ice cubes

[blouen]

I think you have a bad habit chewing on ice cubes.

What does the text in bold mean?

[mykwyner]

Its meaning is literal. Some people here in America like to chew on ice. Most ice chewers chew the crushed or shaved ice that comes in fast-food sodas, although I've seen people chew the large freezer-type cubes. It's really annoying to the people around them, but the chewers don't seem to notice or care. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to permanently damage your teeth/

[blouen]

Its meaning is literal. Some people here in America like to chew on ice. Most ice chewers chew the crushed or shaved ice that comes in fast-food sodas, although I've seen people chew the large freezer-type cubes. It's really annoying to the people around them, but the chewers don't seem to notice or care. Furthermore, it is an excellent way to permanently damage your teeth/

Thanks Myk.

I wouldn't do that.

[Barb_D]

Did you know that the urge to chew ice is a main symptom of some disease? I can't remember now what it is. It could be something as simple as anemia, but while for some people, it's just an annoying habit, for others, it could be a sign of something serious!

[blouen]

Did you know that the urge to chew ice is a main symptom of some disease? I can't remember now what it is. It could be something as simple as anemia, but while for some people, it's just an annoying habit, for others, it could be a sign of something serious!

Really!?
I hope you could find out what it is. And tell me right away, someone I know may be suffering from this.

[Barb_D]

It is anemia - an iron deficiency. I looked it up just after I posted.

[blouen]

I know anemia but I never thought it is being associated with this bad habit. I wouldn't think that all those who are anemic chew on ice though.

[Barb_D]

Apparently, with anemia, it's not a "bad habit" but a compulsion. i think it was something like 30-40% of the people with anemia have this symptom. I learned that "pica" means the compulsion to eat things that are not food. The compulsion to eat ice in particular is called something specific that I don't remember. If you do this, it can't hurt to have your blood checked out.