Tag: Craving clay

Studies have shown that geophagia, the craving and eating of earth or clay, has been practiced across cultures for centuries. Understanding what causes a person to crave clay requires looking beyond a simple explanation and exploring a range of medical, psychological, and environmental factors.

According to research, human geophagy—the practice of eating earth, soil, or clay—has been documented since at least the time of Hippocrates. A strong, persistent desire to eat clay is a specific form of pica, a compulsive eating disorder where a person ingests non-food items. Often linked to nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, or certain mental health conditions, this craving, while potentially rooted in ancient practice, carries modern-day health risks.

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.

Research has shown that the intense urge to eat non-food substances like chalk and clay is a condition known as pica, which is often a symptom of underlying nutritional deficiencies. If you are asking, "Why am I craving chalk and clay?", your body may be signaling a significant issue that needs attention.

According to a 2025 study in the *International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity*, geophagia is strongly associated with lower iron and folate levels in pregnant women. This unusual eating behavior is a form of pica, a condition where a nutrient deficiency causes craving for clay and other non-food items.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica, the compulsive eating of non-food items like clay, is a mental health condition that can be associated with nutritional deficiencies like low iron or zinc. Knowing what to eat when you're craving clay and seeking medical advice is crucial for addressing the underlying cause safely. Instead of risking heavy metal poisoning or intestinal damage, there are healthy alternatives that can satisfy specific cravings for certain textures or minerals.