Pregnancy
Updated on 3 November 2023
Medically Reviewed by
Savita
Diabetes, Weight Loss, Thyroid, PCOS - Masters in Food & Nutrition
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Many people want to or do eat chalk, which may appear strange to others. Usually, for most people, eating chalk indicates nutrient deficiency. But for some, it is not simple, as they cannot control their urge to eat chalk.
People with severe cravings for non-food items like chalk may be suffering from a medical condition called PICA. In this article, we will understand in detail what causes some people to want to eat chalk, the side effects of eating chalk and how to stop eating chalk.
Some people eat chalk due to a condition called PICA, which is an eating disorder characterized by the consistent consumption of non-nutritive substances, typically lasting at least one month. But PICA causes people to crave other non-food items besides chalk as well.
A few reasons why some people only want to or do eat chalk are:
PICA is an eating disorder that involves consuming non-food items. People with PICA may crave and ingest items such as dirt, paper, animal feces, ice, or hair, among others. Symptoms of PICA include:
Complications of PICA may include constipation or intestinal obstruction, diarrhea, intestinal hemorrhage, severe tooth abrasion, tooth loss, choking, stomach ulcers, lead poisoning, electrolyte imbalances, infections, and injuries to teeth. It is essential to recognize the signs of PICA and seek medical attention promptly to prevent severe health issues.
Although chalk is non-toxic, frequent consumption can cause severe health risks. The side effects of eating chalk include:
Most people face dental problems like cavities and tooth decay due to their chalk-eating habits.
As chalk is a non-food item, it does not get easily digested by the body. The remnants might end up causing bowel obstruction and constipation in the patient.
Patients with a severe chalk-eating habit lose their ability to eat actual food items over time. This causes severe malnourishment and weight loss in the patient.
Because of eating chalk, patients have higher levels of toxins in their blood. Doctors usually find traces of lead or parasites in the bloodwork of their patients.
Eating chalk can also lead to nausea and abdominal aches. It may also cause constipation, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, and eye irritation.
Eating chalk can cause muscle cramps as it can disturb the digestive system and damage internal organs, leading to low levels of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are essential for proper muscle function.
Consuming chalk during pregnancy may negatively affect fetal development as it could point out to a nutrtional imbalance which needs to be treated.
To stop eating chalk, it is important to avoid consuming it, even if it's a one-time affair or due to peer pressure. In case of persistent cravings, it is advisable to seek medical help.
There are two different treatment methods for patients with a craving to eat chalk. Doctors select the appropriate treatment plan after diagnosing the patient and running some tests. The test results help the doctors identify the correct treatment for the patient.
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In conclusion, while eating chalk may seem like an unusual craving, it is actually more common than one might think. However, it is important to understand the potential health risks associated with this behavior. Those who experience cravings for non-food items, including chalk, should speak with their healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. With proper medical attention and support, individuals can overcome this behavior and improve their overall health and well-being.
1. Advani S, Kochhar G, Chachra S, Dhawan P. (2014). Eating everything except food (PICA): A rare case report and review. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent.
2. Bonglaisin JN, Kunsoan NB, Bonny P, Matchawe C, Tata BN, Nkeunen G, Mbofung CM. (2022). Geophagia: Benefits and potential toxicity to human-A review. Front Public Health.
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Medically Reviewed by
Savita
Diabetes, Weight Loss, Thyroid, PCOS - Masters in Food & Nutrition
View Profile
Written by
Kavita Uprety
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