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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI did not know this. People eat clay.
And, on Etsy, someone warned that the clay he sold was dug up from the ground in Georgia. Someone replied that it came in with glassy quartz bits and she didn't see how she could eat it. And then, another source sold "Edible Clay.'
But, it happens to be a thing.
Is It Harmful to Eat Dirt, and Why Do Some People Do It?
Geophagia, the practice of eating dirt, has existed all over the world throughout history. People who have pica, an eating disorder in which they crave and eat nonfood items, often consume dirt.
Some people who are anemic also eat dirt, as do some pregnant women worldwide. In fact, many pregnant women often crave dirt, possibly because of the potential protection dirt can provide against some toxins and parasites, according to research.
Although many people link geophagia to a number of health benefits, its also associated with a range of health issues. Eating dirt, especially over a long period of time, can increase risk for a number of problems, including:
parasites
heavy metal poisoning
hyperkalemia
gastrointestinal problems
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/eating-dirt
doc03
(35,425 posts)Georgia I think was poisoning her baby by eating clay. Of course Dr. Bracket figured it out.
Wounded Bear
(58,760 posts)many animals will eat it, including .
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/would-you-like-side-dirt-eating-soil/
It's not as weird as we might think. In our modern society it may be rare, but it has a history in animals and humans.
pfitz59
(10,402 posts)captain queeg
(10,275 posts)Most of the stuff Id at least heard of, but there was one item about kids chewing blacktop like gum. I dont think it was the asphalt because it also mentioned roofing. I showed it to a friend of mine who was about 10 years older and he said oh yeah, pretty common then.
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)However, I was a Canal Zone kid and I never knew anyone who did.
LastDemocratInSC
(3,655 posts)This is widely believed to be because of the practice of geophagia in some regions of the state.
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)She tried to hide it, but fortunately I knew what it was, and helped her get the help she needed.
Before the internet was what it is now, during both my pregnancies, in 1997 and 2003. I read What To Expect When Your Expecting at least 4 times.
Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)The Jungle 1
(4,552 posts)Baitball Blogger
(46,775 posts)VGNonly
(7,517 posts)increases the amount of B-12 in the body.
RFCalifornia
(440 posts)Inside reference
Harker
(14,069 posts)instead of tobacco because it was free, and nobody wanted to bum any off him.
Can't remember his name.
SeattleVet
(5,481 posts)Ewwww....
Harker
(14,069 posts)Solly Mack
(90,795 posts)Not my thing.