Table of contents:
- This condition is called pagophagia
- The relationship between the hobby of chewing new ice, and iron deficiency
- The relationship between chewing ice and increased brain work
- Bad effects of chewing ice cubes
- How do you deal with the habit of eating ice cubes?
Chewing ice cubes on a hot day can be a lot of fun and refreshing. However, if you have this habit and chew ice cubes too often, you may need to start to be alert.
This condition is called pagophagia
The habit of chewing ice cubes is one form of the so-called medical condition pica, namely the habit of chewing or eating unusual objects. Pica usually experienced by children, but the habit or addiction to chewing ice cubes - or what is known medically by the term pagophagia, usually can occur at any age. Pica usually can arise due to a person experiencing a deficiency of a certain nutrient in the body. Usually, on pagophagia, this condition arises due to the patient experiencing iron deficiency or anemia.
To fall into the category pagophagia or addicted to chewing ice, you should have symptoms for a month or more. A person experiencing this condition will usually seek ice continuously, even chewing ice fromfreezer to fulfill his wish.
The relationship between the hobby of chewing new ice, and iron deficiency
To demonstrate the link between chewing ice and iron deficiency, a study evaluated the behavior of 81 patients with iron deficiency anemia and found that pagophagia is a condition that is often encountered. It was found that 16% of the participants experienced pagophagia showed a decrease in symptoms faster after being given iron supplements.
Then how iron deficiency can lead to the habit of chewing ice? Some theories suggest that iron deficiency can cause symptoms such as sore tongue, dry mouth, reduced ability to taste, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms will be relieved by chewing or eating ice. This activity can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
The relationship between chewing ice and increased brain work
Another symptom of iron deficiency anemia is fatigue which ultimately affects brain performance. Researchers estimate that chewing ice can stimulate changes in brain blood circulation which in turn will increase the supply of oxygen to the brain. This increase in oxygen flow will increase alertness and speed of thought.
A psychologist from the university of Pennsylvania, Melissa Hunt, Ph. D, explain about this. He said that when cold temperatures touch the face, they constrict the peripheral blood vessels and in turn, bring more blood to the brain. This is what causes an increase in brain work.
Bad effects of chewing ice cubes
The habit of chewing ice may not be as bad and dangerous as smoking or drinking alcohol. The biggest impact that will be experienced by sufferers pagophagia is on the teeth and jaw.
The habit of chewing ice can erode your teeth, damage your gums, and destroy existing fillings. You may also experience pain in the jaw muscles or disorders of the jaw joint. In addition, if the most common cause of this condition, namely anemia, is not treated, then the patient is at risk of experiencing heart damage.
Meanwhile, anemia itself is the main cause of pagophagia can lead to several conditions. Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused by chronic bleeding, such as the presence of gastrointestinal polyps, prolonged and heavy menstrual periods, bleeding from gastric ulcers, or a history of previous gastric surgery. The first step to take is to identify the source of the bleeding.
A long-term complication of anemia can be heart failure, because in anemia, your heart has to work harder to keep the blood that carries oxygen throughout the body sufficient. If you are pregnant and have anemia, you are at risk for premature delivery or your baby could have a low birth weight. Children who have long-term anemia can have developmental and growth delays and are more susceptible to infection.
How do you deal with the habit of eating ice cubes?
If you experience pagophagia and suspect that you have iron deficiency, then you can consult a doctor. Your doctor may order follow-up tests such as blood draws to find out the levels of iron in your body. If you do experience iron deficiency, then you can take supplements or increase your nutritional intake with foods that are rich in iron, such as meat and green vegetables.
