Why do people have the urge to eat dirt?

Answer 1

There is a name for the craving of dirt or clay. It's called Pica - the craving for non-food items. The specific causes of Pica are unknown but it is widely believed to be caused by an iron deficiency. I would strongly suggest that you avoid this craving and go see your doctor to have your hemoglobin checked because you could possibly be anemic. Right now I would suggest a daily multivitamin and good nutrition, but please do not eat dirt or clay because this is going to block absorption of iron and minerals into your body. (I know this is contradictory -- Pica possibly caused by iron deficiency leading to eating clay, which in turn causes the poor absorption of iron and minerals, which causes the craving for clay....it's a vicious cycle.) However, do not run out and buy iron supplements and start taking them. Iron overdose is poisoning from an overdose of iron and is the leading cause of poisoning death in children under the age of 6. An iron overdose can be dangerous. Only your doctor can determine if you have an iron deficiency and if you need iron supplements. Again, for right now I would suggest good nutrition, a daily multivitamin, and make an appt. with your doctor to have your hemoglobin checked.

Answer 2

A number of reasons have been suggested to explain the urge to eat dirt, which is also known as geophagia. In the middle of the last century, scientists looked at diet to suggest that perhaps individuals engage in this practice to satisfy a physiological need for iron or other nutrients lacking from individuals' diets. Another explanation for the practice of eating dirt is that is a cultural practice which, in the US, had been passed on through a small number of African Americans located in the Southern United States. Anthropologists have leaned toward this conclusion, as there is evidence that the practice of dirt eating can be traced to its origins in West Africa. Indeed, some cultures in Western Africa still engage in dirt eating, particularly for women around times of pregnancy and lactation. Again, this may be caused by some instinctual physiological need. Lastly, for some, eating dirt due to cultural practices suggest that they do so for the texture and taste. Reports of dirt eating often suggest that clay is the specific type of dirt, and that it has a certain texture and sour taste.

Answer 3

That means you're probably anemic. It's when you have low levels of iron in your blood. My mom and my sister crave dirt because they are anemic. Go to the doctor about that and he will probably suggest you take some iron pills, and probably adjust your diet.

Answer 4

I was wondering the same thing actually, so I decided to look it up on Google. That's where I found an ABC news thing an it said it might be good for you, and I was like that can't be right. So read it and a lot of pregnant women eat dirt because it has minerals and they just get a craving for it. Those who aren't pregnant it says they like the earthy taste. I hope that answered your question.

Answer 5

you stupid or somthin?