Pica

[Guest guest]

I saw a news program on tv quite awhile back about women in the southern U.S.

eating a certain type of clay- it was white, and you could buy it in little

sandwich baggies in drugstores, gas stations... It was very interesting-

here's some more information about Pica, copied and pasted from

www.eatingdisorder.org/pica.html. I have read some other articles about this,

and if you've got

it, there is a strong compulsion to do this. This is not " Gee, I'm hungry,

how about some paint chips? " I have read of individuals who said, " I just had

to go to the laundry room, open up the box and eat handfuls of ______ "

(detergent, corn starch, etc.) It sounded very mind numbing, and in some

respects,

familiar. I remember standing in front of the fridge, just putting things in my

face, hoping that would be what I wanted. Or, just mindlessly sitting there

eating, and eating and eating. It's just more acceptable when it's chips or

cheese, or something made from food.

Hope this answers some questions!

Jess

Lap RNY

12/02/02

314/174/???

______________________________

The word " Pica " (PIE-Kah) originates from the Latin word for " magpie " . A

magpie is a species of bird well known for feeding on whatever it finds or comes

across. Pica is the craving or eating of items that are not food. There are

many reasons why people eat dirt or other non food items. This practice has been

described as " abnormal " and is a very misunderstood problem. To be diagnosed

with Pica, a person must exhibit or show signs for at least one month. There

is no specific medical test that can confirm Pica. Quite often, Pica is only

seen and recognized when it results in complications that leads someone to

obtain medical attention. There is no specific prevention of Pica. Individuals

are

encouraged to eat appropriate nutritional meals and follow healthy guidelines

needed for optimum health.

Pica or geophagy, the eating of soil is widespread among many animals on

every continent. Among wild animals, eating dirt seems to be a weapon in the

ancient competition between plants and animals. Geophagy is an animal weapon in

the

struggle between plant reproduction strategy and the animal desire for food.

The non-food substances that may be ingested by an individual include: dirt,

clay, chalk, cigarette ashes, sand, soil, paint, plaster, gravel, rocks,

starch etc. These are common non-food substances however there are other

substances

known to be ingested by those who suffer.

Who could have Pica?

People who may be at risk or have Pica include, those who are pregnant, those

who have poor nutrition or vitamin deficiency, those who live in poverty, a

family history of Pica and people who have ethnic customs or live in cultures

where it is practiced.

What are the problems or complications?

There are possible complications from those who with Pica. The eating of non

food substances may interfere with the body's consumption of normal

nutritional food. More so, since substances such as paint chip have toxic

substances in

them, ingesting these things can cause lead poisoning. Complications of Pica

can include, malnutrition, intestinal obstruction, intestinal infections or

parasites from soil, Anemia, mercury poisoning, liver and kidney damage,

constipation and abdominal problems. If an individual has Pica and experiences

abdominal pain, problems with their bowels or any other discomfort and pain,

they

should seek prompt medical attention. While Pica can be harmless, ingestion of

contaminated material could lead to death.

Lead Poisoning : Children are poisoned by exposure to lead dust from lead

based paint in older homes than by any other source, usually through normal hand

to mouth activity after getting lead dust on their hands and toys. Also,

children can be seriously poisoned by eating lead based paint chips. Lead can be

found in dust, paint, food, soil, water and in the air. Eating a healthy diet

that includes iron, calcium and foods low in fat causes the body to absorb less

lead.

Pica and Children

Pica is seen more in children than adults. Children between the ages of 2 to

6 years of age have been known to have Pica. Babies and children up to the age

of 18 months do not get Pica as babies during this age will often put

everything in their mouth which is normal. Some children with Pica have been

said to

be imitating a family pet (cat or dog) who they have watched eat a particular

item. Appropriate supervision of children and any dangerous substances should

be placed well out of their reach. Some Pica is considered harmless however,

if you are concerned and would like more information you should always consult

with your pediatrician or health care provider.

Pica and Pregnant Women

Pica has been very common among pregnant women. It has been said that Pica is

a response to fill nutritional deficiency, such as low iron or calcium. In

some parts of the United States the consuming of clay is very common and even

sold in some states for consumption purposes. Some believe that the consumption

of clay will prevent or help with the common problem of morning sickness.

Pregnant Nigerian women have been to consume clay that is rich in calcium since

calcium rich foods are not part of their dietary intake. If you are pregnant and

experience Pica, you should call and see your family doctor to discuss

problems that could occur to you and your unborn baby. In some cases, Pica stems

from nutritional deficiencies and nutritional supplements may be given. In most

cases, Pica ceased once the sufferer was treated for iron deficiency. Pica in

pregnant women commonly disappears after childbirth takes place yet it has been

know to occur during the post partum period.

Pica and Culture

In some cultures, Pica is a common practice and it has been estimated that

clay eating is practiced as a daily ritual by over two hundred cultures

worldwide. The practice is also known as " Geophagy " . The eating of clay or dirt

is

done for a number of different reasons. It has been done for religious reasons

such as ceremonies, to satisfy the needs of pregnant and even nursing mothers

and as remedy for disease. Most people who eat dirt live in Central Africa and

the Southern United States. I have read that some Indian groups in the Amazon

will eat blocks of clay with their meat. The ancient Greeks ate clay to fight a

variety of ailments. To trace cultures that practice this non-food

consumption , search for information on West African populations or use a search

engine

with the words " Pica " or " Geophagy " .

Pica and Eating Disorders

If you're wondering if Pica is some form of an eating disorder, the answer is

no. While the behavior is odd and seems strange to many of us, it is not

considered as disordered eating. Pica has been seen in people who diet who have

great cravings and have attempted to cease the cravings with non-food substances

since they are obviously low calorie. Feelings of hunger are also relieved

and/or ceased.

Many of those who suffering from eating disorders commonly suffer from iron

or other vitamin deficiencies. In cases of Anorexia where extreme starvation

and malnutrition is taking place, it may be possible that an person suffering

from Anorexia would consume non food items to ease extreme hunger.

Where poor self esteem is an issue (and in most cases it is) they believe

they are not deserving of " nutritional " or " healthy items " . In many cases of

Anorexia, a sufferer will believe they " don't deserve " or are " not worthy " of

nutritional foods. When I asked this question to a professional with whom I have

had contact, he said this could be a consideration. Of course, there is no

research or studies to prove this.

Those who have low self esteem and poor self worth and may engage in self

abusive behavior. In many ways I believe the ingestion of toxic or harmful

materials could be associated with a form of self abusive behavior. If Pica is

not

practiced for religious or cultural ceremonial reasons, could it not be

considered a form of self abusive behavior? When I asked this question to a

medical

professional about this, he simply answered, " It is possible " .

If you think you have Pica, it is important that you seek out medical

attention and advice.