Can you instantly stop hiccups by consciously thinking ‘I am not a fish,’ as social media claims?

Social media can make bizarre claims and one that we came across recently was related to hiccups! (Photo: Freepik)

While we agree that hiccups happen out of the blue and sometimes they don't even stop after having water, we were left surprised when social media hinted at an instant solution that is being claimed to work every time. It involves consciously thinking "I am not a fish" and "I don't have gills" or the respiratory organs through which fish breathe. Is there any truth to such a claim? We reached out to experts. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Let's first understand why hiccups happen. Hiccup reflex involves the phrenic and vagus nerves, the brainstem, and the diaphragm. (Photo: Canva)

"It can be triggered by gastric distension, nerve irritation, sudden temperature changes, emotion, or central nervous system disturbances," said consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Electrolyte imbalance such as hyponatremia (low sodium levels) can also cause it, he noted. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

While dealing with persistent hiccups, it is important to determine the underlying root cause and treat it. "Temporary hiccups are often harmless, and stop on their own after a short period," said Dr Kumar. (Photo: Freepik)

The idea that hiccups go away because the "brain realises we are not fish" is not scientifically accurate, asserted Dr Kumar. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

There is no evidence that consciously thinking about not being a fish or not having gills has any neurological feedback mechanism to stop hiccups. Calling it a "classic placebo effect" is more metaphorical or humorous than scientifically grounded, said Dr Kumar. (Photo: Freepik)

It is an example of a cognitive distraction technique, contended Dr Prashant Makhija , consultant neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. While there's no medical basis to this specific phrase, such mental focus can shift the brain’s attention away from the involuntary hiccup reflex, said Dr Makhija.
It works for some by calming the nervous system or disrupting the hiccup cycle. Though harmless and occasionally effective, it’s more psychological than physiological.
"Relying on placebo effects such as these to stop hiccups and not seeking medical help (in case of persistent hiccups) could lead to delay in identifying the root cause of hiccups, with undesirable consequences," Dr Kumar cautioned. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)