Tag: Soil eating

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.

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.

According to a meta-analysis of 70 studies, approximately 28% of pregnant women worldwide exhibit pica behaviors, including the craving for dirt or clay. If you are wondering, "Why am I craving to eat mud?" you are experiencing a phenomenon with both physiological and psychological roots that warrants attention.

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 the Cleveland Clinic, pica, the eating of non-food items, is relatively common, especially in certain groups of people. Craving and consuming clay soil, specifically known as geophagia, is a type of pica and can be driven by a variety of factors, from nutritional needs to cultural practices.

Geophagia, the practice of eating earth, dates back to ancient civilizations. While historically a cultural practice, understanding which type of soil is edible is crucial, as most soil poses significant and dangerous health risks to humans.

Geophagia, the intentional practice of consuming earth or soil-like substances, is documented across many human cultures and in over 100 primate species. This tradition, however, carries significant debate regarding the perceived benefits of eating clay soil versus its serious potential dangers.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a key symptom of iron-deficiency anemia is a craving to eat non-food items, including dirt. When you crave dirt, the medical term is geophagia, a form of the eating disorder pica, which can indicate that you are lacking the mineral iron in your diet. This unusual compulsion to ingest soil is often the body's attempt to seek out missing nutrients.