Question:
Anybody have a strange craving for chalk/gritty substances?
I am almost 6 months post op and have lost 85 lbs. As of late I have had cravings for salt, alot of salt. I seem to like to eat it straight, so I can feel the grittyness on my teeth. Lately though I have been really wanting something more gritty/chalky. When I clean with comet I find myself wanting to eat it. Please tell me somebody else out there has experienced the same thing, or am I alone on this one. Any ideas on any safe chalky foods??? — Jillisa R. (posted on September 10, 2004)
September 10, 2004
I am craving salt really bad, but not the texture of it. I am trying not
to eat salt because it keeps my blood pressure up and makes me retain
water. I am craving salt so bad that I walk to wal-greens, stand in the
chip isle and argue with myself about not eating unhealthy food.
If you really need gritty I would try GenSoy soy chips, you can cruble them
up into smaller pieces if you want. They are pretty low in calories and
they are crunchy and salty.
— Peggy Boyd
September 10, 2004
Could be a vitamin deficiency..........not sure which one but I know some
deficiencies cause people to crave things like the one that makes people
want to eat clay or crunch ice. I think it's called Pica or something like
that. I'd call the doctor if I were you. I wouldn't try to find a
"safe" food until I talked with the doctor.
— scbabe
September 10, 2004
Here is what I found on the internet when I did a search:
November 11, 2002. A: The craving for chalk is most likely related to iron
deficiency.
You probably want to get your blood levels checked.
— scbabe
September 10, 2004
Hi
I craved chalk like things and Ice as i was becoming more and more anemic.
The ice thing I did for YEARS, even as a kid. No on thought anything of it,
except maybe a bad habit.
When i was finally told i was horribly anemic, and put on iron. It all
stopped. First time in years I didnt chew ice.
Also, I do remember being newly post op and craving salt a lot.
Specifically salt covered shrimp. I ate it by the pounds. I'd get your
levels checked as soon as you can.
Hope this helps.
LaLa
LAP RNY 5-19-03
436-230-anything under 200
— Goodgirl
September 10, 2004
Hello,
I think this is called Pica. It happens during pregnancy sometimes and
sometimes just out of the blue. People crave dirt, of all things, as well
as gritty things. I wonder if it would help you to have chewable vitamins
(chalky!) and maybe even a tums now and then? I would agree to definately
get your blood levels checked.
— sueboo
September 10, 2004
I have been craving salt for the last few years. I had WLS 6 1/2 years ago
and have often wondered why, but I crave salt all the time. I really worry
about how bad it is for my health but can't seem to stop. It seems like I
went from being a sweet freak to a salt freak. One addiction to another.
It does seem like it is not only the taste but the texture as well.
— issymudd
September 10, 2004
Try PICA on Google. I seem to remember that it does have something to do
with a deficiency (vitamin). And please don't eat the comet!!
— Ali M
September 11, 2004
Congratulations onthe weight loss! Your pica cravings are most likely due
to an iron defiency. Don't go for ferrous sulfate, but aim to get the
carbonyl form or iron, ar a chelated iron for the best absorbtion.
But first, call or see your surgeon and aske to have some labs done so you
know where your vitamin and mineral levels are. It is better to be treated
by a physician than the posters !
— koogy
September 11, 2004
I have found an article during my nutrition training that will help you to
identify this problem. If you would like, please contact me privately and
I can email you the word version.
— trtorrey
September 12, 2004
Wow. These members are up on their reading and research! Sounds like
pica to me. How long has it been since you had a nice bowl of East Texas
Clay Dirt? I've seen it mainly in pregnant women from the country around
here. They are very particular about the kind of dirt they eat, too.
— DrL
September 14, 2004
I went to webmd.com and researched iron deficiency. This came up, people
also could crave paint, etc. Please do not eat comet, that could be bad
news. You need to call your doctor.
— Holly H.
September 15, 2004
i'm 17 mos out, and when my iron is low, i find myself craving salt as much
for the texture as the taste. i was diagnosed w/ anemia about 4 mos out,
and that was when the craving realy started. when i start craving salt
again, i know i need to get my iron levels checked. call your doctor.
— mellyhudel
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