Ice itself is not unhealthy. Made of water, it contains no calories or fat. However, filling up on ice could get in the way of consuming foods that contain nutrients, potentially leading to malnutrition. Eating ice has been credited with weight loss, but is more strongly associated with iron deficiency anemia than dropping pounds. What's worse, ice can cause damage to your teeth.
Weight Loss
Eating ice has been touted as a way to boost weight loss while dieting. The proposed reasoning is that your body burns extra calories as it warms the ice, resulting in subsequent weight loss. This concept falls under the category of too good to be true. Digesting ice only burns a few extra calories, and it takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose one pound of body fat.
Dental Damage
Chewing on large ice chunks can lead to damage to your teeth and gums. If this is a usual practice for you, maybe as a method for cooling down during hot summer months, you might want to consider trying smaller slivers of ice that can melt easily in your mouth.
Pagophagia
Craving and eating large amounts of ice could signal a nutritional deficiency. Pica is the medical name for craving nonfood items, and pagophagia is the term specifically related to craving ice. According to the Mayo Clinic, pagophagia might be a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. The link between the two is unclear, but Dr. Ruben Mesa, a hematologist with the Mayo Clinic, indicates it might be because iron deficiency can cause tongue soreness, which ice would numb. If you feel that you have been craving or eating excessive amounts of ice, you might want to consult your doctor for evaluation.
Considerations
Eating a healthy diet is not something that is accomplished through a quick fix, such as eating ice cubes. It takes time and practice and involves a lifetime commitment to being healthier. For help planning a nutritious diet, consider speaking with a registered dietitian, who can help you plan well-balanced meals.
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