Pica is an eating disorder in which people compulsively eat one or more nonfood items, such as ice, clay, paper, ash, or dirt. (Resource from Healthline)
As the definition states, Pica is an eating disorder in which people compulsively eat nonfood items, and that was my reality. But, unfortunately, my nonfood of choice was ice. It was so compulsive to the extent that I found myself chewing ice every thirty minutes—first thing when I woke up in the morning and the Last thing before going to bed. It was that bad – and even worse was that I could be causing damage to my teeth.
Was Causes Pica?
According to research, Pica is not caused by a single factor, but various factors may cause Pica. In my case, my Pica was caused by iron deficiency – and for some, it may be caused by zinc deficiency. Usually, if you crave nonfood items, it may indicate that your body is trying to replenish low nutrients levels.
How Did I Diagnose Pica
Initially, I had no idea I lacked iron not until my ice consumption was becoming obsessive. The way I found out I had Pica was nothing short of miraculous. I had seen a hematologist, and they did not detect low iron levels in my blood but instead recommend I take Folic Acid, which I have been on for a while.
One afternoon, as I emptied my ice tray, I prayed and asked God to heal me from my craving. I knew chewing ice was not healthy for my teeth, plus I had no idea what it was doing for my overall health. Twenty-four hours later, as I was on my computer working, I found myself browsing a topic, and one topic led to another, and I found myself reading about Pica, and bam, I found the answer to my prayer. I had no idea I might be suffering from Pica. As I researched more about Pica and ice, I discovered that my Pica might be due to iron deficiency. With Pica, you would have to get on iron supplements. It is recommended to take iron supplements in combination with vitamin c to help with absorption.
How Long Until Iron Supplements Start Working?
I started taking iron supplements immediately, and mind you, you shouldn’t take iron pills with milk, caffeine, antacids, or calcium supplements. Also, you have to take iron pills one hour before meals and two hours after meals.
Now, when I started taking the iron supplements, I did not see immediate effects until a month later, when my cravings ceased. To this day, my ice cravings are gone.
If you find yourself craving nonfood items such as ice, paper, paint chips, consult with your doctor first, and maybe iron supplements may help you.
This advice is in no way medical advice; consult a medical professional with all health concerns.
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Yvonne
