.
– In case of some individuals, hiccups respond to the sour taste of apple cider vinegar. Take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (must be with mother) mixed with a glass of filtered or distilled water and drink quickly. Some suggest that drinking the solution from the opposite side of the glass boosts the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar.
At the same time read carefully the Health Recovery Plan and do your must to implement all the principles until recovery. Most important, make sure every day you include in your diet: Fresh cold-pressed vegetable juices, fresh raw sprouts, and raw vegetable salads. In addition, you must avoid or significantly reduce intake of all animal foods (meat, dairy), sugar, refined foods, processed foods, stimulants (coffee, tea, other caffeinated products, chocolate, alcohol, smoking etc.).
I remember one of my clients who suffered from chronic hiccups for many months and couldn’t get rid of this very annoying problem using many different medications and methods. Fortunately, as a result of implementing the principles included in the Health Recovery Plan and use of the powerful natural remedies, supplements, and phytochemicals (listed below), after a few months, he was completely free from hiccups!
In case your is still resistant to this treatment go on HALLELUJAH DIET for about 6 months and at the same time keep on using the above-mentioned remedies and recommendations.
TESTIMONIALS (source >)
“I sometimes get hiccups when I overindulge in foods and drinks. The cure I use every time without fail is to tip my head back and slowly drink a glass of water. My friend who taught that to me about 30 plus years used to say put your middle finger in both ears while have someone hold the glass of water while you drink. I have never seen this fail.”
“This hiccup cure has never failed me yet: Plug your ears and drink a glass of water fast without breathing (at least 10 gulps). You may need a buddy to help.”
“Cough forcefully! I’ve tried most of the other methods mentioned here and some work some of the time, but this coughing method works for me every time now: It has to be one of those coughs that is very forceful and almost brings you to the point of throwing up. Not fun but it does seem to interrupt the diaphragm/vagus nerve enough to stop the hiccups. This has been a wonderful discovery for me!”
“Having the cervical spine adjusted by a chiro or merely tractioning the neck could help balance aberrant neurological signals from the Vagus(X) or Phrenic nerves. The freeing up of fixated neck vertebrae would be key. Ice to side of the neck can also be useful, probably via the Vagus / Phrenic nerve route. Dr. Z”
“I suffered for 6 years of daily hiccups from 6th grade to around 20 years old. They were strong and painfully sometimes doubling me over. Everywhere I went I received advice from passers-by. One day someone told me to go to the chiropractor. The doctor I went to said he hadn’t heard of the treat but would use me as a case study to see if it would help. He adjusted some part of my spine that’s near the diaphragm a few times a week for a few months. It’s been 20 years and I get a small amount of hiccups here and there but my daily constant hiccups were definitely cured by the adjustments I received!”
“I’ve been a firm believer in this remedy my Uncle told me to do over 30 years ago when I had hiccups….& still do this today & it does work, everyone I’ve told has had positive results as well!!! Drink 10 sips of water repeatedly…. Hiccups are cured!! I hope this helps everyone!!! :))”
“About ten years ago my other half got hiccups that went on a few days…I read about people dying from very long-term cases ….I talked her into a shower …and in the middle, I switched the water to cold and blasted her with ice cold water …After she whaled me with several punches ….well no more hick-ups ….”
“I found a method that works for me every time. When I get hiccups, I hold my nose and exhale through my mouth. If I hiccup again, I exhale more. When I must breathe, I inhale slowly and carefully. Very rarely do I have to do this twice. It seems to equalize the pressure across my diaphragm, which stops the hiccups.“
“Personally, I sip water 10 ten times and my hiccups goes away. Can’t be less than 10 times. It always work for me. Thank you.“
“I have MS…and oh boy…hiccups come with it regularly. Hello Peanut Butter…works everytime….I may need two spoons..but it works!“
“Chiropractic is very effective with helping to stop hiccups. Hiccups occur when that phrenic nerve is irritated. When one is having the hiccups, you can feel an area in your neck that may be tender. This is where you have a subluxation that is causing the problem.“
“MMJ tincture/glycerite drops helps stop these violent hiccups, rather well. Breathing exercises can work, but the hiccups may recur. Consuming a swallow or bite of anything while experiencing this type of hiccups, risks aspiration [getting it down the windpipe]. Therefore, it might be prudent to start with remedies which essentially do no harm: 1st: breathing exercises, then water or MMJ glycerite, etc.“
SOURCES
Mayo Clinic, Hiccups
Journal of Palliative Medicine. October 2012, 15: 1142-1150
Ann Emerg Med. 1988 Aug;17(8):872
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/01/09/what-causes-hiccups.aspx
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© 2016 Slawomir Gromadzki – All Rights Reserved