Pica syndrome pica how to#

Low socioeconomic status, which is a known source of stress, has also been associated with pica. People with pica have reported that eating non-food items can help lessen feelings of anxiety and stress. Some people think pica may be linked to stress, too. Memory loss or injury to parts of the brain responsible for memory Intellectual disability or other mental health conditions Some factors that may lead to pica include: Still, experts aren’t exactly sure what changes in the brain lead to the behavior. In other cases, pica has been linked to cognitive and mental health conditions. But there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. This is because non-food items may bind harmful substances in the digestive tract. Others think it is because pregnancy raises the risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.Īnother theory is that the pregnant body may crave non-food items as a method of protection. Some think it is because women have more nutritional needs during pregnancy. But again, experts aren’t quite sure why this happens. Women who are pregnant are also at higher risk of developing pica. This can further lower the amount of iron in the body, which then worsens the underlying problem. It is thought that the lack of iron in the brain causes someone to eat non-food substances. In some cases, pica is thought to be caused by a nutritional deficiency like low iron. For others, it is attributed to other coexisting conditions. For some people, it seems to be a condition that stands on its own without any obvious cause.

Pica syndrome pica how to#

If you’re craving other nonfood things, ask them about how to treat the issue.There is a lot we still don’t understand about pica and why it happens. They can help ensure that you and your baby are getting the right nutrients for healthy growth and development.

If you think you have pica, let your OB-GYN know right away - even if the only nonfood thing you crave is ice. In serious cases, pica can lead to other health complications like infections, stomach irritation, a blockage in your digestive tract, vomiting, and weight loss. They might also make you feel full, leading you to not eat enough of the nutritious food you and your baby need. It’s important to note that sometimes pica and nonfood cravings can be directly harmful to your health if you’re eating other nonfood things.įor example, eating nonfood items like paper, clay, or dirt can make you ill. However, the potential underlying cause of craving ice in pica - like anemia - might be harmful to you and your baby. If you’re just craving ice and enjoy munching on ice chips, this isn’t particularly risky for you and your baby (as long as you don’t chip a tooth!). Pica itself is not always harmful, but addressing its underlying causes can help prevent its associated risks. They also observed that many participants sought the nonfood items because they were appealing and felt the scent or taste helped alleviate their nausea. The researchers noted that some participants believed that the white clay and ice had nutritional value. The most common items consumed were white clay and ice. The study also found that 47.5 percent of the women had some form of pica during pregnancy. a history of or cultural exposure to eating nonfood items, such as eating clay as medicine in some cultures.poor nutrition or nutrient deficiencies.One study in 286 pregnant women in Ghana noted that pregnant women most at risk of pica may include those who have: If you’re pregnant, you’re at a higher risk of anemia from not getting enough iron or B vitamins. This issue may also arise if nausea and vomiting limit the amount of nutrients you’re taking in.Ī deficiency in important minerals like iron and zinc may trigger pica. Sometimes the increased demands of pregnancy may lead to a nutrient deficiency. Your body needs proper nutrition to support your pregnancy. One reason why your body might crave nonfood items is that you’re not getting adequate nutrient intake.ĭuring pregnancy, the foods you eat supply your own needs, as well as those of your growing baby. Some of its causes might explain why it’s more common in pregnant women.