There is a condition called pica, where a person craves and consumes non-food substances. Some typical things to be consumed include ice chips, dirt, laundry soap, starch, hair, matches, etc. The name pica, comes from the Latin word Magpie, a bird known to eat nearly anything. It is common for pregnant women to experience pica especially if they are suffering from iron deficiency anemia. I cannot even tell you how badly I have been craving laundry soap! The other day I was in Target and I went down the laundry products aisle and the smell made my mouth water. I wanted to rip open the boxes of Tide and chow down. I know...I sound completely insane! But, in my defense I am suffering from severe anemia and I haven't actually eaten laundry soap. I also totally crave eating ice (which apparently is a real condition called pagophagia also associated with iron deficiency). At night when I think I might sneak down to the laundry room and just take a taste of the laundry soap I chew cup after cup of crushed ice instead. So, am I completely insane or have any of you actually experienced these crazy cravings?
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3 comments:
Ummmm, my vote is you are insane. But who knows? Maybe I will start craving laundry detergent. I kind of hope not though!
A girl in our ward just had twins a few weeks ago and she said dirt was what did it for her! So no I don't think you are crazy! Tide does smell yummy!
I've read a lot about that...but thankfully, never experienced it (although, my cravings for fried foods and sugar certainly aren't a good substitute!). What does your doctor say?
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