Even when a cold wave hits and the morning low in Seoul drops to minus 13 degrees Celsius, if you are someone who insists on drinking iced Americano no matter how cold it gets (Eoljuka), it may be worth checking if you have a specific health condition.

60% of Anemia Patients Are Addicted to Ice
Chewing Ice Feels Like Symptom Relief

Could Be a Sign of Dehydration or Dry Mouth
Ice Habit Created by Stress

According to a study by Minnesota State University in the United States, more than 60% of patients with iron deficiency anemia exhibited symptoms of ice addiction. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to produce red blood cells, resulting in hemoglobin levels lower than normal. It is known that the chills experienced when chewing ice increase the blood flow supplying oxygen to the brain, making anemia patients feel as if their symptoms are relieved. When the researchers provided iron supplements to the anemia patients, they no longer craved ice.

Another possible reason for craving ice is dehydration or dry mouth. When the body needs fluids, eating cold ice can make you feel as though your thirst is quenched more effectively.

Some experts also believe that stress, anxiety, or obsessive tendencies can lead to ice addiction. When experiencing stressful situations, the body becomes tense, blood vessels constrict, and the heart beats faster. At this time, the cold sensation can help relieve tension and provide a sense of calm, and the repetitive act of chewing may contribute to psychological stability. Therefore, those suffering from chronic stress may try to relieve psychological pressure by chewing ice.

Cold drinks cause stomach contraction
May cause abdominal pain and diarrhea

Beware of decreased oral immunity
Risk of tooth cracks and temporomandibular joint damage
Recommended to consume less than once a day

Even in the absence of any underlying diseases, the habit of eating large amounts of ice can cause digestive problems. The colder the weather, the more blood vessels constrict, and drinking cold beverages causes the gastrointestinal tract to contract rapidly. As a result, symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach cramps may occur.

Drinking iced beverages in cold weather can also weaken the mucosal immunity of the mouth and throat. This can lead to a sore throat or pharyngitis. While cold drinks do not directly cause colds, they can lower immunity, making you more susceptible to catching a cold.

Dental problems can also arise. Because ice is hard, chewing it repeatedly can cause micro-cracks in the teeth, and if you already have cavities, the cracks may spread further. Dental specialists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine emphasize that chewing ice puts excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which can lead to pain or dysfunction.

Experts advise that if you must drink iced beverages in cold weather, you should avoid consuming them on an empty stomach, limit intake to once a day, and alternate with lukewarm water.