HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How To Stop The Habit Of Eating Slate Pencils?

I get this crazy urge to eat slate pencils. I know i can control beause I bought a pack of slate pencils and resisted eating inspite of having it within my reach. But i could control for jut about ten days and i was back to square one eating them happily. Im worried in wj=hat way it will affect my health and well being. pls advise how to stop this rotten habit. tnx.
Fri, 25 Jan 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear...
The condition of getting urge to eat non-nutritive substance(like slate pencils) is called Pica.
It is usually associated with deficiency of minerals in the body..mostly Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Effects on health due to consumption of such non-nutritive substance may be in the form of infections, intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, etc. in addition to the effects caused by the deficient mineral/nutrient.
So...it will be better to get your blood test done to determine your hemoglobin levels.
Management will be directed towards correcting the deficient nutrient in the body.
Best thing is to eat a healthy diet, avoid stress, get good sleep, think positive and stay happy.
Wishing you a Healthy Life.
Take care
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

General & Family Physician Dr. Mamun Kabir's  Response
thank you.
eating of unusual things is called pica.
your family member can help you to avoid it.
try to not keep pencil with you.
if it is irresistible then consult a psychiatrist.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Anemia


Loading Online Doctors....
How To Stop The Habit Of Eating Slate Pencils?

Hello dear... The condition of getting urge to eat non-nutritive substance(like slate pencils) is called Pica. It is usually associated with deficiency of minerals in the body..mostly Iron Deficiency Anemia. Effects on health due to consumption of such non-nutritive substance may be in the form of infections, intestinal obstruction, malnutrition, etc. in addition to the effects caused by the deficient mineral/nutrient. So...it will be better to get your blood test done to determine your hemoglobin levels. Management will be directed towards correcting the deficient nutrient in the body. Best thing is to eat a healthy diet, avoid stress, get good sleep, think positive and stay happy. Wishing you a Healthy Life. Take care