If you’re one of the many people that have a hard time swallowing pills, these two techniques can make things a lot easier for you.
Photo by Victor
A recent study led by Dr Walter Haefeli from the University of Heidelberg, and published in the journal Annals of Family Medicine, tested different pill-swallowing techniques on over 150 adults. Two methods, the “pop-bottle” and “lean-forward”, were found to be very effective. Nearly 60% found the pop-bottle method substantially improved their ability to swallow large pills, and almost 90% found that the lean-forward method made it much easier. Here’s how to do both:
- The pop-bottle: Fill a plastic bottle with water, place the tablet on your tongue, and close your lips tightly around the bottle’s opening. Now throw back your head, suck the water from the bottle, and swallow the pill and water without letting any air in. This is more helpful for tablet-like pills.
- The lean-forward: Place the pill on your tongue, take a small sip of water from a glass, and swallow as you tilt your head down toward your chest. This is better for capsule-like pills.
If you’re having a hard time choking your horse pills down, give these methods a shot.
Two Techniques to Make Swallowing Pills Easier [The Journal Annals of Family Medicine via NPR Health News]
Comments
7 responses to “Swallow Pills More Easily With The ‘Pop-Bottle’ And ‘Lean-Forward’ Methods”
As someone who finds that image quite familiar, I can say with confidence that leaning ‘yer neck back and just throwing them in, then taking a drink is all that is needed… I believe ‘yer overthinking it Pat..! 🙂
That’s good to know but if only we had some sort of study where people had tested different methods on a sample size larger than N=1. That way we could get a clue on what are some effective techniques for a larger group of people who may be having trouble with the intuitive ‘head back and violence’ approach.
If only some people did that study! If only someone published a link and summary to that study on lifehacker! If only!
So… never heard of irony..? or humour..? I believe ‘yer overthinking my comment mate..!
Oh you were being ‘funny’? Oh thank god. I thought I was meant to take you seriously! I thought you were seriously suggesting that just because you can swallow your pills without discomfort, then the subject of pill swallowing doesn’t need to be explored for the benefit of others. Now I see you were just jokingly suggesting that the benefit of others is not important.
Well in that case I happily retract!
I think you may be taking yourself a little too seriously there mate..! Take a chill pill (chill pill, get it.. humour) Not that I give a toss whether you agree with, or even find my comment funny… it wasn’t aimed at YOU personally, as you seem to think..! I think we’re done here..! 🙂
HA I did actually find the chill pill quip pretty funny bro.
Spoonful of strawberry jam. Put the tablet in the middle. Enjoy.
Worked wonders as a kid for a big pill now and then.
It it’s not an extended release, put the pill on a teaspoon, put another teaspoon on top and press till it breaks, and put in the jam. Again, some pills need to be swallowed whole, so check first.