Some childhood behaviours stick with people for a very long time. This may or may not have any negative health effects. However, one habit that can be detrimental is eating chalk. Children frequently experience this problem, and occasionally even adults may eat chalk.
Although it doesn't taste particularly good, this habit can lead to a certain kind of addiction. So, eating chalk poses a severe health risk.
Why do some people feel like eating chalk?
Eating chalk is more than just a habit. It's an addiction. Addiction to eating chalk falls within the umbrella term of the condition known as pica. When a person has pica, they feel the need to eat things that are not considered to be food.
A person with pica has a compulsive disorder of consuming non-food items. Pica happens in most humans. People having pica are known to be obsessed with eating things like soil, hair, chalk and paint, with chalk being the predominantly consumed one.
Calcium carbonate, which is what chalk is essentially made of, is bad to consume even though it is not harmful.
Why specifically chalk?
People who are hungry or are insecure about their meals may be lured to eating chalk. Despite the brain knowing that chalk is not food, the body may mistakenly perceive it as one, expressing a desire or craving for it.
Some people with anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) claim that chewing on chalk is calming due to its consistency and flavour.
Effects of chalk eating on children
Children are more likely to develop a liking for chalk. Also, they consume more non-food products.
Food poisoning
The risk of food poisoning increases with increased intake of chalk. Children are more likely to consume chalk and are more susceptible to certain illnesses associated with food poisoning.
In addition to eating dirt and non-food objects like paper and ink, children who regularly consume chalk are also known to have OCD.
Digestive problems
Given that chalk is not edible, it does harm the digestive system, causing significant issues. Digestive problems are more frequent when chalk builds up in the digestive system and causes systemic disruption.
Digestion troubles result from chalk obstructing the digestive process. Pica eating can harm the organs and cause tissues to become permanently inflamed if it is not treated early.
Tooth damage or cavities
Even though a small bit of chalk can cause problems for the gums and teeth, this is because the teeth-cavity-causing elements in chalk are removed from the spaces between teeth.
Eating chalk can also mess with the body's internal organs and system. Early cavities are more common in children with addiction to eating chalk.
Causes of chalk eating
Addiction to eating chalk can have several underlying reasons, including,
Mental disorder
Pica is frequently linked to a type of mental illness. It is believed that a mental disorder fuels their compulsive desire to eat chalk constantly.
Nutritional deficiency
Chalk eating disorder also suggests a bad diet or one that is deficient in important nutrients. The absence of essential nutrients leads to a compulsive disorder, which affects both the body and the psyche.
Poverty
Poor people often become victims of pica since they are constantly in need of food, and chalk is readily available to them.
During pregnancy
Pregnant women frequently report cravings for unusual foods. Simple items like pickles and graver items like chalk and soil may be included.
Symptoms of eating chalk
Developing liking towards chalk as a snack or as a substance to consume.
Not being able to eat chalk will make the patient irritable, and how they feel will depend on how much chalk they have eaten.
There are persistent stomach aches and nausea.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
Allergy symptoms in the eyes and breathing problems brought on by eating chalk.
Treatment for chalk eating
A blood test is frequently performed to assess the nutrient loss and nutritional inadequacy in the body.
Treatment involves visiting a doctor as soon as one develops a liking for chalk or thinks of it as food.
It may be necessary to undergo endoscopic exams, x-rays and blood testing.
A consultation with a psychologist is required. To determine the cause of the disorder, get professional assistance.
If necessary, a neurologist consultation is required if the cause is determined to be a mental disorder.
If a shortage of nutrients is the cause, consult a nutritionist, create a good food plan, and adhere to it religiously.
It is vital to manage the following health issues and their symptoms before tackling the main problem because eating chalk can result in the issues stated above.
Supplements are supplied based on deficiencies. Ingesting chalk regularly can also control certain behavioural issues. To suppress the urge for eating chalk, other medication supplements are administered. Therapy and medicines are given based on the underlying illness and its severity.
Prevention
Avoid consuming chalk, and don't succumb to peer pressure.
While coming across someone who is hooked to chalk, try to help them. Inform and inspire them about the negative repercussions of eating chalk.
If there is an attraction to eating chalk, immediately increase the amount of nutrients in the diet. If the attraction persists, seek medical attention.
Remove any common pica items from the house if there are any pregnant ladies nearby.
Chalk should be kept out of children's reach in schools because even a minor mistake can cause harm or lead to severe addiction.
Visiting a psychiatrist or, if necessary, a neurologist is advisable if the cause is determined to be a mental disorder.
Risks of eating chalk
Eating chalk excessively or for a prolonged time might be bad for the health. The following conditions can result from eating chalk.
- Constipation
- Dental decay and tooth damage
- Lead poisoning
- Having trouble digesting food
- Reduced appetite
- Nutritional imbalance, especially for pregnant women.
Withdrawal symptoms of addiction to eating chalk
Each addiction experiences withdrawal symptoms. When the body tries to adjust to the new alteration, it basically acts like a machine. The symptoms are as follows,
- A strong desire to keep eating chalk.
- There is a lot of stomach pain and nausea.
- The patient may experience more frequent muscle cramps, nausea, headaches and chills.
- Bloating, lightheadedness, agitation and irritability frequently occur.
Conclusion
Since chalk is a non-food item, it is unusual to eat chalk. Although ingesting modest amounts of chalk may not be detrimental, doing so daily and in greater amounts can lead to severe health issues as well as severe harm to the internal organs and digestive system.
Chalk eating can become an addiction. So, reach out to people whom you believe are having slightly unusual eating behaviour. Even one step might save a life.
