Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, shared a tip on TikTok that suggests consuming lemon or lime juice to stop hiccups almost immediately. This trick may work by stimulating the vagus nerve, resetting sensory input from the diaphragm, activating muscles in the back of the throat or esophagus, or creating a sudden change in pitch in the back of the throat. Alternatively, the hack could simply be a distraction that stops the hiccups in their tracks. While the exact reason for why this method works is unknown, many TikTok users thanked the doctor for his advice and shared their own suggestions for stopping hiccups.
Hiccups are defined as repeated spasms of the diaphragm paired with a “hic” sound from the vocal cords closing. There are different types of hiccups, with transient hiccups being the most common, lasting only a few seconds or minutes. These spasms typically occur when something irritates the nerves, causing the diaphragm to contract. Common triggers for hiccups include eating too much or too fast, consuming spicy foods, drinking carbonated beverages, swallowing excessive air, smoking tobacco or cannabis, and drinking alcohol. There are different potential remedies for hiccups, including holding your breath, sipping cold water, pressing on your eyes, pulling on your tongue, biting into a lemon, breathing into a paper bag, or swallowing a spoonful of sugar.
If hiccups persist for hours at a time, are frequently recurring, or interfere with basic function, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Persistent hiccups can be a sign of underlying health conditions such as central nervous disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, or esophageal issues. While hiccups are generally short-lasting and benign, chronic episodes can be associated with serious health conditions. Dr. Mark Loafman, a board-certified family physician with Cook County Health in Chicago, emphasized the importance of seeking medical help if hiccups become problematic.
The hack shared by Dr. Jeremy London on TikTok, involving consuming lemon or lime juice to stop hiccups, may work by various mechanisms such as stimulating the vagus nerve, resetting sensory input from the diaphragm, activating muscles in the back of the throat, or simply acting as a distraction. While the exact reason behind the effectiveness of this method is unclear, many TikTok users expressed gratitude for the advice and shared their own hiccup remedies. It is important to seek medical attention if hiccups persist for prolonged periods, recur frequently, or interfere with daily activities, as they could be a sign of underlying health issues.
