Have you ever eaten something you weren't supposed to, whether by accident, curiosity, or some other reason? Something that wasn't meant to be eaten at all? Believe it or not, eating things that are not meant to be eaten, which can also be called non-food, on a daily basis or because of an obsession, has been diagnosed as an eating disorder called pica . The word pica in Latin translates to pie. This term was probably coined because of the bird's peculiar feeding behaviors. Magpies have no preferences for foods and/or non-foods and will eat anything they find interesting. However, humans are slightly more picky than the magpie, as they only crave a specific type of non-food when eating pica. It is unclear when pica was first recognized by the medical community as a disease, because from the 16th to the 20th centuries it was still considered a symptom rather than an individual disorder. The exact cause of pica is not known. , but there are a number of theories that could explain this type of obsession and behavior. Nutrient deficiencies like iron or zinc can trigger specific cravings, even if the elements you crave don't usually make up for the lack of minerals. Dieters sometimes try to quell their hunger by eating non-food products, which do not contain carbohydrates, fiber, fats or other elements important for a healthy diet, but which nevertheless gain a feeling of satiety . Children who live in poverty and are deprived of food will sometimes be so desperate for food that they will begin to eat whatever they can find, such as dirt and clay, which are most often found in poor areas. During pregnancy, some women may begin to crave foods, and occasionally, non-foods, but it is... middle of paper...... to cure or prevent the pica, and there is some evidence that medications for behavioral problems in children may be helpful in treating pica. In severe cases, surgery will be necessary for those who have eaten metal or lead objects, to remove these objects from the digestive tract before the materials have been absorbed into the body. These approaches to treating pica are not very effective, but a little more brain research will certainly improve current methods. In conclusion, pica, like all other disorders, may seem unimportant at first, but it will likely be seen as an important issue in the near future. Like all other disorders, all it takes is determination, time and a course of action, and the human race will once again amaze the universe with its ability to overcome even the most serious illnesses. sneaky and hardest to cure..