Eating Dirt: Why People Do It, Dangers, and Purported Benefits

Somewhere between “go outside and touch grass” and “please don’t eat the yard,” there’s a real health topic that’s been around for centuries:
people eating dirt. Yesactual soil, clay, chalky earth, or mud. Before we judge, let’s get curious (and a little cautious). For some people,
this is a culturally familiar practice. For others, it’s a powerful craving tied to pregnancy, nutrient deficiencies, stress, or a condition called
pica. And for almost everyone, it comes with risks your digestive system didn’t sign up for.

This article breaks down why people eat dirt (geophagia), what science says about any purported benefits,
and the very real dangersfrom parasites to heavy metals. If you or someone you care about craves dirt, clay, or soil,
you’ll also learn the safest next steps. (Spoiler: the best plan is usually not “taste-testing the flowerbed.”)

What Does “Eating Dirt” Mean?

The specific term for eating soil or clay is geophagia. It’s often discussed under the broader umbrella of
pica, which is a pattern of eating non-food items (like dirt, paper, ice, or starch) for at least a month in a way that isn’t
developmentally appropriate or culturally expected.

Not everyone who eats dirt has pica, and not everyone with pica eats dirt. But geophagia is one of the most common “subtypes” people talk about
because it’s easy to access and (in some communities) traditionally used.

Is this common?

It’s more common than most people thinkespecially among young children (who explore the world mouth-first), pregnant people with unusual cravings,
and individuals with certain nutritional deficiencies or developmental/mental health conditions. The reason you don’t hear about it at brunch is simple:
most people aren’t excited to announce, “I’ve been craving the driveway.”

Why People Eat Dirt

“Why would anyone do that?” is an understandable questionright up until you remember that humans also eat oysters, blue cheese,
and whatever is going on in neon-colored energy drinks. Dirt-eating usually isn’t random; it tends to fall into a few big categories.

1) Nutrient deficiencies (especially iron and zinc)

One of the strongest and most frequently discussed links is between pica behaviors and nutrient deficiencies, particularly
iron deficiency (sometimes with anemia) and zinc deficiency. Some people report cravings for specific textures
(gritty, chalky, earthy) or specific substances (clay, soil, ice). In clinical settings, providers often evaluate for deficiencies because treating them
can reduce cravings.

Important nuance: dirt isn’t a reliable multivitamin. Even if a soil sample contains minerals, the body may not absorb them well, and the risks can outweigh
any theoretical nutrition. In other words, your body may be signaling “I’m low on something,” but the solution is rarely “try a spoonful of backyard.”

2) Pregnancy cravings and nausea relief

Pregnancy is famously weird in the cravings department. (Pickles and peanut butter? Sure. Pickles and drywall? Let’s talk.)
Pica cravingsincluding dirt and claycan happen during pregnancy, and some researchers suggest people may seek clay for its
soothing, anti-nausea feel or because pregnancy can increase the likelihood of iron deficiency.

If you’re pregnant and craving dirt, clay, or starch, it’s worth telling your clinician without embarrassment. It’s a medical conversation, not a character flaw.
Plus, your provider can check iron levels and help you address cravings safely.

3) Sensory and texture seeking

Sometimes the “why” isn’t nutritional at allit’s sensory. People describe the appeal as:
gritty, crunchy, chalky, or earthy-smelling. For some, it’s a calming mouth-feel.
For others, it’s a soothing ritual. This can show up more often in children, neurodivergent individuals, or anyone under high stress.

4) Stress, anxiety, trauma, or mental health conditions

Pica is sometimes associated with mental health conditions or developmental disorders, and it can also be triggered or worsened by stress.
The behavior may function like a coping mechanismespecially if the person feels relief, grounding, or calm afterward.

This is where compassion matters. If someone is eating dirt, shaming them usually makes things worse (and quieter, which is not what you want).
A safer approach is to treat it like any other health symptom: “Let’s figure out what’s behind this and get support.”

5) Cultural, traditional, or community practices

In some regions and communities, eating certain clays is a known cultural practicesometimes used for nausea, digestion, or ceremonial reasons.
In those contexts, the behavior isn’t always considered “disordered.”

Even so, modern public health guidance still emphasizes that soil and clay can carry contaminants, and risks depend heavily on where the material comes from,
how it’s handled, and what’s in the surrounding environment.

6) Wellness trends and “detox” marketing

The internet loves a shortcutespecially one that comes in a jar labeled “detox.” Some wellness influencers promote edible clays as a way to
“pull toxins” from the body. That idea is loosely inspired by real scientific concepts (some clays can bind certain compounds),
but online hype often leaps over the most important part: contamination, nutrient interference, and dose.

If something sounds like it was invented by a marketing team during a full moon, it deserves extra skepticism. Your liver is already your detox department.
It does not need a gritty assistant.

Purported Benefits: What People Claim vs. What Evidence Suggests

People who eat dirt or clay often describe benefits in a few repeating themes. Some claims are based on plausible biology; others are more folklore than fact.
Here’s a fair, evidence-aware look.

Claim #1: “It settles my stomach”

Some clays (like kaolin-type clays) have historically been used as adsorbents to help with diarrhea or stomach upset. The idea is that the clay can
bind water or irritating substances in the gut, leading to firmer stools and less discomfort. That history helps explain why some people describe
clay as soothing during nausea or GI distress.

But: “historically used” is not the same as “safe to self-prescribe by eating soil.” OTC formulations (where available) are manufactured and monitored in ways
random dirt is not. And even then, modern clinical guidance often prefers other evidence-based treatments for acute diarrhea.

Claim #2: “It gives me minerals”

Clay and soil contain minerals, and in areas with limited food variety, people may believe soil helps replace missing nutrients.
The problem is absorption and unpredictability. The body may not absorb minerals well from soil, and some clays can actually bind nutrients
(like iron), potentially worsening deficiencies in some cases.

If a craving is driven by iron deficiency, the best route is to confirm it with labs and treat it with food and/or supplements under medical guidance
not with dirt roulette.

Claim #3: “It detoxes me”

Here’s the kernel of truth: certain purified clays have been studied for their ability to bind specific toxins in the GI tract, such as aflatoxins
(harmful compounds produced by certain molds on food). Some research has explored clay-based strategies to reduce toxin absorption in controlled settings.

Here’s the reality check: those studies focus on carefully characterized materials, specific toxins, and specific dosesnot “grab some soil and hope for the best.”
Plus, soil itself can introduce contaminants (like lead or parasites), which is the opposite of detox.

So, are there any real benefits?

The most honest answer is: there may be reasons people feel better (texture, nausea relief, ritual comfort, toxin-binding properties of some clays),
but that doesn’t make eating dirt a recommended or safe health practice. Modern medicine treats geophagia as a signal to investigate what’s going on underneath,
not as a wellness hack.

Dangers of Eating Dirt (Yes, Your Garden Has a Dark Side)

Soil is not sterile. It’s an ecosystem. A thriving, diverse, sometimes-delightful ecosystem… that includes things you absolutely do not want renting space in your body.
The risks vary based on geography, sanitation, local industrial history, pesticides, and animal exposure.

1) Parasites and infections

Eating soil can expose someone to parasite eggs and other infectious agents. Public health sources warn that consuming soil contaminated with certain parasite eggs
can lead to infection. Dirt contaminated with animal feces can also spread organisms like Toxocara (linked to toxocariasis), especially when children
play in or ingest contaminated soil.

This is one reason public health messaging emphasizes teaching children not to eat dirt and encouraging good hand hygiene after outdoor play or contact with pet waste.
If you’re thinking, “But it’s organic dirt,” the parasites did not read the label.

2) Heavy metals (lead is the headline, but not the only one)

Soil can contain heavy metals like lead due to old paint, industrial emissions, legacy leaded gasoline near roads, and other sources.
Children are especially vulnerable because of hand-to-mouth behavior and because lead affects developing brains.

Even small, repeated exposures can add up. And because you can’t “taste” lead, dirt can look harmless while carrying a serious risk.

3) Pesticides, chemicals, and other contaminants

Depending on where the soil is from, it may contain pesticide residues, herbicides, industrial pollutants, or other contaminants.
“But it’s from my backyard” doesn’t guarantee safetyespecially in older neighborhoods, near busy roads, or near former industrial sites.

4) Constipation, blockage, and gut injury

Clay and soil can cause significant constipation. In more severe situations, pica behaviors can contribute to intestinal blockage and other gastrointestinal complications.
This risk increases with larger amounts, repeated ingestion, or if the material contains small rocks or grit.

5) Dental damage

Gritty materials can be rough on teeth and gums. Chronic chewing of hard, abrasive substances can wear enamel, irritate gums, and increase sensitivity.
Your dentist already has enough going on.

6) Nutrient interference and worsening anemia

Some clays can bind nutrients in the digestive tract. That means the behavior that “feels” like it’s helping could, in certain cases, make deficiencies harder to correct.
This is especially concerning if a person is already iron deficient.

When Eating Dirt Is a Red Flag (And What to Do Next)

If you’re craving dirt, clay, chalk, or other non-food items, the safest move is to treat it like any other persistent symptom:
take it seriously and get it checked out.

Talk to a clinician if:

• The craving lasts more than a couple of weeks or feels compulsive.
• You’re pregnant (or caring for a child who does this).
• You have fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath, or other signs that could fit anemia.
• You have constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, or unexplained GI symptoms.
• You may have been exposed to contaminated soil (near old buildings, busy roads, industrial areas, or places pets defecate).

What a typical evaluation can include

Providers may ask what’s being eaten, how often, and where it’s coming from. They may also check bloodwork for anemia and nutrient levels
(like iron and zinc) and consider screening for complications depending on the situation. The point isn’t to punish the behaviorit’s to protect your health.

Safer ways to respond to the craving (without eating dirt)

• Don’t “test” it. Even small amounts can carry risk, and cravings tend to escalate when reinforced.
• Address possible deficiencies. If iron deficiency is suspected, get tested and follow a clinician’s treatment plan.
• Swap the texture safely. Some people do better with safe crunchy options (like carrots) or sugar-free gum to satisfy oral sensory needs.
• Support stress and mental health. If the craving increases during stress, therapy or coping strategies may help reduce the drive.
• Protect children with simple barriers. Close supervision during outdoor play and good handwashing reduce accidental ingestion risks.

Note: This article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical care. If someone is eating dirt regularly,
especially a child or pregnant person, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Quick Myth-Busting

“If my body craves it, it must need it.”

Cravings can be signals, but they aren’t always accurate instructions. A craving for dirt may point to iron deficiency or stress,
but the solution is to address the causesafely.

“Clay is natural, so it’s safe.”

Poison ivy is natural. So are parasites. “Natural” is not a safety certificate.

“Only kids do this.”

Children are at risk, but pica behaviors can occur in teens and adults tooespecially during pregnancy or when deficiencies are present.

Conclusion

Eating dirt (geophagia) sits at the intersection of culture, biology, and health. For some people, it’s tied to tradition or sensory comfort.
For many, it’s a clueoften pointing to iron deficiency, pregnancy-related changes, stress, or pica. While there are purported benefits
(like stomach-soothing or “detox” claims), the medical reality is that soil can carry parasites, heavy metals like lead, pesticides, and other contaminants.

If you’re craving dirt, the most helpful next step is not finding a “cleaner” patch of ground. It’s getting curious in a safer direction:
talk with a clinician, check for deficiencies, and address stressors or underlying conditions. Your body deserves solutions that don’t come with surprise microbes.

Experiences Related to Eating Dirt (A Real-World Look)

People’s experiences with eating dirt are rarely as simple as “I felt like it.” Most describe a craving that starts quietly and then takes up more mental space
than they expectedlike a pop-up ad in the brain that refuses to be closed.

One common story is the “texture quest.” Someone notices they can’t stop thinking about chalky, gritty sensations. They’re not hungry for food;
they’re hungry for a feeling. A teen might describe it as “my mouth wants something crunchy but not crunchy like chipsmore like sand.”
The craving can feel oddly specific, and when they finally give in, they describe a short-lived sense of relief. Then it comes back, sometimes stronger.
That cycleurge, relief, repeatis why clinicians take pica seriously. It behaves like a symptom that can become a habit.

Pregnancy accounts are also striking. Some people say the craving appears almost overnight: “I walked past a construction site and the smell of wet dirt
made my mouth water.” Others describe it as a nausea-management tactic: “I didn’t even want to eat dirt. I wanted the nausea to stop, and clay felt like it
settled everything for a minute.” What makes these experiences complicated is how “helpful” they can feel in the momenteven when the behavior is risky.
That’s why medical support matters. If iron deficiency is involved, treatment can reduce the craving without the hazards.

Parents often notice dirt-eating in younger kids during outdoor play. A toddler grabs a handful of soil, and before anyone can say, “No thank you,”
it’s already happening. Sometimes it’s exploratory and brief. Other times, caregivers see repetitionsneaking dirt from potted plants, licking playground dust,
or chewing on clay-like bits. Parents can feel embarrassed or alarmed, but the best response is calm and practical: prevent access, reinforce handwashing,
and mention it to a pediatricianespecially if the child also seems tired, pale, or picky with food (possible clues to iron deficiency).

Then there’s the “wellness detour” experiencesomeone who never had pica but gets pulled in by online claims. They see phrases like “binds toxins,”
“ancient remedy,” or “natural detox,” and think, “Maybe this is what my gut needs.” They try edible clay orworsesomething not meant for consumption.
A few report temporary stomach comfort (often because the substance is constipating or absorbent), but the downside shows up later: constipation, stomach pain,
or a new habit they didn’t intend to start. The biggest lesson people mention afterward is: “I didn’t realize how risky soil contamination could be.”

Across these stories, one theme repeats: cravings often have a reason. Sometimes it’s iron deficiency. Sometimes it’s stress. Sometimes it’s sensory.
The most reassuring experiences tend to be the ones where the person tells a clinician, gets checked for deficiencies, and learns that the craving is a solvable
symptomnot a weird secret they have to manage alone.