Ice Cravings are a Symptom of Anemia
If the photo above makes your mouth water, you may be anemic.
I know when I’m anemic when I start craving ice (drives my DH crazy). I can put away some ice. When I am anemic I crunch non- stop all day long. I even get up in the middle of the night for a cup of ice.
Every time I get a transfusion or infusion the ice cravings disappears! And the terrible fatigue disappears. I get regular blood transfusions because of my anemia problem.
Every time, without exception, my iron levels are normal the ice craving stop. I can’t even imagine why anyone would crave ice. But when I am anemic ice is my number one priority every day. It is amazing how much it influences my life– I become like a drug addict. Hunkering down under the covers chopping away on a cup of ice.
Symptoms of Anemia
Symptoms include: fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, irritability, dizziness, light headedness, poor concentration, restless legs, increased infections, chapped lips, and sometimes ice cravings.
Check Out this Health Board Thread on Ice Cravings and Anemia
It is amazing how many doctors don’t know ice cravings are a symptom of anemia.
Pregnancy
I’ve been pregnant nine times so I recognize the symptoms (I think most “quiver full” moms know this innately). I always know when my levels drop before the blood test reveals the amount because I start craving ice and naps. The difference in my energy levels is drastic.
My daughters also get anemic during every pregnancy. We joke that we know where to get the best ice in town (Sonic).
Any condition in which a person loses blood over a long period of time can cause iron-deficiency anemia. The most common cause in the USA is pregnancy and gastrointestinal bleeding. During pregnancy, a woman needs extra iron for her growing baby.
My non-pregnancy anemia (stomach bleeding) is controlled by occasional blood transfusions, monthly infusions by an oncologist, and a daily prescription pill. However, most women do not require transfusions or infusions.
NingXia Red Goji Juice
A naturally delicious, nutrient-infused wolfberry juice. Drink it in! And energize, fortify, and replenish. Watch what happens to anemic blood cells just 4 days after taking goji berries.
TIME MAGAZINE, July 2006 they called the Himalayan Goji berry the Superfruit of the year. For more information go to YoungLiving.us.
Ice Cravings
Ice craving is a condition called pagophagia, or compulsive eating of ice. This is a form of pica, a condition in which people crave and eat non-food substances like ice, chalk, paper, laundry soap, starch, hair, dirt, clay, or paint.
There are several reports linking the craving of ice to iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count as a result of an iron-deficiency). In fact, there’s even a website called “All About Chewing Ice,” which also has a support group for people with this condition.
You can be anemic and not crave ice. If you are tired and craving ice, or your child craves ice add iron rich foods in your diet. See your doctor and ask for a blood test. Only take iron supplements under a doctor’s supervision. Overloading the body with iron can be dangerous.
For more information on anemia see these handouts.
