No, it’s advisable not to eat paper.
As long as the paper isn’t coated with any harmful chemicals, eating paper in small amounts is usually harmless. However, consuming a lot of paper could end up in intestinal obstructions, can hinder breathing, or result in choking.
Out of curiosity or as a challenge with friends, many of us have tried eating paper. If not, at least the thought of eating paper has crossed your mind at some point. Or you might have seen toddlers chew on paper pieces when they come across it while playing.
While consuming paper isn’t normal, a lot of people are still curious about whether paper is edible. Is it safe to eat paper? What might happen in the worst case? These are some of the questions they have.
If you are among them, you have landed at the right place! Get your answers here!
Is Paper Edible?
Although paper is not poisonous in and of itself, it is not an edible item meant for human consumption. Digestive issues and intestinal blockages are some of the few health issues that eating paper can result in. More importantly, it may choke you or cause breathing difficulties.
The majority of people are unlikely to suffer serious consequences from eating small amounts of paper intentionally or unintentionally at times. It is likely to pass through their digestive tracts without causing any significant health issues. However, because the paper is made up of so many different chemical components alongside wood pulp, ingesting it in large amounts can be toxic.
Can You Eat Paper With Ink On It?
You should not consume paper with ink on it since it can be toxic for you.
Although eating paper may not be harmful, eating the ink that is frequently present on paper may. When ingested, the harmful substances found in ink can be toxic. Large amounts of ink consumption can cause stomach pain and could be fatal.
What Happens If You Eat Paper?
Intentionally consuming a lot of paper could be harmful to your health. It may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, obstructions, or even choking as the human body isn’t meant to break down and digest it.
Cellulose pulp of wood along with other organic and inorganic chemicals are used in the making of paper. The majority of these substances can be unhealthy to consume. The paper could also include harmful materials like ink, binding agents, and other ingredients that aren’t meant for human consumption. Moreover, paper often includes dioxins and other bleaching byproducts when they are bleached.
If you are experiencing intense stomach ache or having difficulty breathing after consuming paper, you should see the doctor immediately.
What Happens If You Eat Paper Often?
Regular consumption of paper might eventually result in nutritional deficiency, weight loss, and tiredness. Your digestive system can also get affected over time, which will cause greater health risks in the future.
If the paper gets obstructed in your digestive system and lasts for a long time, you can experience several symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and even fever. It’s best to see a doctor in such cases.
What To Do If You Have Accidentally Eaten Paper?
In mild cases, your only course of action after eating paper is to wait for the paper to naturally pass through your digestive system. If you swallow a small amount of paper that can be harmful to your body like printed paper, then you can try inducing vomiting using your fingers for the paper to come out.
However, if the case is severe and you need medical attention, professionals will remove the blockage or deal with other issues with surgery.
What To Do If My Baby Accidentally Eats Paper?
If your baby eats just plain paper you don’t need to worry much, he/she should just be fine. But in case the paper is coated with something toxic or other chemical components, then it’s something to worry about. You’ll need to call the doctor immediately.
Most likely the piece of paper that your baby swallowed will make its way through the baby’s digestive system if your baby isn’t choking or gagging, you don’t need to worry much. However, take your kid to the doctor right away if you see any indications of skin rashes, difficulty breathing, or behavioral changes in him/her. Some babies can experience allergic responses to the chemicals in the paper.
If you are anyhow, then you should absolutely contact a doctor.
Is Craving For Paper Normal?
No, the craving for paper isn’t normal. A disorder called Xylophagia causes people to want paper. It’s a form of pica disorder, an eating disorder that causes a hunger for non-food items like chalk, clay, and even pebbles. Just because you ate paper once or twice before doesn’t mean that you have pica disorder though.
Although this disorder can develop in adults as well, it is more prevalent in children between the ages of 1-6. It may be challenging to identify the symptoms of Xylophagia in someone since they consume regular foods with nutritional value as well. However, the majority of those who suffer from this eating disease are usually undernourished.
What Is The Difference Between Normal Paper And Edible Paper?
If you are willing to eat paper, then you can try eating edible paper instead of normal paper. Starches and sugars are used to make edible paper, which is then printed with edible food inks. You won’t have to worry about anything this way.
The idea of edible paper can be adapted in a variety of ways, they are available in different flavors and textures, like wafer paper, icing paper, rice paper, etc. You may try anyone you like.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that despite chewing and swallowing paper seems unavoidable sometimes, you should avoid it overall. If you have accidentally done it, you should feel relieved knowing that you are not in danger if you have eaten a small amount of the paper.
And, if you are worried about paper ingestion of your kids, you should keep away the paper from other food items. Also, you should inform your kids about the dangers of paper consumption to keep paper products out of their reach.