4 Causes And Symptoms Of Pica: Eating The Uneatable

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Have you ever known someone who likes to eat sand or maybe nibble on a piece of chalk? Or have you ever felt like eating things that are not considered to be edible? The urge to eat non-eatable things hint towards a medical condition called pica (1). While the thought of someone craving animal feces can make you go nauseous, it’s something quite normal for them.

Pica alludes to the bird magpie (also called Pica pica) and it’s habit of eating anything that it feels like eating. For people who have pica, eating non-nutritious things like clay or dirt is part of their routine. While most of us may drop our jaws if we see someone eating soil, it’s just the reality for those with pica. Pica cravings are seen mostly in children and according to the American Pregnancy Association, it occurs in 25-30% of all children. Pregnant women can also get pica cravings due to vitamin deficiency (2).

Not many people know about pica which is why is it very important to learn about its symptoms and the underlying reasons that may have triggered it:

In This Article

1) The Urge To Eat Inedible Items

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Do you want to know if you have pica? The simplest and most basic thing to do is to keep a track on what you crave for. You may not go for it and eat it essentially but do you feel like eating it? That’s the question! Dirt and clay are the most commonly craved inedible items, but some people crave for stones, plaster, paper, paint, balls, baking soda, and sand. Pregnant women often crave for laundry starch. Surprisingly, some people crave for burnt matches, charcoal, mothballs, toothpaste, soap, and even cigarette ashes (3) (4)!

2) Iron Deficiency

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Iron deficiency is associated mostly with pica cravings in pregnant women. The reason for these cravings during pregnancy is uncertain but it can be due to iron deficiency. According to the Journal of American Dietetic Association, it might happen because of the body’s attempt to gain vitamins or minerals that are deficient. Also, sometimes these cravings are related to an underlying physical or mental illness (5).

3) Developmental Disorders

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Pica cravings that happen due to developmental disorders are most common among children. One of the most common reasons why children get pica cravings is sensory feedback (automatic reinforcement). They eat the inedible items because they enjoy the “feeling” inside their mouth. Some children have difficulty in distinguishing between what’s eatable and what’s not. This might lead to the consumption of non-food items. While some parents think that these children try to seek attention by munching on things that they are not supposed to, it is hardly ever true (6).

4) Zinc Deficiency

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Low levels of minerals like zinc can also cause pica cravings. If you or your child is experiencing these cravings, seek medical help. If zinc deficiency is the reason for these cravings, it can be solved with the help of supplements and a balanced diet (7).

Diagnosis And Treatment

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The diagnosis of pica includes checking for anemia, intestinal blockages, and potential toxicity that may have occurred due to the items consumed. Blood tests and X-rays may be required to check for these possibilities. Your doctor will conduct a detailed investigation of your medical history and behavioral patterns to evaluate the cause of pica (8).

Pica can harm a person badly due to the ingestion of poisonous or sharp materials. Hence, close monitoring of their physical health is required throughout the course of the treatment. Once the doctor gets to the roots of the issue, he will suggest the best option for treatment. Mostly, you will have to meet with a mental healthcare professional or a team who will help you take a step back from the harmful disorder (9).

If you feel that you or any of your loved ones have pica, seek a doctor’s help immediately. Do not worry because pica can be cured and you don’t have to feel ashamed about the cravings. If you’re not someone who has pica but you know somebody who is getting treated for it, try to be empathetic and do not judge them.

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