Introduction
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you ate paper? Although it might seem like a harmless and intriguing idea, paper consumption can result in a range of negative consequences for your body, mind, and the environment. This article explores the various dimensions of eating paper, including the physical and psychological effects, its cultural and historical contexts, potential health risks, and available treatments.
The Dangers of Eating Paper: What Happens to Your Body?
While eating small amounts of paper may not do significant harm to your digestive system, larger amounts can have undesirable consequences. Paper can expand in the stomach and cause blockages or indigestion, leading to discomfort and pain. Furthermore, the dyes, chemicals, and inks used in printing paper can also be toxic and harm your body.
Another important factor to consider is that paper doesn’t provide any nutritional value to your body. Ingesting non-food items can deprive you of essential nutrients, leading to nutritional deficiencies and related health problems. For example, people with pica, a disorder characterised by eating non-food items, are at risk of iron-deficiency anaemia since they have low levels of the mineral in their diet.
The Psychological Effects of Eating Paper and Why People Do It
Pica, the consumption of non-food items, can be caused by various psychological conditions such as anxiety, OCD, and developmental disorders. Eating paper can result from an urge to engage in oral fixation, self-stimulation, or a way of coping with emotional issues. It’s not a rare condition either, with a prevalence of up to 26% among pregnant women.
From Origami to Omnivore: A Brief History of Eating Paper
The consumption of paper has historical and cultural precedents across the world. In China, people have been eating edible rice paper for over a thousand years in meals such as steamed dumplings and spring rolls. In Japan, paper-folding art called origami uses washi paper, which can also be eaten as a digestive aid or in confectionery. In the US, children sometimes eat the playful candy-craft ‘Nerds®’, containing candy wrapped in an edible paper shell.
Is Eating Paper a Disorder? Diagnosing and Treating Pica
While the occasional accidental ingestion of paper is unlikely to be harmful, people with pica can have a severe compulsion to eat non-food items. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) defines pica as a disorder when eating non-food items persists for more than one month in an individual over the age of two. If you or someone you know is experiencing pica, seeking professional help is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment can involve a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medication, or dietary intervention.
The Environmental Costs of Eating Paper: Should You Be Doing It?
Eating paper not only affects your body but also has environmental costs. The production of paper products can be resource-intensive and generate significant carbon emissions. Furthermore, some types of paper, such as receipts, contain harmful chemicals such as BPA and BPS, which can pose health hazards if ingested regularly. Therefore, practicing sustainable alternatives to using or consuming paper products is necessary to mitigate environmental and human health risks.
What To Do If You Accidentally Eat Paper and How To Avoid Future Mishaps
You may accidentally ingest paper through food, drink, or subconsciously putting paper in your mouth. However, in the case of accidental ingestion, it’s important to observe any symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Prevention is key to avoid future accidents, and some steps you can take include storing paper products out of reach, avoiding playing with or chewing on paper, and choosing alternatives to paper products where possible.
Conclusion
Overall, the fascination with paper consumption might seem like a harmless curiosity, but it can lead to a range of negative effects on your body, mind, and the environment. Eating paper may be a symptom of pica, a disorder that requires professional treatment. Practicing sustainable alternatives to using paper products is crucial to mitigate environmental and health risks. Take action and prioritize your health and the planet by avoiding paper consumption and seeking help if needed.
