Does chewing ice help anemia?

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys crunching on ice cubes, then you might have heard some people say that chewing ice can help with anemia. But is there any truth to this claim? In this article, we’ll explore what anemia is and whether or not chewing ice can actually help alleviate its symptoms.

What Is Anemia?

Before we dive into the science of chewing ice and anemia, let’s first discuss what anemia actually is. Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This lack of oxygen can cause a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

There are several different types of anemia, each with their own causes and treatment options. Some common types include:

  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Vitamin-deficiency anemias (such as B12 deficiency)
  • Hemolytic anemias (where the body destroys its own red blood cells)

Regardless of the type of anemia you have, it’s important to work with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

The Science Behind Chewing Ice

Now that we know what anemia is all about, let’s delve into whether or not chewing ice can help alleviate its symptoms.

First off–why do some people even think this in the first place? Well, some healthcare professionals believe that because people with iron-deficient anemialack sufficient iron in their bodies [1] , they may crave non-food items like clay or dirt (a phenomenon known as pica)—and yes folks-that includes bags full [dramatic pause]….of crushed icicles!

While eating NO TYPE OF DIRT-PERIOD(Couldn’t resist) differs wildly from biting directly into cold crystals while silently blessing whoever invented air conditioners. One proposed theory about ice-chewing is that it helps stimulate blood flow to the brain- thus alleviating symptoms [2] . Another theory states that the coldness of the ice may help soothe inflammation in the mouth and throat, which can be a common symptom for anemic individuals.

So, Does It Actually Help?

Now comes the million-dollar question–does chewing ice actually help with anemia? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer here. While some people might feel like it helps alleviate their symptoms, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that this is actually the case.

In fact,people who chew massive amounts of ice for long periods of time could subject themselves to dental problems such as cracked teeth or damaged enamel [3] (Just imagine visiting your dentist only to be told that you have to forfeit all your icicle-crushing fun) Additionally, if you’re frequently craving non-food items like dirt or clay(remember earlier we discussed pica), then this could be a sign that you have an underlying nutritional deficiency–in which case it would definitely be worth checking in with a doctor.

At best, chewing on plain water-based (yes folks-make sure not to crunch down on any sweetened versions!) frozen brilliance as opposed to say indulging in bags full of dirt –worst idea ever – won’t hurt anything (except maybe your social life if someone hears those loud annoying sounds from across rooms 5 miles away…just saying).

So while it might provide temporary relief from certain symptoms,chewing vast amountsof ice isn’t goingto solveyour underlying medical issues.

Other Ways To Treat Anemia

If munching on cold cubes won’t fix anemia , what will? Here are some other ways doctors recommend treating different forms of anemia:

Iron-deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anaemiathat likely makes you want to chomp down on a bedrock isn’t your typical “just drink more water solution” (sorry iron-fortified-water) .Treatment oftentimes involves increasing the amount of iron in your diet through foods like spinach, kale, beans or by taking supplements. Eating these foods with vitamin C and A can help improve absorption of iron into the body.

Vitamin-deficiency Anemia

For a vitamin-deficiency anemia such asB12 deficiency,because due to underlying issueswith Intrinsic factor-of no fault by anyone’s own- its availability may be hampered.If so-doctor-recommended injections are usually what is needed.However-dietary changes towards consuming🟢green leafy veggies,eggs,milk,dairy products etc.can also make adifference 🤗.

Hemolytic Anemias

Hemolytic anemias occur when the body destroys red blood cells faster than it’s able to produce them.Treatmentfor this form ofanemiadepends on what’s causing it:corticosteroids for immune-related hemolysisor surgeryto removespleens thataren’tfunctioning properly(perhaps always blaming their exhaustionon anxiety before realizing something was really wrong).

Conclusion: To Chew or Not To Chew?

To sum up — while some people might believe that chewing ice can help alleviate symptoms of anemia,there is no scientific evidence supportingthis- None!( Just had to boldface…people seem to forget). While munching away at cold crystals won’t directly cause harm,itisn’tgoingtomagicallysolve anyofyour health troubles either -and as we learned earliermay even cause dental problems [3](not exactly how most people would like spending timein clinics)

So if you’re struggling with symptoms related to anemia,the best course of action is still definitely paying a visitto see awell-informedDoctor who can help identify the root cause of your anemia and provide a proper treatment plan. Chewing ice,bagfuls of dirt and what seems to be “fad-like”remedies may not work but working withyour health providers- definitely will.

References

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/chewing-ice-anemia#what-is-anemia?
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322631#Can-chewing-ice-help-with-symptoms-of-anemia?
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/chewing-cubed-or-crushed-ice/faq-20057932

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