Geophagy

What is geophagy?

Geophagy is known mostly as a practice of eating earthy substances such as dirt of clay. This is often due to mineral deficiency in the individuals diet thus a compulsion to consume earthy substances is brought about. Geophagy is also a form of Pica disorder but ingestion of non food substances is only from the earth.

Who suffers from Geophagy?

Like pica disorder, Geophagy is diagnosed most commonly in children and pregnant women. For children, geophagy is diagnosed when ingesting soil substances is past the stage considered appropriate in development, thus geophagy is diagnosed in children over the age of two. Geophagy is more common in rural or pre-industrial areas; however it does have some existence across all races and social classes. Some studies have also investigated a link between geophagy and negative emotions such as homesickness and depression, thus giving some cases status as a mental illness.

Therefore in some parts of the world in a context as to level out health Geophagy is not considered an eating disorder as such.

Dangers of Geophagy

Cravings for and the consumption of soil substances are the only signs of geophagy. Health risks associated with geophagy include; intestinal blockages, poisoning and parasitic infections, intestinal perforation/tear, dental injuries (due to grinding sharp objects from the soil). Often, Geophagy is only recognised and diagnosed when an individual is being treated for an associated illness/problem.

How is Geophagy diagnosed?

If Geophagy is diagnosed as an eating disorder (a form of Pica) then treatment will be provided. Like pica treatment options will depend on how the geophagia has come about, if it is due to a mineral deficiency then supplements will be prescribed in hopes that cravings will diminish once the body has what it needs from the supplements. If indeed the geophagia is as a result of psychological difficulties then cognitive behavioural therapy or other forms of therapy will be administered.

In non-Western parts of the world, geophagy is not subject to the same stigma that it is here in the UK, this is because it is culturally practiced in some places. For example in south eastern parts of the United States, ‘tasty’ dirt which is usually chalky dirt with a distinct flavour, is sold in shops. Geophagy was also practiced by Native Americans who would eat dirt with acorns and potatoes to neutralize potentially harmful alkaloids.

Geophagy can only be diagnosed as a form of Pica disorder in individuals whom routinely consume soil substances for at least one month. This behaviour must also be deemed inappropriate for his/her developmental stage. Geophagy will not be diagnosed as an eating disorder if eating soil substances is part of a religious or cultural practice, it would then be considered as tradition and adaptive behaviours.

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