How to Stop Craving Soil and Address the Underlying Causes

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), craving and eating non-food items like soil is a symptom of pica, an eating disorder that often stems from underlying nutritional deficiencies. This guide offers an in-depth look at how to stop craving soil by addressing both its physiological and psychological drivers.

Quick Summary

This article explores the causes and risks of craving and eating soil, a form of pica known as geophagia. It details medical evaluations, nutritional adjustments, and behavioral strategies to manage cravings and overcome this potentially harmful compulsion.

Key Points

Nutrient Deficiency Testing: A doctor can test for underlying deficiencies, such as iron or zinc, that often trigger soil cravings (geophagia).
Behavioral Techniques: Distraction, positive reinforcement, and finding alternative chewable items can help manage cravings and change habitual behavior.
Medical Consultation is Crucial: Due to the health risks, including parasitic infections and heavy metal poisoning, a healthcare professional must evaluate and guide treatment.
Risks Outweigh Benefits: Despite some folk beliefs, the dangers of eating soil—like nutrient malabsorption and intestinal blockages—far outweigh any anecdotal benefits.
Dietary Adjustments: Correcting deficiencies through supplements and improving your overall diet can resolve cravings tied to nutritional gaps.
Address Mental Health Factors: For some, geophagia is linked to stress or other mental health conditions, which a therapist can help address with coping mechanisms.

Understanding the Craving for Soil (Geophagia)

Craving soil, medically known as geophagia, is a specific form of the eating disorder pica, characterized by compulsively eating non-food substances. While the behavior may seem unusual, it is not uncommon, especially among certain populations like pregnant women and children. Acknowledging that this is a recognized health issue is the first step toward finding a solution.

Potential Causes of Geophagia

Several factors can contribute to the development of geophagia, and understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Often, it is a complex interplay of physical and psychological needs.

Nutrient Deficiencies: One of the most common causes is a deficiency in certain minerals, particularly iron (anemia) and zinc. The body, in an attempt to acquire these missing nutrients, triggers cravings for earth. Correcting these deficiencies with supplements under a doctor's supervision often resolves the craving.
Pregnancy: Pica, including geophagia, is frequently reported during pregnancy. This is likely linked to the increased nutritional demands placed on the body, which can lead to deficiencies. Some pregnant individuals may also crave the texture or find the smell appealing.
Stress and Mental Health Conditions: In some cases, eating soil can be a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or neglect. Mental health conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia can also be associated with pica.
Cultural or Environmental Factors: In some cultures, particularly in certain regions, eating clay is a socially accepted and traditional practice. It is important to distinguish culturally sanctioned behavior from the compulsive, problematic behavior defined as a disorder.

Actionable Steps to Stop Craving Soil

Stopping geophagia requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying medical and behavioral issues. Consulting a healthcare provider is the most critical first step.

Medical and Nutritional Interventions

Consult a Physician: Schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your cravings openly. Be honest about your habits to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Get Tested for Deficiencies: Your doctor will likely perform blood tests to check for iron, zinc, and other mineral deficiencies. A deficiency may be the primary driver of your cravings.
Correct Nutritional Imbalances: If a deficiency is found, your doctor will prescribe appropriate supplements. For iron deficiency, a common underlying issue, this might involve iron supplements. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and not self-medicate.
Improve Your Diet: Work with a nutritionist to create a balanced diet rich in the nutrients you may be lacking. Foods high in iron include lean meats, beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.

Behavioral and Therapeutic Strategies

Chewing Alternatives: Find safer alternatives to chew or suck on that can mimic the desired texture. Sugarless gum, hard candies, or crunchy snacks like crackers can help distract from the craving.
Distraction Techniques: When a craving strikes, engage in a distracting activity. This could be anything from calling a friend, going for a walk, or starting a new hobby. The goal is to redirect your focus until the urge subsides.
Behavioral Therapy: A therapist, particularly one experienced with eating disorders, can provide effective coping strategies and address any underlying psychological factors. Techniques like positive reinforcement, where you reward yourself for not eating soil, can be very effective.
Environmental Management: In some cases, it can help to make soil less accessible. This may involve removing indoor plants or changing outdoor habits to reduce opportunities for impulsive behavior.

Potential Health Risks of Eating Soil


Risk Factor	Description of Danger
Parasitic Infections	Ingesting soil can expose you to harmful parasites and bacteria, such as roundworms (Ascariasis), which can cause serious intestinal problems.
Heavy Metal Poisoning	Soil can be contaminated with toxic substances like lead, mercury, or arsenic. Over time, this can lead to heavy metal poisoning, causing severe health issues.
Nutrient Malabsorption	The clay content in soil can bind to nutrients like iron and zinc in your digestive tract, preventing your body from absorbing them. This can paradoxically worsen the very deficiency that caused the craving.
Dental Damage	The gritty nature of soil can wear down and damage your teeth, leading to pain and potential dental emergencies.
Gastrointestinal Issues	Eating large quantities of soil can cause severe gastrointestinal problems, including abdominal pain, constipation, and bowel obstructions.

Conclusion

Craving soil is a serious health issue that is most often linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies or psychological factors. Addressing the root cause with medical supervision is crucial for managing and overcoming geophagia safely. By combining a corrected nutritional plan with behavioral strategies and potentially therapy, individuals can successfully stop their cravings and avoid the significant health risks associated with eating soil. Open and honest communication with a healthcare provider is the most important step on the path to recovery. For further information and support, consider visiting the National Eating Disorders Association website, an authoritative source on eating disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for craving and eating soil or earth is geophagia, a specific type of the eating disorder known as pica.

Yes, eating soil is dangerous and can lead to serious health issues, including parasitic infections, heavy metal poisoning (like lead), dental damage, and bowel obstructions.

Yes, a deficiency in iron, leading to anemia, is one of the most common causes of soil cravings, particularly in pregnant women.

In many cases, especially in children and during pregnancy, pica can resolve on its own. However, if caused by a deficiency or mental health issue, it may require targeted treatment to go into remission.

Safe alternatives to chewing soil include sugarless gum, hard candies, or crunchy, nutritious snacks like crackers or nuts. The goal is to find a healthy substitute for the texture you crave.

You should be completely honest with your doctor about your cravings and habits, including what you eat and how often. This is crucial for them to conduct the right tests and form an effective treatment plan.

Yes. A doctor will typically check for nutrient deficiencies and may recommend supplements and dietary changes. A balanced diet and counseling can help manage cravings safely throughout pregnancy.