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Geophagia, or earth eating, is common globally and may protect against toxins, parasites, and pathogens. Pregnant women and pre-teen children are most at risk and may crave dirt. Eating earth can also be a symptom of pica disorder and has risks such as worm infestations and tooth damage.
Geophagia, or earth eating, is actually pretty common around the world, and researchers think they’ve figured out why. Consuming dirt can protect the stomach from toxins, parasites, and pathogens, leading those most at risk of toxins, parasites, and pathogens to eat it. While there are other hypotheses — some say it’s because people who eat earth are deficient in minerals, so they crave earth, or are simply hungry and would eat anything — research suggests it’s likely the protection hypothesis. That’s because most people who eat or crave dirt are in the early stages of pregnancy or are pre-teen children, both groups at high risk for parasites and pathogens.
More Geophagia Facts:
Geophagia is not just limited to developing countries. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, eating earth was associated with poor Southern Americans, who reportedly ate clay to enhance sexual performance or to facilitate childbirth.
Another reason people eat dirt is because of a disorder called pica. Those with pica have a strong desire to eat nonfood substances, including metal, paper, batteries, lip balm, or even feces.
While geophagia has its benefits, it also comes with some risks, including worm infestations, bacterial infections, potential tooth damage, and even intestinal blockages. In traditionally earth-eating societies, earth or clay is usually cooked to minimize the risk of worms or bacteria.
