[krgaston]

So I'm 22 years old and every since I could remember my parents use to eat starch. As I got older I begin to crave it. My freshman year in college was the first time I craved starch, I was sitting in biology class when I had a weird taste in my mouth that I remember eating once or twice when I was young but I couldn't figure it out until I walked back to my dorm and realized that it was corn starch. I have it so bad that I sometimes go through 4 to 5 boxes in a week. I had it so bad once that I brought about five boxes or so and that all I ate for three days none stop. I have to have before dinner, sex sleep shower, work , and after sex, sleep dinner, or any meal, all the time even when I'm upset it makes me feel at peace. I've read that starch is bad for you iron. I went cold turkey for about 3 months but I slipped up and had my co-worker to buy a box and I haven't stop eating since then. I think I have inproved a lot because before I was 4 to 5 boxes a week now I'm 1 box every 3 to 6 weeks I finished a box about two days ago and I haven't ate any yet! The taste is thery but I want to stop eating...
Please help what should I do?

[ISneezeFunny]

Believe it or not... I've heard of this many times.

You may have pica:

Pica (disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

pretty much, a craving for something with no nutritive value.

Sometimes, the body tells us that we need a certain thing (dogs eat rocks to fulfill their iron deficiency)... it's bizarre, but it happens. I suggest getting a physical and get blood work done to make sure you're actually getting all your nutrients that you require. Also, since you're taking in so much corn starch, chances are, your iron supplies are depleted. It's best to see how low your iron levels are as well.

Sometimes, you'll crave something because it gave you a certain feeling at a certain time in your life, and it's brought you joy and comfort. Think back to when you first ate cornstarch, and see if you can figure out why you enjoy eating it so much, then try to "replace" this behavior with something else, like music, video games, etc.

I also recommend speaking to a counselor to see if you can rid of this addiction.

[krgaston]

Wow I never knew that there was a name

[J_9]

Yes, this is Pica, and Corn Starch is one of the most common non-foods eaten with Pica.

Eating this may cause you some electrolyte imbalances.

I, too, recommend you get some counseling for this addiction.

[N0help4u]

Having Pica can mean you are lacking some minerals like zinc so you might want to go to the doctors and ask him to check for deficiencies.

[Fr_Chuck]

I am careful in asking, ( no disrespect) do you drink on a regular basis.
I knew several people with this and they all were active drinkers
** most likely no connection but something I noticed

[N0help4u]

Try drinking a cup of hershey's cocoa (not instant) a day for a week when you crave cornstarch and see if that helps

HERSHEY'S Kitchens: Recipes: "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Hot Cocoa

[J_9]

Having Pica does not necessarily mean they are lacking in vitamins or minerals, that is an old wives tale.

My MIL used to have a girl in her class that would eat anything not nailed down, including paper, and, yes, even her own clothes.

[N0help4u]

My ex's ex had Pica and she took zinc for one week and didn't have her cravings any more unless she quit taking the zinc.
I am sure it can be other things too but if taking zinc for a week helps then that may be the problem.