Contents:
- Medical Video: Is It Bad To Chew Ice?
- This condition is called pagophagia
- The connection between a hobby of chewing new ice, with iron deficiency
- Relationships chew ice and increase brain work
- Adverse effects of chewing ice cubes
- How do you overcome ice cube eating habits?
Medical Video: Is It Bad To Chew Ice?
Chewing ice cubes in the hot afternoon may be very fun and refreshing. However, if you have this habit and chew too often on ice cubes, you may need to start being vigilant.
This condition is called pagophagia
The habit of chewing ice cubes is one form of medical condition called 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 medically known as the term pagophagia, usually can occur at any age. Pica usually can arise due to someone experiencing a lack of certain nutrients in the body. Usually, on pagophagia, this condition arises due to sufferers experiencing iron deficiency or anemia.
To fall into the category pagophagia or addicted to chewing ice, you must have symptoms for one month or more. Someone who experiences this condition will usually search for ice continuously, even chewing ice fromfreezer to fulfill his wishes.
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The connection between a hobby of chewing new ice, with iron deficiency
To show the relationship between chewing ice and iron deficiency, a study evaluated the behavior of 81 patients suffering from iron deficiency anemia and found that pagophagia is a condition that is often encountered. It was found that 16% of participants experienced pagophagia shows a decrease in symptoms faster after being given iron supplements.
Then how can iron deficiency cause the habit of chewing ice? Some theories say that iron deficiency can cause symptoms such as pain in the tongue, dry mouth, reduced ability to taste, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms will be alleviated by chewing or emitting ice. This activity can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Relationships chew ice and increase brain work
Another symptom of iron deficiency anemia is fatigue which ultimately affects brain performance. The researchers estimate that chewing ice can stimulate changes in the blood circulation of the brain which in turn will increase the supply of oxygen to the brain. This increase in oxygen flow will increase alertness and speed of thinking.
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A psychologist from Pennsylvania University, Melissa Hunt, Ph. D, explain this. He said that when cold temperatures touch the face, the cold temperature will constrict the peripheral blood vessels and instead, drain more blood to the brain. This is what causes an increase in brain work.
Adverse effects of chewing ice cubes
Chewing on ice may not have as bad an impact and is as dangerous as smoking or drinking alcohol. The biggest impact that will be experienced by sufferers pagophagia is on the teeth and jaw.
Chewing ice can erode your teeth, damage the gums, and destroy existing patches. You may also experience pain in the jaw muscles or a disturbance in the jaw joint. In addition, if the most common cause of this condition is anemia is not treated, then the patient has the risk of experiencing heart damage.
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Meanwhile, anemia itself is the main cause of it pagophagia can lead to several conditions. Iron deficiency anemia is usually caused due to the occurrence of chronic bleeding, such as the presence of gastrointestinal polyps, long and multiple menstrual periods, bleeding from gastric ulcers, or a history of previous gastric surgery. The first step that must be taken is to find out whether there is a source of bleeding.
The long-term complication of anemia can be heart failure, because in anemia, your heart must work harder to keep the blood needs that carry enough oxygen throughout the body. If you are pregnant and have anemia, you are at risk for premature delivery or your baby can have a low birth weight. Children who suffer from long-term anemia can experience growth and development delays, and are more susceptible to infection.
How do you overcome ice cube eating habits?
If you experience pagophagia and suspect that you are experiencing iron deficiency, then you can consult a doctor. Your doctor may recommend further tests such as taking blood to find out the iron content 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.
