Pica is likely to cause effects on teeth too. The 'cotton ball diet' can cause severe malnutrition as there are no nutrients in it, and fainting, fatigue spells and mood swings are common when the body is starved. But charcoal cravings during pregnancy can absorb all of the important nutrients that mother and baby need. It is used medically in emergency situations to absorb toxins in patients' bodies to prevent poisoning from toxic substances such as paint thinner, boric acid, etc. Intoxication with certain substances can impair physical and mental development in children.Ĭharcoal can be a life saver. The non-nutritive substances may contain materials like polyester, chemicals, bleach, synthetic fibers, etc. And a craving for paint can cause abundance of toxic chemicals like lead in your body. In one such instance, doctors had to remove half kg hairball from a girl's stomach. Some indigestible mass may choke you or cause intestinal tract obstruction. Introducing foreign objects in the digestive system can clog it leading to digestion problems like constipation, etc. The bugs and parasites in soil or other infected substances can cause infections and infestations. It has also been significantly linked with increased risk for anemia, and low hemoglobin and plasma zinc. It has long been associated with micronutrient deficiencies like iron-deficiency anemia lead poisoning, etc. Pica comes with its own set of nasty complications depending on the nature and amount of the substance ingested.

Ingesting dirt is also believed to ease morning sickness. Scientists suggest that the desire for soil during pregnancy could be the subconscious need for pre-natal vitamins such as copper and iron. Women are thought to yearn for such substances due to some deficiency of vitamins or minerals in their diet. It is thought that the rising hormone levels are responsible for the change in taste among expectant mothers making them crave strange inedible substances. Pica has also been associated with psychiatric troubles including severe mental impairment, disharmonic development, autistic troubles and schizophrenia. 3 A more conclusive explanation is that it could be a sign of an emotional problem such as stress or obsessive compulsive disorder. The mineral deficient in the individual is often present in the substance craved by him/her. According to some experts, it could mean a deficiency of mineral. Pica is probably a behavior pattern that is driven by several factors.

Why does one feel like gorging on inedible substances? It helps cut down on food by feeling full, eventually leading to weight loss. The diet trend involves eating five balls of cotton dipped in liquids like juices, smoothies, etc. There are many such weird pregnancy cravings that you may have never known about.Ī new-found ' cotton ball diet' being followed mostly by teenagers is characteristic of pica. While some pregnant women can't seem to curb their craving for charcoal others, can't stop salivating over soil. According to a survey conducted by American Pregnancy Association, cigarette ashes are one of the most craved non-food items of all time. The condition affects around 25 to 30 percent of pregnant women. But a persistent, indiscriminate appetite that is developmentally incorrect is a characteristic of pica. Non-nutritive substances may usually be eaten unintentionally by children while they go about exploring their surroundings. It is also observed most commonly in areas of low socioeconomic status. Pica is more common in women (especially pregnant women) and in children. Pica During Pregnancy: Safe And Alternative Food Options For Non-Food Cravings.Trichophagia Or Compulsive Eating Of Hair: A 100 Gm Ball Of Hair Removed From A Girl’s Stomach.Pica: This Rare Eating Disorder Make Children Crave Non-Food Items Like Clay, Paper, Dirt.

Typea of pica cravings