What is the health trend eating dirt and is it safe?

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.

Quick Summary

This article explores the rising popularity of geophagy, or eating dirt, as a modern wellness trend. It delves into the cultural history, examines the dubious claims of benefits, and highlights the serious medical risks like heavy metal toxicity and parasitic infection that outweigh any perceived rewards.

Key Points

• Geophagy is not a safe health practice: Despite its promotion online, eating dirt exposes you to serious health risks like heavy metal poisoning and infections.

• Cravings often signal deficiencies: Cravings for non-food items like dirt are often a symptom of nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron or zinc, requiring medical diagnosis.

• Heavy metals are a major risk: Ingesting soil, even so-called 'edible clay', carries the risk of lead, arsenic, and mercury poisoning, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women.

• Parasites and bacteria are a threat: Contaminated soil can introduce harmful parasites and bacteria into your system, leading to severe infections and gastrointestinal issues.

• Clay hinders nutrient absorption: Rather than providing nutrients, the clay can bind to minerals in your digestive tract, preventing their absorption and worsening existing deficiencies.

• Regulation is lacking for 'edible' dirt: Commercial 'edible' clays sold online are not regulated for safety, meaning there is no guarantee they are free from toxins.

What is Geophagy?

Geophagy, or geophagia, is the scientific term for the deliberate craving and consumption of earth, soil, or clay. While it may seem unusual, it is a practice with historical and cultural roots spanning the globe and is also a form of the eating disorder pica, which involves eating non-food items. Historically, geophagy was sometimes linked to nutritional deficiencies, cultural practices, and therapeutic beliefs, such as treating gastrointestinal issues or relieving morning sickness during pregnancy. However, the modern trend is often driven by social media influencers who market 'edible' clays with claims of detoxification and enhanced wellness.

History and Cultural Context

The practice of geophagy has been documented for centuries, appearing in medical texts as far back as Hippocrates. It has been a known practice in many regions, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America, and the rural American South. In some cultures, clay is consumed for medicinal purposes, such as to absorb toxins or soothe stomach ailments, and is sometimes associated with spiritual or traditional practices. For many years, geophagy was widely practiced among pregnant women and young children, often in response to nutrient deficiencies, especially iron. Unfortunately, due to stigma, many people are hesitant to talk to healthcare providers about the practice, making its true prevalence difficult to track.

The Modern Trend: TikTok and 'Biodynamic Soil'

Fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, eating dirt has gained a new kind of celebrity, with vendors selling so-called "biodynamic soil" and "edible clay" online. These products are marketed with enticing descriptions of their crunch and earthy taste, and with bold, unsubstantiated claims about their health benefits. Consumers, sometimes referred to as 'crunchers', buy these products believing they will achieve outcomes ranging from improved gut health and detoxification to clearer skin and anti-aging effects.

Purported vs. Proven Benefits

Proponents of the trend claim numerous health advantages from consuming clay, but medical evidence supporting these claims is minimal or non-existent. Some theories suggest clay could bind to and remove toxins, a concept borrowed from how certain anti-diarrheal medications (like Kaopectate, which contains kaolin clay) work. Another theory suggests it can provide missing micronutrients, although it can also interfere with their absorption.

Claims vs. Scientific Reality

• Claim: Detoxification of the body by absorbing toxins. Reality: While some clays can absorb substances in a lab setting, there is little evidence this works effectively or safely in the human body, which has its own robust detoxification systems.
• Claim: Improved skin health and anti-aging properties. Reality: These claims are unsubstantiated and anecdotal. The benefits of clay are typically topical, for use in masks, not for ingestion.
• Claim: Supplements missing minerals like iron. Reality: Geophagy can actually worsen nutrient deficiencies, as the clay can bind to and prevent the absorption of essential minerals like iron and zinc.
• Claim: Soothing effect for gastrointestinal issues. Reality: While used historically for this, the risk of contaminants and potential for intestinal blockage make this a highly dangerous remedy compared to modern, regulated treatments.

Serious Health Risks of Eating Dirt

Medical experts strongly caution against eating dirt due to the high risk of serious health complications. The risks far outweigh any potential, unproven benefits.

Potential Dangers

• Heavy Metal Toxicity: Soil can contain dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, especially in industrial or mining areas. Lead poisoning is particularly risky during pregnancy, posing a threat to both mother and fetus.
• Parasitic and Bacterial Infections: Ingesting soil exposes the body to parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens that can cause severe infections and illnesses. Tetanus is a specific risk associated with soil ingestion.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: Rather than providing nutrients, the clay can interfere with the body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, leading to or worsening conditions like anemia.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Compulsive geophagy can cause constipation, intestinal blockage, and even perforation of the intestines in severe cases, which can be life-threatening.
• Other Complications: High potassium levels from some soil types can lead to heart problems. Pregnancy-related geophagy can also increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.

Geophagy Risks vs. Purported Benefits

Feature	Purported Benefits (Anecdotal)	Serious Health Risks (Medically Documented)
Toxicity	Removes toxins from the body.	Ingesting heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury).
Digestion	Relieves stomach issues like morning sickness and diarrhea.	Causes severe constipation, intestinal blockage, or perforation.
Nutrition	Provides essential minerals like iron and zinc.	Prevents absorption of vital nutrients, worsening deficiencies.
Infection	Boosts the immune system.	Introduces parasites, bacteria, and pathogens, leading to infection.
Regulation	Products are marketed as 'edible' or 'natural.'	Lack of regulation means no guarantee of purity or safety.
Overall Effect	Improves wellness and skin complexion.	Can lead to serious illness, malnutrition, or death.

A Safer Path to Wellness

If you have a craving for non-food items like dirt or clay, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. These cravings, medically known as pica, are often a symptom of underlying issues like nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron or zinc deficiency) and not a sign that your body needs soil. A doctor can perform tests to diagnose any deficiencies and recommend safe, effective treatments. A balanced diet and supplements are the proven path to correcting nutritional imbalances. For issues like digestive discomfort, there are numerous regulated and safe over-the-counter and prescription medications available.

For more information on the dangers of consuming unregulated clays and other non-food items, you can reference the Texas Department of State Health Services' resource on pica and pregnancy.

Conclusion

While the health trend eating dirt, or geophagy, has gained a dubious reputation in online wellness circles, it is a practice laden with significant, scientifically documented risks. From heavy metal poisoning and parasitic infections to potentially fatal gastrointestinal complications, the dangers far outweigh the unproven, anecdotal benefits. Experts agree that these cravings are often a sign of a deeper problem, like nutrient deficiencies, and require professional medical attention rather than a dangerous self-treatment. Prioritizing evidence-based nutrition and wellness practices is the only safe and effective way to manage health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to participate in the health trend eating dirt?

No, it is not safe. The medical risks associated with eating dirt, such as heavy metal poisoning, bacterial infections, and intestinal blockages, significantly outweigh any unproven, anecdotal claims of benefits.

What is the medical term for eating dirt?

The medical term for craving and eating dirt, soil, or clay is geophagy, which is a form of the eating disorder pica.

What causes a person to crave and eat dirt?

Cravings for dirt can stem from various factors, including nutritional deficiencies (like iron and zinc), cultural practices, pregnancy, and mental health conditions. It is not a sign that your body needs dirt, but rather that an underlying issue needs to be addressed.

Can eating dirt provide beneficial minerals to the body?

No. While proponents claim this, eating dirt can actually worsen nutrient deficiencies. The clay can bind to essential minerals like iron and zinc in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption by the body.

What are the biggest health risks of eating dirt?

The biggest health risks include heavy metal poisoning (from lead, arsenic, etc.), parasitic and bacterial infections, severe constipation, intestinal blockage, and potential harm to a fetus during pregnancy.

Are commercially sold 'edible clays' safe to eat?

No. These products are not regulated by health authorities and have no guaranteed purity. They can still contain heavy metals, bacteria, or other contaminants, making them just as risky as eating dirt from your yard.

What should I do if I am craving dirt or other non-food items?

If you experience cravings for dirt, you should consult a doctor immediately. They can help determine if an underlying nutritional deficiency is the cause and provide safe, effective treatment options.

Is pica common during pregnancy?

Yes, pica is relatively common during pregnancy. Pregnant women, in particular, may crave non-food items, including dirt and clay, possibly due to increased nutritional demands or to alleviate morning sickness.