Craving Ice? Experts Reveal Why This Icy Urge May Signal Bigger Health Problems
Learn about the health concerns behind the habit and discover ways to stop chewing on ice
If you’ve eaten the ice cubes at the bottom of your drink or long for them when you need to cool down, you’re not alone. Everyone’s eaten ice at some point or another, however, craving ice constantly is a sign that bigger issues like anemia or anxiety are involved. It’s important to recognize when and why you get this craving which is why Woman’s World went straight to the nutrition experts. Keep reading to learn more about ice in regards to your health and how you can stop these hankerings.
Why have I been craving ice so much?
“Pagophagia is a condition in which people feel a need to chew or eat ice frequently,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health. “It’s not just about liking an ice cube in your drink occasionally; it involves a strong urge that’s usually associated with iron deficiency anemia, or mental differences.”
It’s also a form of pica, an eating disorder that involves eating things with no nutritional value.
Craving ice can lead to anemia
The most common meaning of craving ice is iron deficiency anemia. Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, points out that this habit may signal that your body is lacking iron or other nutrients. Chewing on ice is the body’s way of coping with the shortage.
If your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells then not enough oxygen is carried throughout your body. And without iron, red blood cells can’t be made.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include tiredness, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath, says Dr. Mohr.
Anxiety can also be why you’re craving ice
If you’re looking to keep busy or divert your thoughts throughout the day, craving ice is an easy way to do that. However, this could mean you’re feeling anxious or on edge and it’s important to understand those underlying feelings or causes.
“Sometimes, people crave ice as a way to manage stress or anxiety. The act of chewing ice might provide a soothing effect or a temporary distraction,” says Routhenstein. During stressful moments, craving ice may also act as a psychological comfort.
Chewing on ice can also cause dental issues
Ice is good when you need to stay hydrated, but that’s the only real benefit of chewing it. It has no calories, no nutritional value and can not only be a sign of anemia, but it can also damage your teeth.
“Chewing ice often could damage your teeth, strain your jaw muscles, and increase tooth sensitivity,” says Dr. Mohr.
How can you stop craving ice?
Before you try to stop craving ice, it’s important to figure out the reasons for this habit. For people with iron deficiency anemia, Dr. Mohr says increasing iron intake through diet or iron supplementation can help. Eating foods like red meat, chicken thighs or certain dried fruits can help get your iron levels back up.
Routhenstein also suggests incorporating crunchy, healthy snacks like carrots or apples into your diet. These can provide a similar sensory satisfaction without the negative effects of ice chewing.
If the anemia is more serious though, it’s important to speak with a medical professional or get bloodwork done for a clearer diagnosis.
For more ways to curb cravings:
“I’m a Dietitian and Here’s How To Stop Stubborn Food Cravings”
Weight Loss Success: “I Lost 217 lbs Using This Everyday Snack to Turn Off Cravings”
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
