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.
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