Pagophagia
Okay, I’ve got to ask: “What’s up with Ice chewing?”
I like ice, no problem with it at all, in fact, I even like to chew ice. After I finish my drink I usually end up munching away on the ice. It is just something to do as far as I am concerned, I don’t consider it a hobby or a delicacy or anything and I am certainly not an ice conoseur or willing to go out of my way for a special type of ice (though admittedly of all of my friends I am the one most likely to make an out-of-the-way journey to some random location for a special type of ice).
Apparently though there is a rather large community of Ice-eaters, folks who are very serious about their ice, some going as far as to have special ice machines installed in their homes or willing to go to specific restaurants for specific types of ice. The Wall Street Journal just ran an article on Ice Chewing and from there I even learned about a website specifically for ice chewers (though I am not sure why this surprises me, there are websites for pretty much everything).
If there are any ice chewers out there reading this over could you explain this craze to me? Is ice you version of a low-fat snack? A quick cool down? Do you consider yourself an ice chewer? Or is just something you do and realized other people have the same obsession?
Then there are all the questions about the ice itself…
1. February 2008 at :
I always thought there were more people annoyed with ice chewing.
2. February 2008 at :
I thought ice chewing was supposed to indicate sexual frustration.
7. July 2008 at :
Hi! I was just passing by your article! And i would lyk to answer your question for you, but to understand the answer itself you have to experience it yourself!
Ice chewing is definately lyk having a snack, you see i’m addicted to crisps and its the same thing with ice. I really dont know why its so addictive, and i’m hoping you might know the answer! lol I have to admit i think i’m beginning to suffer from this disease ‘pagophagia’, it sounds crazy because i never thought it was serious at all! Do you know the effects of this disease?
9. July 2008 at :
Hi Ripa,
Pagophagia is thought to possibly be a form of Pica, an eating disorder that compels people to eat non-nutritive substances (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pica_%28disorder%29). One of the causes may be related to anemia or an iron deficiency.
Other then that brief bit of info, you might want to contact your physician to discuss this more in depth with a professional.