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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Be Done For Overcoming The Craving For Soil?

Doctor, i really need help. i have a problem of eating soil, its really bad that when um craving for soil i cant eat anything, i dig at my yard to atleast get some clay to put in my tongue to ease the craving. I need someone to help me with this problem.
Sat, 14 Jun 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

Though eating of soil/ clay may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic pain in abdomen), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition.
The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like clay) is known as Pica.
It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia.

Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations.
There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations.
Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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What Could Be Done For Overcoming The Craving For Soil?

Hello dear, Though eating of soil/ clay may not cause you any acute health issue per se (except may be episodic pain in abdomen), it can be a feature of an underlying pathological condition. The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like clay) is known as Pica. It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia. Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations. There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations. Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing you a good health. Take care.