Eating non-food substances like raw rice or clay pots (kullhad) is often related to a condition called pica, which may be indicative of nutritional deficiencies or psychological issues. Addressing this through Ayurveda requires a focus on both dietary corrections and mental stability.
Begin by identifying whether there are any deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc, as these are common contributors to pica. You might want to consult with a healthcare provider for a blood test to confirm any nutritional gaps.
To clean the body and support digestion, Ayurveda suggests focusing on agni, the digestive fire. Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that can help balance digestion and act as a gentle internal cleanser. You can take Triphala powder or tablets after meals, especially in the evening before bed. Mix a half teaspoon of Triphala powder in warm water and drink it daily. Its high vitamin C content also supports immunity.
Incorporate foods that nourish and balance your doshas. Favor fresh vegetables, whole grains, lentils, and avoid processed foods. Consume more warm, cooked meals rather than raw cold foods to support agni. Including ghee can also enhance digestion and nourishment of dhatus, or bodily tissues.
Mind-body practices like yoga or pranayama (breathing exercises) can be beneficial. These practices help cultivate mindfulness and may assist in reducing urges to consume non-food items. Start with simple pranayamas like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), practicing a few minutes each morning.
Please consider addressing this with a mental health professional who might help in exploring any underlying psychological elements. Ayurvedic counseling can also offer insights, using herbs like Brahmi or Ashwagandha under guidance to enhance mental harmony.
Finally, ensure regular meals with sufficient proteins to curb cravings. This holistic approach combining dietary, herbal, and psychological interventions provides a framework for dealing with these cravings while purifying your body.
Eating non-food substances like raw rice and kullhads, known as pica, can lead to potential deficiencies and health issues, especially if it’s persisted for 4.5 years. The body might be needing something it’s not getting, causing such cravings. In Ayurveda, these cravings and habits might indicate an imbalance in your doshas, particularly vata. This can lead to disturbances in prakriti and agni, affecting digestion and absorption, possibly leading to malnutrition.
To help your body cleanse and restore balance, focus first on a diet that is nourishing and grounding. Include warm, cooked meals in your diet, emphasizing foods like rice, lentils, ghee, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots. These can help stabilize vata.
Herbal teas containing ginger, fennel, and ajwain might support digestive fire and alleviate cravings. Drink them before meals. You might also consider taking triphala powder at night with warm water to aid digestion and gently detoxify the body.
Practice abhyanga, a daily oil massage with sesame or almond oil, which is calming and grounding for vata. Follow this with a bath in warm water. Regular yoga, especially poses like child’s pose and forward bends, may help reduce stress and recalibrate your focus.
Importantly, address any nutritional deficiencies by consulting a healthcare provider who can run necessary tests. Persistent pica can sometimes be a sign of underlying conditions like anemia, which requires medical attention. If you can’t control komsumption of inedible items, you should alos see a specialist who deals with such conditions. It’s essential not to ignore these symptoms, as they might indicate deeper-rooted issues that need immediate attention.
