Should these Flour Videos be Allowed?

                                                                    | Reading time: 5 mins 

Ever wondered why on average bakers have more views on social media than cooks? Well one of the reasons to consider is pica. 

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What is Pica? It is a compulsive craving that leads to eating of inedible and non-nutritive items, such as paper, chalk, wool, talcum powder, etc. The name is derived from the magpie (Pica Pica), whose consumption of miscellaneous items have even earned it the reputation of larcenist with wings in movies. Many people assume that pregnant women are most associated with this disorders, however, pica is nondiscriminatory. In fact, there isn't substantial evidence to suggest that the consumption of raw flour is more prevalent in women than in men. The decision to consume raw flour or engage in specific dietary practices can vary among individuals and is not necessarily gender nor age specific. 

This is not to infer that consuming raw flour is a common or typical manifestation of pica. It can be caused by a variety of factors, namely; 

1. Nutritional Deficiencies: 

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the common nutritional deficiencies associated with pica. The body may crave non-food substances in attempt to obtain missing nutrients or satisfy psychological pleasures. This is conversant with pregnant or fibroid suffering women, whereby there is lack of Iron in the blood. 

2. Developmental Factors: 

Pica is more common in children especially those with developmental disorders.

 

3. Psychological Factors:

Emotional stress, anxiety, or mental health disorders can contribute to pica.

4. Cultural and Environmental Factors: 

In some cultures, the consumption of specific non-food items may be considered normal or encouraged. This may be specific to traditions or beliefs, where people eat clay or soil. 

There may be more factors, but I want to focus on our topic which is "Should videos of people eating raw flours be encouraged or allowed on the internet". Now, this is not a criticism of those who create such contents, I'd say I'm more inquisitive as to why people choose to entertain others by sitting in their homes or cars and mugbang on flour, especially on cornstarch or why people will watch it. It is actually concerning, going by the logic that eating these items are mostly psychological, are and dangerous to the health, for instance - consuming raw flour can make an individual sick since it contains bacteria, E. coli, and/or Salmonella and who knows what else. 

In the videos, the flours are presented in different forms, they could be powder or brick. Sometimes,  the content creator just plays with the flour by tossing or gripping it to evoke autonomous sensory meridian responses (ASMR), which leaves the viewer stunned like a stag staring into headlights, and I suspect that many viewers watch baking videos just to get the same sensation, for example, when watching flour being poured into bowls, dashing flour in pasta making and other kinds of flour molding. There is also the brick version, constituting tightly bagged flour, baked and frozen to turn it into a brick, believe it or not these are even sold this way and shipped to several locations, and if you'd rather prepare them, there are 'Do-It-Yourself' videos of this products. These bricks may seem healthy since they are already cooked, however, eating bricks can lead to indigestion and colon blockage caused by poor nutrient absorption, and rise in blood sugar because of high carbohydrate levels, or even choking hazards. 

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Visiting channels dedicated to consuming cornstarch and flour in their raw forms may trigger the desire to eat it. Some eaters do a little dance of satisfaction while eating these products, thereby encouraging the viewers to do the same. Understandably, some viewers may watch these videos in order to cease their insatiable cravings, but isn't that like a diabetic with sweet tooth in a candy store? 

I have watched some of these videos and observed a steady weight gain of the content creators in subsequent videos, I cannot categorically conclude that this is due to the ingestion of flour, but bleached flour and cornstarch have high carbohydrate levels, therefore, if this is an attempt to gain weight, it is best to consult with a dietician before embarking on the flour fest. Some content creators claim not to swallow the flour, but ultimately this may not apply to the viewers, since habits may vary. Please note that flour manufacturing companies will not take the liability for unfortunate outcomes of feasting on their flour products raw since they have warnings on their packages, whereby one of them states that, even though their products are delicious, it should not be consumed raw. 

Again consuming raw flour can pose health risks due to potential contamination with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella. If someone has ingested raw flour and experiences symptoms of foodborne illness, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. The symptoms may include; abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and nausea.

Here are general recommendations for the treatment if someone has consumed raw flour. Since my days start with prayers, it's what I'll do first for a cure. As for you, if symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming raw flour arise, please consult a healthcare professional promptly. Medical professionals can assess the severity of symptoms and provide appropriate guidance, such as;

1. Staying Hydrated:

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte solutions, to stay hydrated. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, and maintaining fluid balance is crucial.

2.  Avoid Anti-Diarrheal Medications:

It's generally advisable to avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications without consulting a healthcare professional, as they may not be suitable for all cases.

3. Rest and Monitor the Symptoms:

Rest can help the body recover. Monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or if there are signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, or dark urine.

4. Medical Evaluation and Testing:

In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend diagnostic tests, such as stool cultures or blood tests, to identify the specific bacteria causing the illness.

5. Follow Medical Advice:

Follow the advice and treatment plan provided by the healthcare professional. This may include medications, dietary recommendations, or further medical evaluation.

It's important to note that the specific treatment may vary based on the individual's health condition, the severity of symptoms, and the presence of any underlying medical issues. Prompt medical attention is crucial, especially if there is suspicion of foodborne illness due to the consumption of raw flour. Please do yourself a favour and stay clear off eating raw flours. 

 

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