Are you accustomed to chewing ice? This can be a warning sign of iron deficiency! (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
If you often feel tired, you have yellow skin, or notice your nails to be brittle, there may be iron deficiency in your body. This essential mineral plays an important role in the production of hemoglobin, protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When the iron level falls, it can give rise to anemia, a condition that affects energy levels and overall health.
A strange craving that indicates iron deficiency
An unusual of iron deficiency is a strong craving to chew the ice yet, a condition known as a pagophagia. It falls under a broad disorder called pika, where people feel urged to eat non-food items such as soil, chalk, paper, or even hair.
While Pikas are commonly observed in children, research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that it can also affect adults, especially people with iron deficiency they have not developed fully developed anemia.
Other signs of iron deficiency
Fatigue is the most famous symptom of low iron, but there are many other indicators, including:
Dizziness
Cold hands and feet
Bittle hair and nails
Breathing difficulty
If you are experiencing these symptoms with an unusual craving for ice or other non-food substances, this may be time to check your iron level.
Risk of eating non-food substances
Chewing can make snow harmless, but pill can cause serious health risk. Eating substances like dirt, chalk, or paper can occur:
Digestive Issues – Abdominal pain, swelling or constipation
Intestinal obstruction-carnational substances may get stuck in the digestive system
Toxicity – Consuming harmful substances can cause nausea, diarrhea or toxic reactions
If you or your person has frequent crawings for non-food substances, it is necessary to seek medical advice to identify any underlying health issues.
What is the reason for Pika?
A medical specialist Dr. Rajiv’s. According to Puti, the exact cause of pagophagia in iron deficient individuals is not clear. However, he notes that pika can also be added:
Lack of other nutrients – lack of essential vitamins and minerals
Emotional or mental health issues-stores, anxiety, or obsessive disorder
Developmental disorder – In some cases, pica is associated with autism or other conditions
Dr. Putha recommend that if crawings persist for ice or non-food substances, a medical evaluation is necessary. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help in cases where PICA is associated with psychological conditions.
How to improve your iron level
If iron deficiency is confirmed, increasing iron intake through diet or supplement can help help. Good sources of iron include:
Red meat, poultry and seafood
Spinach and leafy greens
Legumes, beans, and lentils
nuts and seeds
Iron species grains and grains
A pair of iron rich foods with vitamin C sources like citrus fruits can help increase absorption.
It is best to consult a doctor when you find yourself constantly snow or other non-food items to see a doctor. A simple blood test can determine if you have iron deficiency, and initial treatment can prevent more serious health issues.
Listen to your body – sometimes, even the most strange crawings are trying to tell you something important!
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