by Occasionally, chewing on an ice cube from a cold drink is usually not a problem. It may even help provide the necessary hydration, especially during hot weather.
However, frequent chewing and consumption of ice could indicate an underlying health issue and could lead to dental, mental health or nutritional difficulties.
This article discusses eating ice cubes, the possible causes of ice cravings, and the treatment options available.
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Why Am I Ice?
There are a number of reasons why you may have a craving for ice or a compulsion to eat ice.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to thirst and ice cravings, which can be because dehydration can dry out the mouth, tongue and lips.
Although sucking on an ice cube may be helpful every once in a while to rehydrate and regulate body temperature, it’s best to make sure you’re getting enough fluids in the first place. Other signs of dehydration include headaches, fatigue, and darker urine.
Nutritional Problems
Some research suggests that nutritional deficiencies may lead to ice cravings. Although there is already evidence of iron deficiency and ice chewing compulsion, experts are still studying this possible link between the intake of other nutrients and the desire to eat ice.
Studies suggest that ice craving may be the body’s attempt to increase nutrients due to zinc or calcium deficiency. These minerals are essential for overall health but may interact with iron in nutrient absorption.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron supports the production of healthy red blood cells in the body. A lack of iron causes a drop in red blood cells, known as iron deficiency anemia.
Some people with iron deficiency have sudden ice cravings that increase when iron levels are depleted. In addition to a compulsion to eat ice, other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- The whites of the eyes turned blue
Pregnancy, Menstruation, and Breastfeeding
Iron deficiency can also occur as a result of blood loss. Researchers theorize that this may be the reason why ice cravings are seen in people who are pregnant, have a menstrual cycle, or are breastfeeding.
During pregnancy and postpartum, including the breastfeeding phase, anemia is more likely to occur. Blood loss that occurs during heavy menstrual cycles may also trigger an anemic response.
Pica
Pica is a disorder caused by excessive eating of non-food items or non-nutritive substances, including ice.
When ice is involved, it is referred to as pagophagia. Eating at least a tray of ice cubes daily can lead to this unusual eating pattern, and the ice-eating episodes can worsen when they are stressed.
There is no one specific cause of pagophagia. Research suggests it may be associated with iron deficiency anemia or mental health conditions, such as depressive disorder.
Emotional Stress
Studies show that ice cravings can become uncontrollable when triggered in response to chronic or extreme stress. This may occur as part of a mental health condition, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or it may occur without a personal or family history of mental illness.
Can Eating Ice Cause Complications?
Eating ice is not necessarily considered dangerous. However, there may be difficulties.
Nutritional Problems
Other than providing some hydration, ice has no nutritional value, unlike food. This is why long-term consumption of a lot of ice instead of other foods and drinks can lead to dietary problems.
When anemia and ice-craving coincide, the body may not get enough iron (and possibly other nutrients) to function properly. When eating ice is a form of coping with stress or mental health issues, the ice may replace snacks or other nutrient-rich foods, affecting diet and overall health.
Dental and Oral Issues
While the ice is melting, chewing normally can lead to problems such as tooth damage, tooth pain and increased sensitivity to cold.
Over time, small, undetectable cracks can develop in the tooth enamel, which can lead to larger cracks or chips down the road. Ice chewing can also damage existing dental fillings or crowns by creating cracks in the same way, allowing bacteria to enter a cavity under the restoration and potentially start it.
Complications of Anemia
If ice cravings are a result of iron deficiency anemia and left untreated, complications may arise. In addition to fatigue and headaches, there is also the possibility of heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays (in children). Iron deficiency anemia can affect other underlying health conditions, making them worse or interfering with treatment.
Other Pica Complications
Complications of pica may also occur if the compulsive eating of ice is not treated. Pica disorders can lead to malnutrition, even if regular nutritious foods are also eaten.
Other serious complications include electrolyte imbalances (from dehydration), infections caused by germs that enter the body from non-food items, behavioral issues, or, in rare cases, seizures.
How to Determine the Cause of Ice Craving?
A health care provider can help diagnose the underlying condition associated with ice cravings. Experts recommend a medical appointment if your ice cravings and consumption are substantial and have lasted longer than a month.
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination will be performed. If iron deficiency anemia or another deficiency or condition is suspected, blood tests and other lab work may be ordered.
Treatment Options for Eating Ice
Some mild cases of eating ice are temporary and will resolve on their own. In other cases, treatment plans will depend on the underlying cause of the ice pain. Working with a health care provider can help avoid unwanted or severe ice eating behaviors.
People diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia may be prescribed iron supplements to help reverse the deficiency. If pica is related to a mental health condition, a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medications may be recommended.
Summary
The urge to swallow a few pieces of ice frequently is not usually a cause for concern. But if ice-chewing cravings feel compulsive or last longer than a month, experts recommend checking with a healthcare provider to determine the root cause of the issue.
Possible causes include iron deficiency anemia, nutritional imbalances, a mental health condition, and more. Treatment options such as iron supplements or behavioral speech therapy may be recommended. A dental health care provider can recommend tooth restoration if oral health is compromised.
