Myth or Fact: Nzu (calabash chalk) is a Genuine Anti-nausea Medication

Nzu, also known as calabash chalk, is edible clay mostly found in Nigeria and other West African nations. Calabash chalk is known as "ndom" in Efik/Ibibio and "Eko" in Bini/Edo. However, most Nigerians refer to it as "Nzu" in Igbo.

Even though pregnant women typically consume Nzu to relieve their sickness. A large number of others eat it for enjoyment. This is called geophagia (eating chalk, clay, or soil).

Outside of Nigeria and Africa, calabash chalk is also eaten. In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, you may get it in ethnic stores.

Composition of Nzu (Calabash chalk)

Aluminum silicate hydroxide is the main ingredient in calabash chalk. The level of lead in it is also too high. In reality, there shouldn't be more than 1 mg/kg of lead in food, yet calabash chalk has been found to have 10 to 50 mg/kg of information.

Aluminum, organic pollutants, silicon, iron, alpha lindane, chromium, arsenic endrin, and endosulfan 11 are other ingredients in calabash chalk.

The Myth: Why Do Pregnant Women Consume Calabash Chalk?

"Women who are expecting should consume natural clay or nzu. This aids in washing the unborn child's body so that the newborn is exceptionally clean. Additionally, it prevents nausea during morning sickness."

This famous saying encourages pregnant women to consume Nzu, either moderately or in excess.

When Nzu, Calabash chalk is ingested, few women claim to have avoided nausea and vomiting typically associated with pregnancy. During pregnancy, spitting is another regular occurrence. Eating calabash chalk allegedly stopped many pregnant women from spitting.

The Fact: Why Do People Kick Against Consumption of Nzu During Pregnancy?

You might have come across testimonials either from friends/relatives, or maybe you have experienced first-hand that Nzu can help cure or reduce morning sickness or nausea. Despite all these, merely looking at the composition of Nzu (Calabash chalk), you can deduce that the benefits it gives you aren't without side effects.

So, the question shouldn't be "Can Nzu act as an anti-nausea medication?" because there are people who have used it and have testified of its anti-nausea effects. The real question should be, "Does the Anti-nausea action of Nzu work without side effects?"

Some of the side effects of consuming Nzu during pregnancy include:

1. INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION: Because the human digestive system cannot digest Nzu, it can cause blockages and intestinal twisting. Pregnant women have intense discomfort, which may need surgery to treat and save the intestines.

2. CONGENITAL BIRTH ABNORMALITIES: Consuming white chalk while pregnant might interfere with a fetus's natural growth and cause congenital disabilities.

3. BRAIN DAMAGE: White chalk, which holds a significant quantity of lead, may harm children's developing brains if taken by expectant mothers or nursing mothers.

With these possible effects, why do people still crave or consume Nzu?

The Possible Reason Behind People's Nzu Cravings

Even while the majority of individuals like taking Nzu for pleasure, other people crave it; these people are known to suffer from pica syndrome, an eating problem.

The continuous behavior of eating things that aren't food is known as the "pica syndrome." Geophagia is a type of pica syndrome that involves ingesting earth, such as Nzu.

Pica syndrome is frequently brought on by a body's lack of iron, zinc, or calcium. Anemia or iron deficiency may be to blame for pregnant women's cravings for Nzu.

It is also possible that some people are entirely ignorant about the side effects of consuming Nzu during pregnancy, thus the reason for this article.