Hiccups can be a frustrating experience—but figuring out how to stop them can be even more confusing.
Certain types of fruit may be able to help with the disease, says a doctor who posted his recommendation on TikTok.
Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon in Savannah, Georgia, uses his social media account to discuss health-related topics. (See the video at the top of this article.)
ASK A DOCTOR: “WHAT CAUSES HICCUPS AND HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM?”
“A simple and effective way to stop hiccups is to drip lemon or lime juice into the back of your throat,” he said in a recent video.
“It will stop them almost immediately.”
Dr. Jeremy London, pictured here, posted a TikTok video of his hiccups hack. (@drjeremylondon/TMX)
The doctor, who has nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok, said they don’t know why it’s effective, but suggested some possible reasons.
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“The first could be stimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to below the diaphragm,” he said.
Consuming lemon or lime juice can “reset the sensory input from the diaphragm and stop the hiccups,” London suggested.
This trick could possibly also work by activating the muscles in the back of the throat or esophagus, he added.
A doctor said that lemon and lime juice could quickly relieve hiccups. (iStock)
The doctor’s possible third reason why taking a little lemon or lime juice can relieve hiccups is the “sudden change in pitch in the back of the throat.”
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However, it is also possible that the cough is just a simple distraction, London said – “a sudden sensory stimulus that immediately stops the hiccups.”
TikTok users on the platform thanked the doctor for his advice and also made their own suggestions.
Hiccups can have a variety of causes – and according to the Cleveland Clinic, there can be different types of them. (iStock)
One user wrote: “My science teacher always had us hold our noses, plug our ears, and take a sip of water.”
Another said, “I have been looking for this information my whole life.”
What exactly are hiccups?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, hiccups are defined as “repeated spasms of the diaphragm paired with a ‘hiccup’ sound due to closure of the vocal cords.”
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The condition typically occurs when something “irritates the nerves,” causing the diaphragm to contract, the clinic explained.
There are also different types of hiccups.
The most common condition is temporary, lasting a few seconds or minutes.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, hiccups are often caused by eating too much or too quickly, eating spicy foods, drinking carbonated beverages, swallowing excessive air, smoking tobacco or cannabis, and drinking alcoholic beverages.
A unique trick recommended on social media to get rid of hiccups involves common fruits. (iStock)
Some possible remedies for hiccups include holding your breath, sipping cold water, pressing on your eyes, pulling on your tongue, biting into a lemon, breathing into a paper bag – and swallowing a spoonful of sugar.
Fox News Digital has reached out to London for further comment.
When should you see a doctor?
People are advised to see a doctor if hiccups last for hours, recur frequently or interfere with basic functions, Dr. Mark Loafman, a board-certified family medicine physician at Cook County Health in Chicago, Illinois, previously told Fox News Digital.
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While hiccups are usually short-lived and completely harmless, prolonged episodes are associated with chronic and sometimes serious health.
These can include central nervous system disorders, diabetes, kidney disease and esophageal problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Erica Lamberg contributed to reporting.
