Tag: Geophagy

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica, an eating disorder that includes geophagy (eating earth), affects up to 30% of young children and can occur in pregnant women. While sometimes rooted in cultural practices, the question remains: is geophagy harmful to one's health?

Geophagy, the practice of intentionally eating earth or soil-like substances, is widespread across the globe and dates back to antiquity. One prominent and culturally significant example of a geophagy is the consumption of kaolin, commonly known as Calabar chalk in parts of West and Central Africa.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency is the world's most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities. While many people are aware of the importance of this mineral, the idea of getting it by consuming iodised soil is a severe and dangerous misconception with major health risks that must be avoided entirely.

For thousands of years across many cultures, humans have practiced geophagy, the consumption of soil or clay. The benefits of edible clay range from digestive relief to mineral supplementation, though the practice also carries significant risks that should be understood. This article delves into the potential advantages and necessary precautions of incorporating edible clays into a wellness routine.

Globally, the practice of intentionally eating dirt or clay, known as geophagy, has been documented for centuries, particularly among pregnant women and children. Despite its prevalence in some cultures, the answer to whether dirt is nutritionally beneficial for humans is a firm no.

The practice of eating clay, known as geophagy, has existed for centuries across various cultures, often linked to ritualistic or perceived health benefits. But what does clay do to your body when you eat it, and does modern medical science support this tradition?.

A 2017 South African study found that 54% of 597 pregnant individuals experienced geophagy, the practice of consuming earth. While a long-standing practice in some cultures, modern science reveals that the potential risks of consuming unregulated soil far outweigh any unsubstantiated benefits, which are often anecdotal or related to underlying medical conditions.

The deliberate consumption of soil, medically termed geophagy, is a globally documented practice, and studies indicate that it often exacerbates existing nutrient deficiencies rather than resolving them. Far from being a benign habit, understanding what are the effects of eating too much soil reveals a spectrum of serious health complications, from parasitic infections to heavy metal toxicity and dangerous intestinal blockages.

Globally, soil provides a staggering 95% of humanity's food supply, yet the question, "Does soil have nutrients for humans?" has a surprisingly nuanced answer. While soil is a reservoir of vital minerals, humans cannot absorb these nutrients directly and must rely on the intricate biological processes of plants and the food chain to make them accessible.

The practice of eating earth, known as geophagy, is documented across numerous cultures and has been observed in humans since ancient times, though modern science warns of its significant health risks. This behavior is often linked to pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, and historical medicinal beliefs.