dieting - people who diet may attempt to ease hunger by eating nonfood substances to get a feeling of fullness.nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc, that may trigger specific cravings (however, the nonfood items craved usually don't supply the minerals lacking in the person's body).The specific causes of pica are unknown, but certain conditions and situations can increase a person's risk: Pica is an eating disorder that can result in serious health problems, such as lead poisoning and Iron deficiency anemia. People with pica frequently crave and eat nonfood items such as: It can also be a problem for some pregnant women, as well as people with epilepsy. Pica also may surface in children who've had a brain injury affecting their development. Pica is most common in people with developmental disabilities, like autism and intellectual disabilities, and in children between the ages of 2 and 3. A doctor must treat each case individually to try to understand what's causing the condition None of these theories, though, explains every form of pica. For example, some people in various cultures believe that eating dirt will help them incorporate magical spirits into their bodies. Pica may also be a behavioral response to stress.Īnother explanation is that pica is a cultural feature of certain religious rituals, folk medicine, and magical beliefs. Some people claim to enjoy the taste and texture of dirt or clay or other non-food item, and eat it as part of a daily habit (much like smoking is a daily routine for others). What causes Pica ?Įating earth substances such as clay or dirt is a form of pica known as geophagia, which can cause iron deficiency. The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its large and indiscriminate appetite.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |