Dill Pickle Craving
Q: I am 80 years old and have been craving dill pickles for the past 3 months. Why is this? I hope I will be a lucky one and you find this worthwhile to answer.
A: Questions are always worthwhile even if it may not be obvious on the surface. You may be surprised to know that there is a medical term for food cravings-- pica. People who have iron-deficiency anemia may have cravings for food and even nonfood items, such as clay or dirt. I had one patient who ate 4 to 5 trays of ice a day! Food pica usually involves crunchy foods, like pretzels, peanuts, hard candy, etc. Pica occurs most commonly in young children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic kidney disease. Since you obviously don't fit the first two categories, you probably should see a doctor. Your craving is probably not a sign of disease, but it won't hurt to be certain.
Article Created: 1998-07-23
Article Updated: 1998-07-31
"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
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