Thread by @DrZobo

She eats Rocks!

Do you know people eat sand, rocks, iceblocks, hair, glass, stones, plastics etc?

This is a mental health condition called PICA!
Pica is an eating disorder characterized by eating of non nutritional substances.

Common in pregnant women. Find out more👇🏽
RT

Pica is labeled an eating disorder. It can be physiological, as seen in pregnant women, who start to crave weird, non nutritional substances in pregnancy. In pregnancy, it is considered ‘normal’, mostly because it is believed to be temporary, lasting only through this period.👇🏽

However, if after about 6 months post part I’m (after pregnancy), the woman is still stuck with these cravings, then it is categorized as an Eating Disorder, and she’ll need professional assistance from a Psychiatrist.👇🏽

These cravings include Clay aka Nzu, Uro, some eat ice blocks. Why?
For some, they say it helps reduces their nausea and excessive spitting.

For others, they just love the smell and the craving can’t be explained. However, medical research has linked...👇🏽

...Geophagia (the medical name for eating earth/sand), to Iron deficiency anaemia.

In pregnancy, women undergo what we call haemodilution (blood dilution). In basic terms, a lot of fluid retention happens in the body, going ahead to dilute the blood concentration.
👇🏽

This leads to an Anaemia in pregnancy, called Physiological Anaemia.

Meaning, it is a body induced Anaemia that can be expected in that condition. If not well managed, the woman can tip into severe Anaemia in pregnancy.
👇🏽

Now you know why we encourage you to take your blood building drugs and eat blood building foods.

When Iron deficiency anaemia sets in... the craving for ice or earth starts, This has largely been based on the bulk nutrient composition of geophagic materials, which contain...👇🏽

...large amounts of Calcium, Iron and Zinc. So this seems to compensate for the lack of these nutrients, but research findings show that while calcareous geophagic materials may supplement Ca, geophagia can potentially cause Fe- and Zn-deficiency.👇🏽

This is consistent with mineral nutrient deficiency problems observed in clinical nutrition studies conducted amongst geophagic populations.

It can also cause in addition to malnutrition, constipation, worm infestation and other health challenges which will ultimately...👇🏽

... tip her into further Anaemia if not watched. This is what validates the popular school of thought “Eating clay sucks or dries your blood”. It’s not in an osmosis kind of way however 😁, it’s a complication that occurs overtime.👇🏽

Now anyone who doesn’t fall within this pregnancy spectrum and is having odd cravings for non nutritional substances... should see a Psychiatrist for treatment. Pica is real, some people eat glass, plastics, stones, hair, paper, clothe, AND SWALLOW!

Pica will be your doom if untreated. It is a mental (Eating) disorder. See a #MentalHealth Professional, TL manage you with a clinical nutritionist. We’ll talk more on the different types with time.

What new words did you learn? Please share this with someone.
#DrZobo

Also note that Pica could be a pointer to nutritional supplement deficiency. You will need to eat well. Having nutritional issues? You can start with @Diet_234 to guide you on foods you should eat to replenish your iron, zinc and calcium levels.
Common in sickle cell Anaemia too