When I’m really stressed, I get this weird urge to chew on rocks or other hard, gritty things. I don’t always act on it, but the craving can get surprisingly strong, especially when I’m overwhelmed or not sleeping well.
I know it sounds bizarre, and I’m a little embarrassed bringing it up. I’ve read that cravings for non-food items can sometimes be connected to pica, stress, or deficiencies like low iron, so I’m planning to mention it to a doctor instead of brushing it off. Rocks could damage my teeth or cause a blockage, which is honestly scary.
For now I’m trying to keep safer things nearby to chew, like gum or crunchy snacks, and notice when the urge shows up. Has anyone else had cravings like this during stressful periods?
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Lauren, I’m glad you’re planning to bring this up with a doctor. The connection with low iron or another deficiency is worth checking, and it’s better to know than guess.
Keeping gum or crunchy snacks available sounds sensible, especially during those overwhelmed, sleepless periods. I’d avoid anything hard enough to damage your teeth, and if you ever swallow a rock or develop pain, vomiting, or trouble passing stool, get medical advice promptly.
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Bradley, the warning about pain, vomiting, or trouble passing stool is a good one. It’s easy to think of the urge as just a stress habit and overlook the physical risk if anything gets swallowed.
I’ve found that keeping the tempting item out of reach helps more than relying on willpower when I’m tired. Do you think it would also be worth asking the doctor about checking iron levels and other deficiencies, rather than only discussing stress?