pica: an eating disorder characterized by a craving for non-food substances
magpie: a long-tailed, black and white bird
craving: a strong feeling of need, usually related to food consumption
persist: to last a long time
psychological: related to the brain
Pica Means Magpie
Magpies are birds that will eat almost anything, whether it’s food or not. Some humanscrave substances with no nutritional value. This eating disorder is called pica. Pica is Latin for magpie. People who suffer from pica have cravings for non-food substances, such as dirt, paper, or cigarette ashes. Most children outgrow this behaviour by the time they reach school age. If pica persists, it may be related to a psychological disorder that requires the help of a mental health worker. Pregnant women may also develop pica. Their cravings may stem from a lack of certain vitamins or minerals.
