Sometimes chewing on an ice cube in a cold drink is usually not a problem. It can even help provide necessary hydration, especially in hot weather.
However, frequently requesting and consuming ice may indicate an underlying health problem and potentially lead to dental, mental health, or nutritional complications.
In this article, we discuss eating ice cubes, possible causes of ice cravings, and available treatment options.
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Why Do I Want Ice?
There may be various reasons why you have a desire or compulsion to eat ice.
dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to feelings of thirst and desire for ice; This may be because dehydration can dry out the mouth, tongue, and lips.
While sucking on an ice cube can be useful to rebalance and regulate body temperature once in a while, it’s best to make sure you’re hydrated in the first place. Other symptoms of dehydration include headache, fatigue, and dark urine.
Nutrition Problems
Some research suggests that cravings for ice may be caused by nutritional deficiencies. While there is evidence of iron deficiency and the urge to chew ice, experts are still investigating the potential link between intake of other nutrients and cravings for ice.
Studies suggest that craving ice may be the body’s attempt to increase nutrients due to a lack of zinc or calcium. These minerals are essential for overall health but may interfere with iron in nutrient absorption.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron supports the production of healthy red blood cells in the body. Iron deficiency causes a decrease in red blood cells, known as iron deficiency anemia.
Some people with iron deficiency may also experience sudden cravings for ice, which intensify when iron levels become low. Besides having to eat ice, other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- burnout
- Weakness
- headaches
- Blue tint to the whites of the eyes
Pregnancy, Menstruation and Breastfeeding
Iron deficiency may also occur as a result of blood loss. Researchers theorize that this may be why people who are pregnant, on their menstrual cycle, or breastfeeding experience ice cravings.
Anemia is more likely to occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including the breastfeeding phase. Blood loss during heavy menstrual cycles can also trigger an anemic response.
Pica
Pica is a disorder that leads to excessive consumption of non-food items or non-nutritive substances, including ice.
In the case of ice, it is called: pagophagia. This abnormal eating pattern can lead to consuming at least one tray of ice cubes per day, and ice-eating episodes may worsen when stressful.
There is no specific cause for pagophagia. Research suggests it may be related to mental health problems such as iron deficiency anemia or depressive disorder.
emotional stress
Research shows that cravings for ice can become uncontrollable when triggered in response to chronic or extreme stress. This may occur as part of a mental health condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or it may occur without a personal or family history of mental illness.
Can Eating Ice Cause Complications?
Eating ice is not necessarily considered dangerous. However, it may cause complications.
Diet Issues
Unlike food, ice has no nutritional value other than providing some fluid. Therefore, consuming too much ice instead of other foods and drinks can lead to nutritional problems in the long run.
When anemia and cravings for ice come together, the body may not be getting enough iron (and potentially other nutrients) to function properly. When eating ice is a way to cope with stress or mental health issues, ice can replace nutrient-rich snacks or other foods and impact diet and overall health.
Dental and Oral Problems
Even if the ice melts, habitually chewing on it can still lead to problems such as tooth damage, toothache, and increased cold sensitivity.
Over time, small, undetectable cracks can develop in tooth enamel, leading to larger cracks or fractures. Chewing ice can also damage existing dental fillings or crowns by creating cracks, allowing bacteria to enter and potentially creating a cavity beneath the restoration.
Anemia Complications
If the desire to eat ice is due to iron deficiency anemia and is left untreated, potential complications may arise. In addition to fatigue and headaches, there is also the possibility of developing heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays (in children). Iron deficiency anemia can also affect other underlying health conditions, making them worse or interfering with treatment.
Other Pica Complications
Pica complications can also occur if compulsive ice eating is left untreated. Pica disorders can lead to malnutrition even when nutrient-packed foods are consumed regularly.
Other serious complications include electrolyte imbalances (caused by dehydration), infections caused by microbes entering the body from non-food items, behavioral problems, or, in rare cases, seizures.
How to Diagnose the Reason for Wanting Ice?
A healthcare professional can help diagnose the underlying condition associated with ice cravings. Experts recommend that you make a medical appointment if your desire and consumption of ice is excessive and lasts longer than a month.
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination will be performed. Blood tests and other laboratory studies may be ordered if iron deficiency anemia or another deficiency or condition is suspected.
Treatment Options for Eating Ice
Some mild cases of ice eating are temporary and resolve on their own. In other cases, treatment plans will depend on the underlying cause of the ice craving. Working with a healthcare professional can help you avoid unwanted or serious ice-eating behaviors.
People diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia may be prescribed iron supplements to help reverse the deficiency. If pica is associated with a mental health condition, a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medications may be recommended.
Summary
The urge to suck on a few ice cubes now and then is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the urge to chew ice feels compulsive or lasts longer than a month, experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional to determine the root cause of the problem.
Possible causes include iron deficiency anemia, nutritional imbalances, mental health condition, and more. Treatment options such as iron supplements or behavioral talk therapy may be recommended. If oral health is affected, the dentist may recommend dental restoration.