Addicted To Eating Ice Stones? Beware Of Pagophagia That Can Cause Health Problems

Illustration of eating ice cubes (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Have you ever felt like eating ice cubes? If this habit continues and you are addicted to snacking on ice cubes, then you need to be wary of, because it can be a sign of pagophagia.

Pagophagia is an impetus for eating new ices, which are often associated with certain health problems such as anemia or psychological disorders. Quoted from WebMD, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, pagophagia is included in pica eating disorders, namely the habit of eating something that is not nutritional, one of which is ice cubes.

Symptoms Of Pagophagia

One of the main symptoms of pagophagia is the habit of consuming new ice and can't stop. Not only ice cubes, some people with this condition also like eating ice sheets formed in the freezer, drinking very cold drinks, or chewing directly on ice cubes.

In addition, there are several other symptoms that must be watched out for as well. Starting from headaches, dry skin, fatigue, depression, fast heart rate, tongue disease, and poor appetite.

The Cause Of Pagophagia

There are several reasons a person experiences pagophagia, one of the most common is the lack of iron or anemia. Several studies show that anemia often has a strong urge to chew ice cubes, because the cold sensation is considered to increase vigilance and reduce fatigue.

In addition, psychological conditions can also play a role in causing a person to be exposed to pagophagia. Stress, anxiety, or even an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can make a person seek comfort through certain habits, including chewing ice cubes.

Bad Impact

Although it is often taken lightly, this pagophagia habit of eating ice cubes can have a negative impact on the health of the body. One of them is tooth damage, because ice cubes can cause sixels of teeth to erode, making teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

Pagophagia can also be a sign of the health problems of iron deficiency anemia, which must be handled. If left unchecked, this condition can cause the body to experience extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, to increase the risk of heart disease.

Digestion can also be disturbed by the habit of chewing ice cubes. Ice cubes do not have nutritional value, so the intake of nutrients needed by the body can be disrupted and ultimately affect the metabolic balance.

How To Overcome Pagophagia

To overcome this condition, first know the cause. If it is related to anemia, then check your body's iron levels and consult a doctor regarding supplements or diets to improve iron levels in the body.

This condition can also be triggered by stems, so look for ways to manage emotions properly, such as meditation to regular exercise. Reducing ice cubes can also be done by looking for healthier alternatives, such as eating frozen fruit.