Question from Client: I crave ice all the time, I actually find it refreshing. I heard that craving ice all the time is not good, and that something could be wrong with me? What do you think?
ST: PICA is the craving for non-food items, (dirt, ice, chemicals, plastics, laundry detergents, etc.), that have no nutritional value and have the potential to harm mother or baby during pregnancy.
*If you are experiencing cravings with any of the above items or the like, Seek A Professionals Help Immediately*
It is said, (Journal of American Dietetic Association), that if you are experiencing Pica, it could be a sign of iron deficiency, (anemia). These cravings can vary from person to person. The harm in such non-food items is the ingesting of chemicals/toxins, oral breakdown of the mouth and teeth, and digestive complications.
Pica cravings that some of my clients and friends have had: dirt, toilet tissue, starch, cotton balls, and paper towel.
Do not freak out if this sounds like you! Do not panic! Simply inform your health care provider so that you can be treated if there is a serious problem. Do not feel embarrassed! Your physician will know best how to help you. He or She can take note and reflect on your prenatal history and will probably request that your iron levels be checked as well as other labs to help pin-point any possible deficiencies.
If ice is just the craving, you may still consider mentioning this to your physician. Ice in comparison to the other 'non-food' items listed above is easily consumed and naturally excreted. However, you never want ice to replace the other vital nutrients in what should be a well-balanced diet.
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