Tag: Clay eating

According to medical experts, clay like Multani mitti is not meant for human consumption and can lead to severe health complications, despite traditional beliefs. This critical guide explains exactly why you should never follow instructions on how to use roasted Multani mitti for eating, prioritizing your health and safety.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica—the compulsion to eat non-food items—is a relatively common but often underreported eating disorder that can explain why people eat clay and chalk. While it may stem from various factors, from nutritional shortages to cultural traditions, this behavior poses significant health risks that necessitate medical attention.

The word for eating clay is geophagia, a specific form of the eating disorder known as pica. The practice is documented across many cultures and time periods, with reports dating back to ancient medical texts from Hippocrates. While sometimes linked to nutritional deficiencies like iron and zinc, it can also be influenced by cultural beliefs and mental health conditions.

The practice of eating earth, known as geophagy, is an ancient human behavior observed across various cultures and continents, with historical accounts dating back to Hippocrates around 400 BC. A specific manifestation of this is eating kaolinite, a type of white clay, which is driven by a complex mix of cultural, psychological, and physiological factors.

The practice of eating dirt, known as geophagy, has a long history rooted in various cultures, with one study showing 54% of pregnant women in South Africa engaged in the practice. While a long-standing cultural phenomenon, it has recently resurfaced as a controversial modern wellness trend, particularly on social media.

According to a 2017 study in South Africa, over half of the pregnant women surveyed experienced geophagia, the scientific term for craving and eating dirt, including clay. This strong, and sometimes compulsive, desire to eat non-food substances like clay is more common than many people realize and can be a sign of underlying health issues.

Records of the practice of eating clay, known as geophagy, date back to 2500 BC in Mesopotamia, indicating it is an ancient and widespread human behavior. The reasons behind this practice are complex and range from cultural and spiritual beliefs to perceived health benefits and nutritional deficiencies. However, modern science has shown significant health risks associated with eating clay, far outweighing any potential benefits.

In some West African and immigrant communities, calabash chalk is consumed to alleviate symptoms such as morning sickness, but modern science has revealed significant health dangers. What are the benefits of eating calabash chalk, and how do they weigh against the documented risks?

Globally, millions of people, particularly pregnant women and individuals with specific health needs, practice geophagy, the eating of earth substances like kaolin clay. Rooted in centuries-old traditions across various cultures, this behavior is a complex interplay of physiological cravings, perceived medicinal benefits, and deeply ingrained customs.

Historically, various cultures have engaged in geophagy, the practice of eating clay, for a variety of reasons, believing in the nutritional value of white clay. However, modern medical consensus indicates that consuming clay is dangerous and offers no reliable nutritional benefit, despite its mineral content.