Have you ever noticed people eating something that surprised or to some extent shocked you? And you probably think
” How is it possible to eat stuff like that”?
If you practice the cravings for non-food or the substance of a little nutritional value then it’s a Pica Eating Disorder. In ladies, it’s often seen in pregnancy. But it can’t be just associated with the ladies and pregnancies. In children it’s more common.
People who suffer through this disorder can be targeted by some serious health troubles.
So it’s valuable to know how to stop pica cravings so that we can avoid any kind of health issues.
What Causes Pica Cravings?
- A deficiency of iron, zinc, or any other nutrient may be a cause of pica.
- For example anemia from iron deficiency is associated with pica in pregnant women. Autism and some intellectual disabling can be a cause.
- At some places, there are cultural norms about non-foods as sacred things or as having healing characteristics.
- Stress and anxiety can increase pica cravings.
- Malnutrition is also considered a cause of pica.
Pica Assessment and Common Types
Pica disorder involves numerous substances of the world and. There are no such laboratory tests for it. Pica is a compulsive eating disorder. Its diagnosing is accompanied by tests for anemia, potential intestinal blockage, and toxic side effects of material consumed.
Types that are most common in people are eating clay, soil, ice, starch, raw rice, rubbers, paints, sand, charcoal, soap, etc.
Pica in Adults and Children: Warnings
In Pregnant women and young children, most of the cases were found. In adults, Pica Eating Disorder is more common in pregnant women because during pregnancy their body needs an increased amount of nutrients. Women having nausea in pregnancy can’t eat much and suffers from a deficiency of the right kind of nutrients. This eating disorder can harm their health and also can be dangerous for babies. Similarly, kids who eat dirt are also at severe health risks of gastric pain and infections since dirt can be contaminated with animal feces and urine or other harmful substances.
Generally, in severe cases, pica disorder can lead to serious medical complications.
It can result in
- Gastrointestinal injury
- Weight loss
- Malnutrition is caused by a deficiency of good foods
- Poisoning
- Food Allergy
- Gallbladder disease
- Stomach upset, stomach pain, and blood in the stool can be a sign of ulcers caused by eating non-foods.
How to Stop Pica Cravings
- Try to avoid triggers and causes of your cravings if possible.
- You can consider good substitutes for cravings such as some healthy snacks.
- You can try chewing gum or nuts to satisfy cravings.
- By monitoring iron or other nutrients status.
- Consult a doctor if it gets uncontrolled.
Sometimes a bad habit has no early symptoms but we should not do such things that can lead to health problems. Especially take good care of little kids who can’t realize any harm. Must keep an eye on their eating behaviors. God bless all.
