What the heck is wrong with if you chew toilet paper like bubble gum and it has to be a certain name brand You don't eat it but spit it out when you are done chewing it?

Answer 1

There is a disorder called PICA in which people chew or eat non-food items. Most children taste, chew, or even eat non-food items when young, but typically they grow out of it. However, in PICA, children, teens, and even adults favor a non-food item. PICA can be related to food lacks/neglect (not having enough to eat), dietary deficiencies, or can fulfill a psychological need. However, PICA can cause severe problems since non-food items do not give vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients the body needs! PICA can also cause digestive problems, including blockages in the intestines--requiring immediate surgery. Health problems can occur even if you spit out the main chunk of paper. If the type of toilet paper has a certain taste, it may have chemicals to soften the paper, or could have perfume in it. These chemicals are being swallowed with your saliva--not good.

A child or teen should talk to a parent so the parent can take the person to a doctor for evaluation. If you're an adult, you really should speak to your doctor for testing and dietary guidance. You might try substituting hard candy, or sliced fruit-- something to suck on but that has nutrients for your body. Apple slices can be mashed with the teeth and re-chewed as much as you want to chew it. You could try harder fresh peach cut into slices, or even a cucumber slice with or without the peel (just wash it before cutting it). Cucumber slices with peel are high in nutrients and the skin can be re-chewed before swallowing.