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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Does One Eat News Paper?

Hi Doctor, I stopped smoking 3 yrs ago on the 14th of this month after have been addicted for 28 yrs. about 1 1/2 years ago I started eating news paper the earge is so strong, I like to hold it in my mouth and then spit. The smell of the paper makes my mouth water. is n this bad for me?!!! I can t wait to get my paper in the mornings.
Mon, 22 Sep 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Eating of non-edible substances (like newspaper, in your case) is known as Pica. People with pica have an irresistable urge to eat such kind of non-edible substances, which is exactly what you are going through.

Iron-deficiency is the most common cause of Pica. Other causes can be stress or other psychiatric disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder.

So, I would advise you to consult a doctor and have a detailed evaluation, including certain blood tests to check your iron levels. Further teatment will depend on the cause identified.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Why Does One Eat News Paper?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Eating of non-edible substances (like newspaper, in your case) is known as Pica. People with pica have an irresistable urge to eat such kind of non-edible substances, which is exactly what you are going through. Iron-deficiency is the most common cause of Pica. Other causes can be stress or other psychiatric disorders like obsessive compulsive disorder. So, I would advise you to consult a doctor and have a detailed evaluation, including certain blood tests to check your iron levels. Further teatment will depend on the cause identified. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist