EATING DIRT WHILE PREGNANT FREE

Animals often eat dirt or clay when they have diarrhea, stomach distress, or eat poisonous fruit.But more research is needed to support this theory. A 2011 review of geophagy in 482 people and 297 animals found evidence to suggest the main reason people eat dirt is the possible protection soil might offer against toxins.There’s very little research supporting the benefits of eating dirt for humans.

EATING DIRT WHILE PREGNANT FREE

Whatever the cause for dirt cravings during pregnancy, eating dirt can create health risks not only for you, but also the developing fetus.Įven if the dirt you eat is free of toxins and has been baked or prepared safely, it can still bind in your stomach to the nutrients you get from other sources, preventing your body from absorbing them properly. But multiple animal studies have suggested clay consumption offers protection against a range of toxins. Another theory suggests these cravings develop as an adaptive response to the way the immune system changes during pregnancy.Ĭhanges in immune system function could slightly increase your risk of being affected by toxins and foodborne illness, such as listeria. One theory links pica cravings to iron deficiencies. Experts haven’t yet discovered a clear reason why this happens. An intestinal obstruction or perforation is also possible, though these side effects are somewhat less common. ConstipationĬonstipation is a common side effect of soil consumption. Dirt that contains a lot of potassium could lead to high blood potassium, increasing your risk for cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrest. Parasites, bacteria, and heavy metalsĮating dirt can expose you to parasites, bacteria, and toxic heavy metals. In other words, eating dirt could increase risk for anemia. Some research also suggests geophagy can interfere with your ability to digest necessary nutrients, since clay in your stomach may bind to iron, zinc, and other nutrients. It’s important to talk to a doctor and have your blood checked so you can get the right nutritional supplements. AnemiaĬravings for dirt might indicate anemia, but eating dirt won’t necessarily improve your symptoms. The more dirt you eat, the more likely you’ll experience negative side effects and illness. Not being able to find or afford a specific type of soil or clay can also lead to distress.Įating dirt may not always cause harm, but it could contribute to a number of health concerns. Some may also spend money and travel significant distances to find their preferred clay or soil. Some people report finding it difficult to stop, even after they start having health problems associated with eating dirt. It could be related to foodborne illness, which is common in these climates.Ĭlay can help absorb toxins, so many support earth eating as a way of relieving stomach issues, such as food poisoning.Īlthough geophagia may not begin as a mental health concern, over time, eating dirt could come to resemble an addiction. Geophagia still occurs all over the world, though it happens most often in tropical regions. Throughout history, geophagia has been noted to occur more among pregnant women or in times of famine. Other early medical texts also mention the practice of eating earth to help stomach troubles and menstrual cramps.Įuropean medical texts from the 16th and 17th centuries mention geophagia that appeared to occur with chlorosis, or “green sickness,” a type of anemia. Hippocrates was the first to describe geophagia.

prevent or treat illness by absorbing toxins.

offer protective benefits during pregnancy.

In this instance, there’s a clear reason for eating dirt.įor example, some believe eating dirt or clay can: GeophagiaĮating dirt as part of a cultural practice, or because other people in your family or community also eat dirt, differs from pica. If getting the necessary nutrients doesn’t help, therapy can help address pica and any underlying concerns. In some cases, pica cravings may go away once you consume enough iron or other missing nutrients. Though pica isn’t fully understood, research suggests it could develop as a response to nutrient deficiencies. Pica can co-occur with conditions such as trichotillomania or schizophrenia, but it doesn’t always involve a separate mental health diagnosis. Pica usually won’t be diagnosed in children, as many children eat dirt when their young and stop on their own.

Pagophagia, persistent ice eating or cravings for ice, can also be a sign of pica. If you have pica, an eating disorder in which you crave a variety of nonfood items, you may have the urge to eat dirt. Cravings for dirt can develop for different reasons.

Eating dirt while pregnant