Am I addicted to mint?

Question

I love mint. I particularly love the peppermint flavor and snub all the others. I eat Mentos candy practically everyday and really, seriously crave it when I don’t have any. Typically, I would prefer to eat Mentos rather than to eat food and usually do so even if I know it will ruin my appetite (I eat normally after my mint fix). I don’t eat any other candy, love fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty foods etc. My diet is normal/healthy except for this mint thing. I love the mint taste and of course, the brief crunchy action. I eat up to 3 boxes in 30 minutes and can eat up to 3 packs of 6 rolls in 2-3 hours.

Last year I had to have a blood transfusion because I was severely anemic. That cured my ice chewing but I still crave mint constantly. Whenever I can’t get Mentos I eat toothpaste and brush my teeth up to 3 times in one session to get the mint taste. I use Clearasil and Loreal Facial cleansers because they have the mint smell I like inhaling and now I want to get the Vicks shower thing so I can get more mint (I also eat Vicks sometimes).

Am I addicted to mint or is this a symptom of Iron deficiency? Are there any long-term side effects? Does any one else have this obsession with mint?

I am not pregnant. This has been going on for 3 years but is getting worse.

Answer 1

Strangely, this is a behaviour that many people are reporting today to all different sorts of edibles.

Chocolate being the most popular, but other items named are french fries, gum, certain fast food items, and soda pop, to name a few. It's known fact that pregnant women and women who are going through menopause or even menstruation go through this very behaviour. I have a buddy who is a 'gummy bear' fanatic and eats them to the tune of 2-3 100gram bags daily.

For what it's worth, I consider myself 'addicted' to Coca Cola Classic. I love the burning feeling on my throat, it soothes my gastroparesis(a condition caused by 2 types of diabetes I suffer from), and I am NEVER without it in my house.

On the other hand, I don't consider it an addiction, as I do a 'vice' or 'comfort food'. I use to be a heavy drinker, and I find that the burning aspect and the flavour of the Coke replaces my desire to drink.

So what if you're "addicted" to mentos? It's a darn site better than methamphetamine or crack! And like you say, you eat well otherwise. so the only real worry you have is the affect of the sugar in the candy, which shouldn't matter if you have a healthy diet.(Unlike myself who has rotting teeth because of my pop habit.)
But I have no intention of stopping, EVER, because I'm sure if I did that I would be back smoking cigarettes, pot, or even worse, back into the bottle. So I rarely fall below 24 cans in stock. When I tip back an ice cold glass, can, or bottle of that 'incredible medicinal elixir' that is Coke, I get satisfaction that nothing else liquid can give me the same feeling. IF, and it's a big IF, I fall short of "The Real Thing", then I can survive on PC Ginger Ale for a couple of days, but then I actually begin to suffer withdrawal symptoms!

So your 'habit' may just be replacing something else you're missing in your life and I say...SO WHAT? There's enough things to worry about in this crazy world than eating candy, wouldn't you agree? Chew on...

God Bless and thanks for reading.

Answer 2

I hae the same issue! Not quite as severe but I crave Mentos pretty much all day long. When im not eating mentos its usually tic tacs. My doctor says im very healthy so Iwouldnt be to concerned. This has caused me to hate any candy/icecream that isnt mint, espicially frutie ones!!!

Answer 3

Without a doubt you have an eating disorder. It sounds like it could be pica. The question is: how harmful is it? You need to speak with your doctor more than anyone on Yahoo.

Answer 4

Nope

Answer 5

the human body looks for way to compensate of what it needs
in your case you're lacking energy ,so that's the reason you
have that compulsion,try to have vitamins on a regular basis ,
other wise you had an obsession,

Answer 6

You can speak to your Dr. all you want but it won't get you anything but a Doctor bill.
It won't get you mint!
Which is what you really want, right?

Why don't you grow live mint and restrict yourself to THAT.
All the leaves you want
chewed very very slowly.
Let me know your results.

Answer 7

Get addicted to chocolate instead... Your life sounds like it is centered around that plant!

Answer 8

Are you pregnant? You should check that out.