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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Addiction To Eating Raw Rice

Hi. I am 30 years old. I have this weird habit. I like to crunch and eat raw rice. A lot perhaps a day. I developed this habit when i was 20, so i have been eating raw rice for the past 10 years. During my pregnancy i got to know i am a talasemic carrier, and i stop the habit wondering it could effect my baby. But after delivered my son, i continued the habit. Is this habit related to to my low hb count in my blood? I wish i can stop this habit. Can you please give some tips to stop this unhealthy habit. Is this habit harmful?

                                                  
Tue, 4 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello Thanks for asking from HCM

You have habit of eating rice on compulsive basis. Eating non-edible or non-necessary substance is called as Pica. It is a psychiatric disorder seen commonly in children but in some individuals it can persist in adulthood also.

A lot of persons who have Pica show iron deficiency anaemia. The habit will not have any serious effect on health but as this is very distressing and embarrassing so you should consult a psychiatrist for treatment.

Iron and Vitamin B12 supplements are one modality of treatment to treat nutritional deficiency if any.

Fluoxetine is a SSRI drug and is commonly used in patients of PICA with good effects.

Hope this helps you, thanks
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Suggest Remedy For Addiction To Eating Raw Rice

Hello Thanks for asking from HCM You have habit of eating rice on compulsive basis. Eating non-edible or non-necessary substance is called as Pica. It is a psychiatric disorder seen commonly in children but in some individuals it can persist in adulthood also. A lot of persons who have Pica show iron deficiency anaemia. The habit will not have any serious effect on health but as this is very distressing and embarrassing so you should consult a psychiatrist for treatment. Iron and Vitamin B12 supplements are one modality of treatment to treat nutritional deficiency if any. Fluoxetine is a SSRI drug and is commonly used in patients of PICA with good effects. Hope this helps you, thanks