If hiccups are the repetitive contractions of the diaphragm, then why does eating peanut butter or sugar stop?

Question

I asked how to stop hiccups in this section and many people suggested eating either sugar or peanut butter. But how do they help?

Answer 1

These repetitive contractions of the diaphragm result from the interruption of the breathing,

specially when:

1.  the amount of food passing through the esophagus is not well mixed with saliva,

2. or not chewed well,

3. or even when we swallow much food together..

though peristaltic movements of the alimentary canal tend to push the food towards the stomach, but due to the above three reasons, the some food may remain in there, thus, interrupting breathing.. as a result.. repetitive contractions of the diaphragm occur, that leads to hiccups..

Eating peanut butter, or sugar, or even drinking water reinforce the food to move from that place well, facilitating the breathing,

and when breathing is again facilitated, the stimulus goes to the brain, which, in turn, via motor nerve fibres, control the muscles of the diaphragm, in ceasing the hiccups..

hope that helps..

Answer 2

There are many "cures" for hiccups. Drinking water, being frightened and eating are some of them.

What do they all have in common? They all interrupt the breathing rhythm.

I have found that if I take a really deep breath and hold it as long as I can, my hiccups get cured 95% of the time. The other 5% required a second attempt at holding my breath (after a few minutes). I have never required a third try.