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Published on: Aug 14, 2021
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Involuntary Diaphragm Contractions: Why You Get Hiccups

Embarking on the enigmatic realm of hiccups, we delve into the perplexing world of these involuntary spasms that often disrupt our daily lives. Hiccups, seemingly innocuous yet vexingly persistent, prompt a quest to decipher the triggers and unravel the underlying mechanisms governing these rhythmic contractions of the diaphragm.

The hiccup, an age-old mystery, has long perplexed both the curious and the afflicted. From their origins to potential meanings, we navigate the labyrinth of hiccup-induced discomfort, aiming to demystify this seemingly mundane bodily phenomenon. As we explore the diverse array of triggers, from spicy meals to unexpected laughter, we seek to understand the physiological intricacies at play. Hiccups, though generally harmless, have left many seeking respite from their persistent cadence. Our journey extends to the realm of solutions, investigating both traditional and modern approaches to alleviating this peculiar bodily hiccup.

Furthermore, in an era of technological advancement, we unveil the convenience of online doctor consultations, offering a modern avenue for seeking expert guidance and potential remedies to bid farewell to the relentless diaphragm dance. Join us as we unravel the mysteries, decode the signals, and embrace a hiccup-free existence.

What Are Hiccups

Hiccups are more than just an inconvenience; they're the result of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm – the muscle responsible for our breathing. These contractions are accompanied by an abrupt closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. But what triggers this diaphragmatic turmoil?

causes of hiccups

Spicy Foods and Carbonated Drinks: Indulging in your favorite spicy curry or sipping on a fizzy beverage can irritate the diaphragm and lead to hiccups.
Sudden Changes in Temperature: A quick transition from a hot to a cold environment or vice versa can trigger hiccups.
Excitement or Stress: Emotional extremes, be it excitement or stress, can cause your diaphragm to go haywire.

Decoding the Meaning Behind Hiccups

Understanding the Science: Hiccups mean to be common, but they're not entirely understood. It's believed that the sudden intake of air during hiccups may serve some evolutionary purpose. While in the womb, the fetus practices breathing through amniotic fluid, and hiccups may be a vestige of that process.

Persistent Hiccups: When Should You Worry while most hiccups resolve on their own, persistent hiccups lasting more than 48 hours could indicate an underlying health issue. It's essential to pay attention to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if your hiccups become chronic.

hiccups treatment

Home Remedies

Hold Your Breath: Take a deep breath, hold it in for as long as you can, and exhale slowly. This helps reset your diaphragm.
Sip Cold Water: Slowly sipping on cold water can soothe an irritated diaphragm.
Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar: The graininess of sugar can stimulate the vagus nerve and put an end to hiccups.

Medical Interventions

Prescription Medications: In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medications that relax the diaphragm.
Hypnosis and Acupuncture: Alternative therapies like hypnosis and acupuncture have shown promise in alleviating chronic hiccups.

Online Doctor Consultation for Hiccup Relief

The Convenience of Online Consultations: In today's fast-paced world, visiting a doctor for every hiccup episode may not be practical. Online doctor consultation offers a convenient and efficient way to seek medical advice from the comfort of your home. Here's why it's a game-changer:

Accessibility: Access a qualified healthcare professional without the hassle of scheduling appointments or commuting to a physical clinic.

Time-Efficiency: Receive prompt medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment plans without the wait time associated with traditional in-person visits.

Cost-Effective: Online consultations are often more affordable than traditional healthcare services, making quality healthcare accessible to a broader audience.

Choosing the Right Platform

Check Credentials: Ensure the online platform is reputable and employs licensed healthcare professionals.
User Reviews: Look for reviews from other users to gauge the platform's reliability and effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Understanding the reasons behind hiccups is the first step toward finding relief. From home remedies to medical interventions and the convenience of online doctor consultations, you have a range of options to explore. Next time your diaphragm decides to break into an impromptu dance, armed with this knowledge, you can take action to bring the curtain down on the hiccup show. Embrace a hiccup-free future, and remember, relief may be just a click away with online doctor consultations.

Read FAQs

A. Yes, hiccups result from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the muscle beneath the lungs crucial for breathing.

A. Diaphragm spasms causing hiccups can be triggered by various factors such as sudden changes in temperature, overeating, or irritation of the diaphragm.

A. Scientifically, hiccups occur due to a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, followed by the closure of the vocal cords, producing the characteristic "hic" sound. The precise triggers can vary, and understanding them aids in finding effective remedies.

Read Blog

Virtual Cooking Class with Dietitian: A New Era of Healthy Eating in India

Healthy eating has become a top priority for individuals across India. With rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and PCOS, food decisions now play a critical role in preventive healthcare. However, most people struggle with questions like what to cook, how to modify recipes, and how to balance nutrition with traditional Indian meals.

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians are transforming how Indians learn about food. They combine practical kitchen skills with scientific nutrition knowledge-something traditional cooking tutorials cannot offer. SecondMedic integrates expert dietitians, AI-driven nutrition analysis and preventive health frameworks to support individuals in building lifelong healthy eating habits.

This blog explores how virtual cooking classes work, why they matter and how they support long-term health.

Why India Needs Dietitian-Led Cooking Classes

Rising Lifestyle Diseases

The ICMR Nutrition and Metabolic Health Study reports alarming trends:

Over 100 million diabetic individuals
High prevalence of fatty liver
Vitamin deficiencies in large sections of the population
Increasing PCOS, thyroid disorders and obesity

Many of these conditions are strongly influenced by diet.

Lack of Nutrition Awareness

NFHS-5 highlights low dietary diversity among Indian households. People often overconsume oil, sugar and refined grains without realising the long-term impact.

Busy Lifestyles

Urban professionals struggle to plan meals due to:

Time constraints
Lack of structured nutrition knowledge
Dependence on takeaways and packaged food

Virtual cooking sessions solve these problems by offering guided, practical learning directly from home.

What Happens in a Virtual Cooking Class?

A SecondMedic virtual cooking class includes:

1. Live Demonstrations

Dietitians prepare recipes step-by-step while explaining:

Nutrient functions
Health benefits
Cooking techniques
Smart portion strategies

2. Ingredient Education

Participants learn about:

Low-GI alternatives
High-fibre grains
Clean protein sources
Anti-inflammatory spices
Healthy fats

3. Meal Planning Guidance

Classes often include weekly planning tips to simplify daily decisions.

4. Nutrient Breakdown

AI-based tools analyse the recipe’s:

Sugar load
Sodium balance
Protein density
Vitamin & mineral profile

5. Condition-Specific Variations

Recipes can be adapted for:

Diabetes
PCOS
Thyroid health
Heart health
Weight loss

This ensures suitability across lifestyles.

Benefits of Virtual Cooking Classes

1. Practical, Hands-On Learning

Participants cook alongside the dietitian, making learning interactive and easy to remember.

2. Prevention-Focused

Unlike regular cooking tutorials, these sessions emphasise preventive eating patterns recommended by WHO and NITI Aayog.

3. Customisable for Families

Healthy recipes become household-friendly, improving community nutrition.

4. Convenient and Accessible

Join from anywhere without travel or scheduling challenges.

5. Increases Long-Term Adherence

When people understand why a recipe is healthy, they adopt it more consistently.

Example Recipe Taught in Class

Vegetable Khichdi (Diabetes-Friendly Version):

Moong dal for high protein
Mixed vegetables for fibre
Minimal ghee
Brown rice/millet for lower GI
Turmeric + cumin for anti-inflammatory benefit

SecondMedic’s AI engine evaluates glycaemic impact and micronutrient density.

Integrating Virtual Cooking With Preventive Care

SecondMedic combines cooking classes with:

Teleconsultations
Diet assessments
AI nutrition scores
Weight and glucose monitoring
Lifestyle coaching

This creates a unified ecosystem for long-term behaviour change.

Conclusion

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians empower individuals to transform their daily meals into preventive healthcare tools. By teaching practical skills, nutrition fundamentals and personalised recipe adjustments, these classes make healthy eating accessible, enjoyable and sustainable.

SecondMedic is redefining preventive nutrition by blending expert guidance with digital interactivity and AI insights-helping people cook better, eat smarter and live healthier.

References

• ICMR Nutrition & Metabolic Health Study - Dietary Impact on Chronic Diseases
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Healthcare & Nutrition Strategy for India
• WHO Healthy Eating & Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
• Lancet Public Health - Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions
• Statista India Digital Health & Online Learning Trends
• EY-FICCI Digital Nutrition & Virtual Wellness Report

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