Tuesday 12 January 2016

My Pica, the Effect and Possible Cure

Most African cultures practice the act of eating clay known as Geophagy, a form of Pica, which is common among women and children. Particularly children at some point in time develop the habit or appetite for eating either sand, dirt, chalk, ice, soap and other unnutritious substances. However, when these habits continue even at our teenage and adulthood, we can no longer refer to these conditions as normal. Thus, the act of eating and craving for non-nutritive food is known as Pica - a Latin word for magpie, a bird known for its abnormal behaviour of eating almost anything (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pica_%28disorder%29). Pica is a disorder indicating the lack of mineral deficiency such as iron in our body. A lack of iron in the human system is what causes pica according to some researchers, who have noted that individuals with pica often eat substances which contain the mineral they are deficient in. Recently, research has revealed that clay substances namely: nzu, eko as they call it in the Urhobo, Ghana clay and Calabash chalk as shown in this link contain high quantity of lead (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2330387.stm). Despite this warning, most of us at our teenage and adulthood are still like Magpie, the bird because we devour substances that are harmful to us. Myself not have been exempted because I am a clay eater. Make no mistake, I am not here to judge anyone, rather my aim is to share my Pica story, its effect and cure, and how you can work towards overcoming yours.

    My Pica disorder began at a very young age. Then, my sister, friends and I usually go to a hospital called Maternity whenever we visited the village. This is a hospital where pregnant women are delivered of their babies. Having giving birth, the women display by their bedside, white powders and a plate full of clay, known as Nzu by the Igbo people of Nigeria. The nzu clay is eating by these women during their pregnancy to stop vomiting. Some of them quit consuming it after giving birth while others continue to crave for it. Meanwhile, anyone who visits these women in the Maternity is allowed to rob the baby's powder and to take a ball of nzu or two from the plate. This act is usually recognized as a sign of rejoicing with the mother and welcoming of the newly born baby into the world. Therefore as children, we never missed the activity of visiting the Maternity in order to collect powder and nzu whenever we were in the village From this time, my habit of licking nzu was born as it became part of my daily food and continued until I left the village for the city. I thought I would outgrow this obsession at my teenage age, but no! Instead, I found myself getting more addicted that I even have to buy it on credit, just to satisfy my cravings.  Additionally, I started eating ice and my desire rose to the extent of making ice with my tea, mixing water and milk in order to get something icy. Even though, we were told as children that nzu and ice sucks blood, hardens your stomach, blocks your womb and causes harm to the teeth, we could not stop the habit.
  
The Effects
Now, somebody might say, eating clay (nzu) cannot be that bad since it is rich in some minerals. Of course, there are several good benefits of clay. Some of them are that it detoxifies unwanted substances in the body, stops vomiting and cures acne if properly used. Notwithstanding the benefits of nzu, its side effect is detrimental to our health. So, how did it affect my health?



  •   I noticed on the long run when I started menstruating that my period is usually heavy and  painful that I am practically afraid to go out for the fear of staining my clothes.

  •  I had sore in the upper region of my mouth due to the licking of nzu since I do not chew it.

  •  If I licked as many as 5-8 balls in a day, I became tired, dizzy and weak.

  •  It was difficult to empty my bowel during visits to the smallhouse (toilet).

  •  My gums suffered constant bleeding and aching.


Possible Cure

  •  In order to stop the craving for NZU, it was necessary for me to avoid having 5-10 naira change in my bag or anywhere else. Once, you do not have any of this denomination around, the temptation to buy the substance is reduced because you would not want to risk spending a 100-500 naira note on a little round ball. At least from my point of view; I do not know about you.
  • Another strategy is to start taken Iron pills or any food rich in iron. This is a tremendous way to reduce your craving and to combat anaemia. It works so fast that in two to three weeks at a role, you would not think of nzu or any other non-nutritious substance as iron helps regulate and build your blood level.

  • I started eating foods rich in fibre. For instance, I stopped eating white bread, white rice and other cereals that were not made with whole grain, but ate more of brown bread, brown rice and any other food that is fibre packed. I also added broccoli, salad, especially baby spenat to my daily meal.

  • Eating nuts was also helpful because it helped me to stop dreaming of nzu and to concentrate on savouring its taste. 
  • I also started taken folic acid, which also enhances the blood level.

  •  Above all, it takes a strong will power to quit this habit. It is not a day's job, but you can start by reducing your daily in-take to 2 balls. I know someone would say that this is difficult to achieve, but you must know that it is not impossible. Determination and choice are the keywords to overcoming the habit and craving of Nzu if you have to quit for the betterment of your well being. If I can control this habit, you can also do it. Try some of these methods I have listed above....perhaps you will even have to do more in order to stop.
   If you have any suggestion/experience to share, please feel free to add them in the comment section or send an email to me.


    26 comments:

    1. I was addicted to Nzu from my teenage years. At 25, I had fibroids. Went for surgery at 28yrs. Didn’t stop eating Nzu. Was so addicted to it, my hubby will ransack the house each day to fish them out, seize and throw them away, even the ones I hid in the car. I used to buy them in bags. I had to start praying fervently to God for help. When I go overseas, I travel with a bagful. When I manage to stop, I will see a basketful of it in my dreams and start again. Worse of all was that I discovered the tiny salted , sandless ones which melts in my mouth that I can lick in 5 pcs mouthful at a go, drink ater and will forget food even at midnight so that Mr. man will not perceive it and confront me. Now at 40+ with no child, uterus filled with fibroids again and ovarian cyst. And date for surgical removal of my uterus. You better think twice before going close to Nzu or even uro. Nzu chalk contains lead in high amount. This has been implicated in the disruption of the biosynthesis of hemoglobin and anemia, rise in blood pressure, kidney, liver and brain damage. Another report also confirms that lead damages the liver, and lead hepatotoxicity may be through the release of free radicals.(reason for growth of fibroids). Free radicals usually cause tissue damage and cancer. Toady I am strictly on veggies, chrophyl and fruits 'cos I don't want to die. Pleassssssssse stop!!!
      Reply
    2. Thank you for sharing your experience with me and for your advice. I can imagine the stress you have been through all these years. It must be tough, but I pray that God will answer and heal you. Your experience resonates with mine. I never forget how my mother used to search the house to remove any Nzu my sister and I have hidden, during my early teenage days. Just like you, I always save the crumbs from the Nzu so I can lick it later. What a terrible habit? Nevertheless, I have stopped fantasizing and watching some pictures of it on the net. When I got married last year, I was worried about being infertile because my menstruation comes with severe pain and heavy bleeding. I visited a gynecologist and the doctor decided to perform a laparascopisk operation. They conducted a blood test and my blood count was low due to the Nzu and antibiotics, which I have taken before. I was given two pints of blood and iron shot. The operation was successful. However, the doctor could neither find anything strange in my womb, nor explain the causes for my heavy flow. This is good news because I thought that fibroid or endometriosis may have blocked my womb as a result of my consuming Nzu. To cut the story short, I feel fine and look forward to conceiving. Though, I only pray to stop seeing it in my dream.
      Please, never give up the faith because there is a God that oversees our affairs. I know you may find it difficult to believe owning to the condition, but there is no situation impossible for God to handle. I will urge you to stay positive and believe that it is not over, until it is over. Take iron tablets and continue to eat healthy; for help is on the way.
      Perhaps, the cause of fibroid is not Nzu from my perspective. Don’t you think so?
      Reply
    3. Thanks for sharing.
      Reply

      Replies







      1. Thank you for reading Oge. I hope you would invite others who are struggling with the craving to read this blog, so they can also receive inspiration. :)

    4. Thank God oo and thank u all for sharing ur experience
      Reply
    5. You're welcome and thank you for reading!
      Reply
    6. i started eating clay when i was 16 and now im 24 and still eating it,i started with clay from trees and then from there i started eating the red smooth clay and now im eating the white smooth clay.. ive tried iron tablets but they don seem to work.i juss find clay too delicious and i think about it all day everyday..i just pray that God could deliver me from this addiction.when i tell people around me they think im crazy and they will be like,how can someone get addicted to clay itz not like alcohol,drugs,cigars or anything like that, they juss don understand
      Reply
    7. Dear, I have never heard of clay from trees. What does the clay look like? How many chunks of clay do you take in a day? I do understand when you wrote that clay is delicious, and I will say; delicious is an understatement because the taste literally catapults you to another world that you cannot help but think of it like you mentioned. However, I will encourage you to please find the strength to reduce your intake because clay is unhealthy as drugs and cigarettes are, particularly if the clay is not prepared for detoxification purpose. Society recognize that the latter habits exist, but the case is different when it comes to consuming clay which many people have neither heard, seeing, nor tasted. And I think that is why some people could hardly understand why anyone should crave for it.

      Nevertheless, clay is harmful in a way that it could cause Polyp – “an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from the mucous membrane” and “from the lining of the intestine” (Wikipedia.com, www.fascrs.org). This can lead to cancer and could block the entrance to the womb and also lead to painful menstruation since Polyp could develop to different cancerous stages or nothing. The researches made have not linked clay consumption to polyp, which also causes anaemia and excessive bleeding. But, there is the possibility that clay eating affects and may be related to this condition.

      Please, do what you can to stop. I think that the iron shot, though expensive, works better than the iron tablets because that is what I was given and I have stopped craving and dreaming about clay since then. With the iron tablets, you must be consistent in taken it for 6 months, before it fully becomes effective and you should reduce carbohydrate foods because they worsen the crave. I believe that with prayer and strong determination, you can quit.




      Reply
    8. clay so delicious yet so dangerous
      Reply
    9. hy guys thank you for sharing my case is dis i started taking this nzu since i was about 10 and now i am 24 it kind of got ovarian cyst and irregular cycle as much as i would like to stop but its just that easy p tried to bring the intake down a bit like 3 balls in 2 weeks just hoping to stop soon
      Reply
    10. Thank you for writing and please try to stop because it will cause more harm than good for you.
      Reply
    11. i have been over eating clay for 8 years now am now 24 and juss found out that am pregnant,when i feel my lower tummy i feel this hard substance like clay that has been stuck in my intestines, im so scared. ive been constipated for a long time now and am scared it will affect ma pregnancy.Im now trying to quit eating clay but i feel like itz too late
      Reply
    12. I am happy that you are pregnant and I know how scary it is; knowing that one has been consuming clay. Though it is difficult to abstain from, it is never too late to quit. Please stop eating the substance because of your baby. Elements like lead and mercury if contained in the clay you consume will be harmful to your baby. As for the hard substance you feel is stuck in your intestine, I will suggest you go for scan or test to rule out any possible problem. Do not just assume that the clay might be stuck there because it might not be the case. You will be fine by ensuring that you see your obstetrician/gynaecology for proper control and advice. You ought to do this immediately for your own good and for the baby, depending on how many months you are pregnant. I will keep praying that God grant you the will power to stop and that your baby will be delivered without problem.
      Stay strong and prayerful!

      Cheers!
      Reply
    13. I started eating nzu about a year ago through my afang seller who was coming on to me��������. But that was the worst of it. I became so addicted to it. I was eating almost N2000 ( if this makes sense ) a week. And I didn't get it. And I was getting weaker. Losing weight and then the pain behind my throat began , my tonsils. But I kept on thinking it was ok to eat. As the seller told me oh don't worry it's good for u. U ll be glowing. But everytime I ate it. I felt I was doing something bad. Eventually a few weeks. I became so ill. Anyways. I'm a lot better now. Been on strong antibiotics and eventually ll start drinking ugwu for my blood levels , there were other things. But I didn't recognise myself anymore. Please ladies. You have to stop it. It is possible. What isn't good isn't good. Something you can't eat in public for all to see. Can't be right. I wish there were cleaner and more hygienic things similar To it to eat. But I doubt it's even good for pregnant women. Imagine what it could do to the child. I normally had chronic anaemia because I had. Heavy periods but I believe the nzu worsened this. I intend to win this battle by the grace of God. Good luck everyone.
      Reply

      Replies







      1. Thanks for your sharing. I resonate with all of your experiences and understand the difficulty that this habit can pose. Good to know that you have decided to quit and I know you can do with God by your side. Just be careful with antibiotics because they are also blood drainers. I took some to kill germs at some point and they drained my blood and the doctors had to give me extra blood in order to revive me. By the way, how are you doing now and is the battle to stop completely won yet?

    14. Am glad I discovered this website. I have taken Nzu for as long as I remember.

      I am more determined to quit now than ever before..
      Reply

      Replies







      1. You can and you will because you have taking a bold step, which is to quit. God will enable you to do it. Take care

    15. I thought about nzu so deeply and I found a name for it: 'Nigerian cocaine'.
      It is addictive and dangerous to health.
      I stopped taking it some years ago, but in july this year, the craving came from no where.
      I decided to stop last week. And I'm still praying; so help me God.
      But with all I've read today about it, this is the end.
      Reply

      Replies







      1. It is indeed Nigeria cocaine as you called it, highly addictive and requires God's grace in order to quit. But, am glad you are willing to stop the habit and you will with your determination and God's help. I wish you the best and hope you share your testimony with us when you have overcome. Take care!

    16. This comment has been removed by the author.
      Reply
    17. After reading this piece,i spat out the nzu that was in mouth and threw the remaining stash I had away. I hope i can pull through cos it's not the first time am doing so. To tell people i struggle with nzu addiction is absurd. They will be like,what's the big deal,why can't you stop eating sand?
      I started licking nzu as far back as 1996. Today, am still on it. The cravings won't just go away. I struggle in the toilet, my flow is extremely heavy.
      From today, so help me God,i quit.
      Reply

      Replies







      1. Dear, I feel you because people do not understand the struggle you are going through in order to quit. It is something they cannot seems to comprehend how someone will crave for mere clay or sand.
        However, your willingness to stop is what counts. Of course, it will be diffcult as you even noted that you decided to quit at some point but resumed the habit after a while. I was like that before my determination plus God's help enabled me to stop. Today, am a living witness to this respect.
        I will encourage you to keep up the faith and determination and you can make it. Please, see your doctor to help recommend a suitable iron capsule for you because it will help you a whole lot. Avoid taken nzu, blood capsules, sugery stuff, (cola) and iron capsule if you take any when you are having your period to reduce its level of flow. I noticed whilst I was still in the habit of eating nzu that these elements increase my menstrual flow. Also, if by mistake you happen to taste nzu during your abstinence, drink a lot of water and I mean a lot of water immediately you consume it to help make your visit to the whitehouse (toilet) a bit easier. May God give you the grace you need to overcome. Amen

    18. I am very happy to inform you all that I finally stopped the habit. This month will make it I year and 8 months that I quit consuming nzu. Isn't it aweson? Infact, the celebration is still under way. I have been taken iron capsule known as Niferex, folic acid, vitamins and eating whole grain foods rich in fibre as well as praying and these combinations have worked wonders. If any of you wish to buy Niferex, please, consult with your doctor before you do that because this iron capsule was recommended by my doctor. Oh, did I tell you guys that I now have a baby boy? I thank God because I thought it will never happen due to my high intake of Nzu. Nevertheless, be strong you all because if you have taking a decision to stop, then , you will overcome with God helping you. Stay blessed you all and I wish everyone the best in quitting.
      Reply
    19. The addiction is really strong don't know why....did a 30day abstinence yet went back again.....now hv been able to do 5weeks abstinence still feel d craving am not anemic even when I was taking it.now I threatened and also encourage myself against taking it...hoping by December I should hv overcomes....��
      Reply
    20. You will overcome if only you do not relent. I resonat with that strong craving you feel when you have decided to quit because I felt the same during my abstinence period. However, you will need time as the process of quitting is a gradual one. Do not be harsh on yourself if you find yourself craving or eating a ball of Nzu. This can happen but that does not mean you are not determined to quit, you are, and is on the right part to abstaining completely. Just keep up the faith and courage and God will help you curb it.

    Sunday 15 November 2015

    When your Painful Menstrual Period will Possibly Stop

    When will my painful menstrual period stop? I know many of us have asked ourselves that question before.
    I have asked myself as well, as I have written under the artilce titled My Pica, the Effect and Possible Cure that I have a painful menstrual period and it flows heavily that I am afraid to leave my house for the fear of staining my clothes. Well,  part of that story is history now and I mean the painful aspect. After I gave birth, my menstrual period returned 2 months later. However, I noticed that I no longer experience pain during my period, which implies that giving birth reduces and stops the pain.

    Do not ask me, how is it possible? I have no accurate answer but I am informing you from experience that your painful menstrual flow will possibly stop as soon as you give birth.  Some couple of  friends have related the same experience to me but I did not believe them until I withness it first hand. So, do not  go crazy about the pains because they will definitely stop when you have a baby.

    My heavy flow on the other hand has reduced but not drastically. What are my trying to say then, I am asserting that painful menstrual period will not last the whole of your life. Be encouraged because it is bound to stop at some point and that is when you call yourself a  mother. For those who are not thinking about having kids, but go through pains during their monthly period, it will stop one day and that will probably be with time and age.


    If you have experienced the same, please feel free to share your side of the story in order to encourage anyone going through pains and is thinking it will never stop.

    Saturday 20 September 2014

    Ebola Awareness and how you can prevent yourself from contacting the virus


    Ebola virus is fast spreading across West-Africa and its cure is unknown. The Ebola disease first identified in 1976 around the regions of South Sudan (former Sudan) and the Democratic Republic of Congo has recently spread to other countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria. The suspected case of Ebola virus as recorded by World Health Organisation (WHO) has risen to 2,615 with 2,427 reported dead. The deadly disease has several symptoms ranging from fever, headaches, and diarrhoea, vomiting, sore throat, and rash and muscle pains. These symptoms can be mistaken for malaria, cholera and fever. Ebola Virus can be contacted through body fluid from animals such as Bats, Chimpanzees and Gorilla and direct contact with other people’s blood, sweat, and dead bodies and contaminated medicated equipment. The symptom starts manifesting within 2 to 21 days maximum after a person has contracted the disease. It is therefore necessary for anyone experiencing any of these signs to visit the hospital for proper control. Self treatment/medication must be avoided when these symptoms are evident in order to prevent complication and further damage to one’s health.

    How to prevent Ebola virus
    There are certain measures that a person must observe in order to prevent contacting the virus. Some of them are:

    1. The importance of washing the hands with soap and water cannot be overemphasized. Washing your hands after coming home from work or arriving at the office is a vital measure to take. By doing this simple task, you will have washed off any residue that may have contaminated your hands. If you don’t have water, you can use clean sand and ash as recommended by W.H.O.

    2. Avoid contact with infected person’s bodily fluid such as sweat, blood, embalming dead bodies and if possible saliva.

    3. Hand disinfectants, including products such as detergent, bleach and bleaching powder can be used as a means of disinfectant.

    One positive aspect is that the disease is not air borne, so do not be afraid of breathing fresh air even when you think someone around you may have it. Simply avoid direct body contact with the person, don’t say it’s my mother, father, wife, husband, aunt, brother, or friend.


    Please add your own suggestion or idea on how to prevent this virus.


    Wednesday 30 April 2014

    Teach your Son/Daughter to Respect you!



    It bothers me when I hear some parents say; my son does not respect me; my daughter does not respect me! My son cannot clean after him; my daughter cannot clean after her! Wait a meet! Did you teach him/her as a young growing child age 10-12 how to do their chores, to respect people, and most importantly yourself?
    The answer is probably both No and Yes! No because you love your son/daughter so much that you feel correcting their wrong doing will hurt them. Therefore, you decided that doing the chores yourself is better because you cannot afford to see them suffer. Yes, you did, but started when you could no longer control them. It is good to love our children, but in loving them, we should be courteous of how we train them, less the love becomes our nightmare. Over-loving our children can sometimes result to neglecting our responsibility as parents. When you refuse to correct your child's disobedient and disrespect to other people, then, you must be ready to face the consequences yourself. What do I mean? I am emphasizing that by failing to admonish that wrongdoing, you are encouraging your child to disrespect you. Charity they say begins at home! What you teach your child is what he/she will represent outside. I have watched uncles, aunties, relatives and friends pamper their children like egg. That is good! You can say he is my only child and deserves love; fair enough! But, do you love him enough not to rebuke his outrageous attitude such as when he eats and abounds and piles up the dishes for you to wash? Are you doing her good by asking your househelp to wash her clothes and prepare her food when you could quickly teach her to do those things? No, you are not! You know why? It is because at the end of the day you have only done your househelp well by teaching her how to survive independently, while, you make your son/daughter a liability to his or herself.

    Thank God for the internet as the world is now computerizing. For some reasons, our 21st century parents nowadays, think that computer can teach their children respect and every other quality needed for their survival. Computer is good and can contribute to the child’s development.  However, the moral aspect of the child's upbringing is entirely your responsibility. I was thought to respect people at a very tender age, and it paid off in the long run because that is an appropriate time for children to learn manners and not at their teenage age when they begin to assume a grown up attitude. For instance, we had a househelp and for this reason, I did not learn to start cooking until my high school. Our househelp did the cooking and some other household chores. I was glad at that time that all I needed do was play or read my books. When the househelp was dismissed by my mother after completing high school, we still did not realise the importance of learning how to cook until my mother travelled for a crucial meeting and we were left with no one to cook for us. I always remembered how my sister and I cooked Ogbono soup for the first time and the soup turned out watery with plenty of oil and salt. We definitely learnt to cook the hard way.

    What then is my point? I am advocating that parents teach their children how to respect them and what they are supposed to know at an early age, irrespective of whether the househelp is there or not. It is your responsibility and not the computers.' Whatever you teach your child will surely not depart from them according to the bible (proverbs 22:6). If your child learns to respect you, he will learn to respect himself and others. So next time, before you ask your son/daughter after he finishes eating to go and sleep, just remember you will end up doing the dishes yourself and that some day they will become an adult who needs to be responsible. You do not want them to turn into mama’s boy or daddy’s girl, always running to you at the slightest chance when they should be capable of handling situations in their adult life.