The psychiatric disorder in which a person persistently eats non-edible or non-nutritive materials is called Pica
.Dr PK Samantaray Ex PCMD,AIIMS,NEWDELHI
Description……Pica is classified as an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‑5) .
It involves the persistent consumption of non-food substances — items with no nutritional value — for at least one month, at an age where such behavior is developmentally inappropriate (typically over age 2) .
The disorder is named after the magpie bird (pica pica), known for its tendency to eat and collect a wide variety of objects .
Commonly Ingested Substances……
People with pica may consume:….
Dirt, ….soil, or …clay (geophagy)….Ice (pagophagia), …starch (amylophagy)…Chalk,… paper, …..hair, ….cloth,…. soap, or…. paint chips .
Causes and Risk Factors..
Pica can arise due to:….
a).Nutritional deficiencies — especially iron, zinc, or other minerals .
b)..Developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability .
c).Psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) .
d)…Pregnancy, psychological stress, or trauma.
Health Complications……
Depending on the substances consumed, complications can include:
Poisoning (e.g., from lead in paint chips or contaminated soil)….. Infections (from parasites in dirt or feces)….Intestinal blockages or perforations….Nutritional imbalances and anemia.
Diagnosis and Treatment….
.
Diagnosis is clinical and based on behavior meeting DSM-5 criteria. Treatment focuses on:……
1).Correcting nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc) Behavioral therapies, such as behavioral modification or habit-reversal training
2).Managing associated mental health or developmental conditions .
In summary, Pica is a mental and behavioral disorder where an individual persistently eats non-edible materials, often linked to nutritional, psychological, or developmental factors, and requires medical and psychiatric evaluation for effective management .
Fasting, when done safely and appropriately, offers a range of scientifically supported health benefits spanning metabolic, cardiovascular, mental, and even spiritual health. Its effects vary based on fasting type (e.g., intermittent, water-only, or religious fasting) and individual health status.
Metabolic and Weight Benefits….Fasting can promote weight control by reducing calorie intake and increasing fat metabolism. It lowers insulin resistance, making cells more responsive to insulin and improving blood sugar regulation—helpful for those at risk of type 2 diabetes .
Individuals practicing time-restricted eating (e.g., 16:8 fast) often lose around 0.25 kg (½ pound) per week on average .
Heart and Circulatory HealthStudies show that fasting supports cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. It also helps lower inflammatory markers that contribute to heart disease and stroke risk .
Improved metabolic function indirectly enhances heart performance and vascular flexibility.
Brain and Cognitive Function …Fasting benefits brain health through enhanced cellular repair and improved mitochondrial efficiency, which helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s .
The brain becomes more energy-efficient, possibly improving focus and mental clarity.Hormonal and Cellular Effects
Periods of fasting trigger hormonal changes—increased human growth hormone (HGH) levels aid fat burning and muscle preservation, while insulin levels drop significantly, promoting fat mobilization .
Fasting also activates autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that removes damaged components, potentially slowing aging .
Longevity and Regeneration Evidence from animal and early human studies suggests fasting may influence longevity and cell regeneration, delaying age-related diseases .
Specifically, fasting boosts stem cell regeneration in the intestines, improving recovery after inflammation or injury—but excessive regeneration may increase cancer risk in certain conditions .
Immune and Inflammatory Impact Fasting reduces oxidative stress and lowers inflammation—two key factors in aging and chronic diseases such as arthritis and cardiovascular illness .
A moderate fasting schedule can also enhance immune balance by optimizing white blood cell turnover .
Mental and Spiritual and religious fastings like EKASASHI FASTING
… abstaining from food fosters emotional discipline, empathy, and patience. It allows the digestive system to rest, increases self-control, and strengthens community and spiritual connection
Important Considerations….
While fasting has substantial benefits, it may not suit everyone. Those with chronic illnesses, underweight individuals, pregnant women, and children should consult a healthcare professional before fasting.
Overextended or unsupervised fasts may cause fatigue, irritability, or nutrient deficiencies .
In summary, fasting supports better metabolic control, heart and brain health, cellular repair, and emotional resilience. However, its success depends on fasting method, duration, and personal health status—making individualized guidance essential.
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