Pica – An Uncommon Eating Disorder

Pica is an eating disorder that is characterized by eating nonfood items like Clay, Sand, Ice, toothpaste… etc. It is most common in children and in pregnant women; though it could also be practiced by adults who are on a diet so that they feel full. But that doesn’t mean that other groups of people are safe from this eating disorder, it could happen to anybody, but the risk is bigger for the aforementioned groups.

Pica is often linked to a certain mineral deficiency such as zinc or iron. It could also be pretty common in people who suffer from poverty and are deprived of food.

If this food disorder was not treated properly, it could be very dangerous to one’s health. Some of the diseases that could be gained as a result of continuous intake of nonfood items are: lead poisoning, phosphorus intoxication, mercury poisoning, abdominal problems, and more.

This eating disorder is sometimes practiced with another eating disorder such as anorexia, which makes the risks of having severe health problems even greater. In this case, one should go directly to his doctor so he can take the necessary steps to recovery before one loses his life.