Pica: Dirt Eating or "Geophagy"
The word "Pica" (PIE-Kah) originates from the Latin word for "magpie". A magpie is a species of bird well known for feeding on whatever it finds or comes across. Pica is the craving or eating of items that are not food. There are many reasons why people eat dirt or other non food items. This practice has been described as "abnormal" and is a very misunderstood problem. To be diagnosed with Pica, a person must exhibit or show signs for at least one month. There is no specific medical test that can confirm Pica. Quite often, Pica is only seen and recognized when it results in complications that leads someone to obtain medical attention. There is no specific prevention of Pica. Individuals are encouraged to eat appropriate nutritional meals and follow healthy guidelines needed for optimum health.
Pica or geophagy, the eating of soil is widespread among many animals on every continent. Among wild animals, eating dirt seems to be a weapon in the ancient competition between plants and animals. Geophagy is an animal weapon in the struggle between plant reproduction strategy and the animal desire for food.
This page has been designed to better help you understand Pica among people. This page will outline, what it is, who it effects, the complications and the association with eating disorders.
The non food substances that may be ingested by a sufferer include:
Dirt |
Paint |
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Clay |
Plaster |
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Chalk |
Gravel |
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Cigarette Ashes |
Rocks |
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Sand |
Starch |
Above are some common non food substances however, coffee grinds, rust, hair, baking soda, glue, ice have also been known to be ingested by sufferers.
People at risk or who may have Pica include but are not limited to:
People who are pregnant
Those who have poor nutrition (malnutrition) or vitamin deficiency
Individuals who live in poverty
A family history of Pica
Mental Retardation
People who have ethnic customs or live in cultures where this is practiced.
What are the problems or complications?
There are possible complications from those who with Pica. The eating of non food substances may interfere with the body's consumption of normal nutritional food. More so, since substances such as paint chip have toxic substances in them, ingesting these things can cause lead poisoning. Complications of Pica can include, malnutrition, intestinal obstruction, intestinal infections or parasites from soil, Anemia, mercury poisoning, liver and kidney damage, constipation and abdominal problems. If an individual has Pica and experiences abdominal pain, problems with their bowels or any other discomfort and pain, they should seek prompt medical attention. While Pica can be harmless, ingestion of contaminated material could lead to death.
Lead Poisoning : Children are poisoned by exposure to lead dust from lead based paint in older homes than by any other source, usually through normal hand to mouth activity after getting lead dust on their hands and toys. Also, children can be seriously poisoned by eating lead based paint chips. Lead can be found in dust, paint, food, soil, water and in the air. Eating a healthy diet that includes iron, calcium and foods low in fat causes the body to absorb less lead.
Pica and Children
Pica is seen more in children than adults. Children between the ages of 1 to 6 years of age have been known to have Pica. Babies and children up to the age of 18 months do not get Pica as babies during this age will often put everything in their mouth which is normal. Some children with Pica have been said to be imitating a family pet (cat or dog) who they have watched eat a particular item. Appropriate supervision of children and any dangerous substances should be placed well out of their reach. Some Pica is considered harmless however, if you are concerned and would like more information you should always consult with your pediatrician or health care provider.
Pica and Pregnant Women
Pica has been very common among pregnant women. It has been said that Pica is a response to fill nutritional deficiency, such as low iron or calcium. In some parts of the United States the consuming of clay is very common and even sold in some states for consumption purposes. Some believe that the consumption of clay will prevent or help with the common problem of morning sickness. Pregnant Nigerian women have been to consume clay that is rich in calcium since calcium rich foods are not part of their dietary intake. If you are pregnant and experience Pica, you should call and see your family doctor to discuss problems that could occur to you and your unborn baby. In some cases, Pica stems from nutritional deficiencies and nutritional supplements may be given. In most cases, Pica ceased once the sufferer was treated for iron deficiency. Pica in pregnant women commonly disappears after childbirth takes place yet it has been know to occur during the post partum period.
Pica and Culture
In some cultures, Pica is a common practice and it has been estimated that clay eating is practiced as a daily ritual by over two hundred cultures worldwide. The practice is also known as "Geophagy". The eating of clay or dirt is done for a number of different reasons. It has been done for religious reasons such as ceremonies, to satisfy the needs of pregnant and even nursing mothers and as remedy for disease. Most people who eat dirt live in Central Africa and the Southern United States. I have read that some Indian groups in the Amazon will eat blocks of clay with their meat. The ancient Greeks ate clay to fight a variety of ailments. To trace cultures that practice this non-food consumption , search for information on West African populations or use a search engine with the words "Pica" or "Geophagy".
Pica and Eating Disorders
If you're wondering if Pica is some form of an eating disorde, the answer is no. While the behavior is odd and seems strange to many of us, it is not considered as disordered eating.
Pica has been seen in people who diet who have great cravings and have attempted to cease the cravings with non-food substances since they are obviously low calorie. Feelings of hunger are also relieved and/or ceased.
It is believed that it is rare for people who have Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa to have Pica. In my personal opinion, I believe it is highly likely for these conditions to co exist with each other. While it could or may be possible, I have found no literature to support this. Researchers have sought physiological reasons for the habit, including hunger or nutrient deficiencies however nothing conclusive has been determined.
Many of those who suffering from eating disorders commonly suffer from iron or other vitamin deficiencies. In cases of Anorexia where extreme starvation and malnutrition is taking place, I believe it to be highly possible that an person suffering from Anorexia would consume non food items to ease extreme hunger.
Where poor self esteem is an issue (and in most cases it is) they believe they are not deserving of "nutritional" or "healthy items". In many cases of Anorexia, a sufferer will believe they "don't deserve" or are "not worthy" of nutritional foods. When I asked this question to a professional with whom I have had contact, he said this could be a consideration. Of course, there is no research or studies to prove this.
Those who have low self esteem and poor self worth and may engage in self abusive behavior. In many ways I believe the ingestion of toxic or harmful materials could be associated with a form of self abusive behavior. If Pica is not practiced for religious or cultural ceremonial reasons, could it not be considered a form of self abusive behavior? When I asked this question to a medical professional about this, he simply answered, "It is possible".
If you have an eating disorder and have developed Pica, it is important that you seek medical attention for both of these conditions.
Books
The Clay Cure : Natural Healing from the Earth
By Ran Knishinsky - The Clay Cure is an excellent book on rare subject matter.
Mineral Licks,
Geophagy, and Biogeochemistry of North American Ungulates
By Robert Lewis Jones, Harold C. Hanson
Links Of Interest
Article "Some middle Georgians don't like to talk about 'dirty' habit" Monday, April 19, 1999