Craving Ice and What It Means


Are you craving ice? Are you considering your upcoming ice fix and the delightful feeling it will bring? Have you ever questioned why, instead of popping a piece of gum or candy into your mouth, you feel the sudden urge to chew on ice chips?

Your need for ice may indicate that you have iron-deficient anemia. A quick test and a trip to the doctor can confirm or refute this for you.

On average, women store less iron than males, and menstruation makes them more susceptible to iron loss. It indicates that women should be extra watchful of their intake and absorption of iron. In reality, it's far simpler than you may imagine.

Anemia caused by a lack of iron is simple to ignore. The symptoms mirror numerous signs of various disorders. When it is brought to your attention—possibly when you tell your doctor that you constantly crave ice—you probably won't even be aware that you have it.

What is Pagophagia?

Chewing and yearning for ice is the most typical type of iron deficiency anemia. The term "pagophagia" is used in the medical community to describe the desire for the yearning and chewing of ice. The need for ice usually disappears once the iron shortage is treated.

This iron deficit makes a person crave and wants to crunch ice for some reason. In addition to the fact that ice has no nutritional benefit, your dentist will certainly raise a scene if they learn that you have been chowing down on the ice in any form, whether it be crushed or cubed, just because you require it. 

It is wise and preferable to tackle the underlying causes of the issue and break this bad habit as soon as possible.

Blood needs iron to function properly. It makes it possible for our blood to transport oxygen efficiently, ensuring that our bodies have enough to carry out their regular physical activities. In actuality, oxygen is essential for the different cells in the body to function accurately.

What causes iron deficiency?

Numerous factors, specifically, might contribute to an iron deficit.

Poor intake of food

Poor food intake can have an impact on how well iron is absorbed. In particular, an iron deficiency is easily caused by a diet that lacks a proper balance of nutrients.

Crash diet

A crash diet binges regularly and can lower the body's iron intake and absorption, further depleting reserves. Another factor that may contribute to a lack of iron consumption is a need for more availability of fresh meals of various kinds. Picky eaters might easily lead themselves to consume inadequate amounts of iron. Moreover, limited resources and budgets may impact the kinds of foods a person consumes.

Tea and coffee

It is known that both tea and coffee decrease iron absorption. As a result, a woman who consumes excessive lattes and espressos throughout the day risk having blood that is low in iron. Iron levels in the human body can also be impacted by excessive blood loss.

Heavy menstruation in women

Did you know that prolonged episodes of heavy menstruation might cause an iron deficiency? Do you know frequent blood donations may decrease your body's iron reserves? What about long-term diseases like gastric ulcers or large intestine cancer? These diseases can lead to poor iron absorption and retention.

Athletes and women

Individuals at risk for iron deficiency include athletes and women who regularly undergo strenuous exercise. The need for iron is increased by frequent exercise. It is caused partly by the body producing more red blood cells after intense exercise routines and partly by excreting iron through perspiration.

Consuming different drugs

The consumption of particular drugs, such as aspirin, is another frequent cause of iron deficiency. Unfortunately, consuming too much zinc and vitamin E can also affect how well iron is absorbed. It does not imply that you must exclude these foods from your diet. Instead, actively maintain your iron levels by introducing new foods into your diet or by consuming large portions of foods that are high in iron.

Two types of iron

There are more causes of iron deficient anemia. Simply put, these are the most typical. It's critical to realize that we can consume two types of iron: heme and non-heme iron. Animal meals are a good source of heme iron. Plant foods include non-heme iron, which the body has a tougher time absorbing. It is crucial to comprehend this when attempting to maintain a healthy diet of foods high in iron.

How to combat iron deficiency?

Make any of the following dietary changes to boost your consumption of iron −

  • Include liver in your diet together with steak and chicken.

  • Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially those containing vitamin C, and make sure to choose a lot.

  • Reduce the amount of coffee and tea you drink.

  • Consume some meat, chicken, or fish each day.

  • Consume three to four portions of red meat every week.

  • Eating a balanced diet containing various nutrients is likely the most crucial thing you should do. Avoid coffee, zinc, and vitamin E, as these can prevent iron absorption. Maintain healthy habits without going overboard. Keep in mind that excessive activity can indicate little iron.

  • While reading and chatting with friends are vital ways to learn about health, you should always talk to your doctor before trying new treatments or altering your diet.

Conclusion

You can prevent your iron reserves from depleting with a couple of the remedies above. Otherwise, you risk developing an ice desire, chewing on ice whenever you come across it. But really, keep in mind that any alteration to your diet may affect your health adversely. You are responsible for making sure it is a healthy one.

Updated on: 16-Feb-2023

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