Will eating soil affect my unborn baby?

A previous study has already shown that it is a form of craving. Now researchers have shown that this practice can also be detrimental to health: pregnant women who consume particular types of soil display higher levels of lead contamination – as do their babies.

Is eating soil during pregnancy normal?

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, it's also associated with a range of health issues.

What are the dangers of eating soil?

“Soil is a foreign material carrying lot of dirt and harmful agents such as worms, animal faeces and fungi. There are various problems that ingesting soil can cause the human body by disturbing bowel movements or even causing a bowel obstruction.

What causes craving to eat soil?

Eating soil is a symptom of anaemia – an iron shortage that needs to be treated. Dr Masuku says many women develop iron deficiencies during pregnancy and start eating soil as a result. They could, however, develop a worm infestation or other parasitic and bacterial infections by eating dirt.

What are the effects of eating clay soil?

Clay is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth for a long period of time. Eating clay long-term can cause low levels of potassium and iron. It might also cause lead poisoning, muscle weakness, intestinal blockage, skin sores, or breathing problems.

IF YOU KNOW ANY PREGNANT WOMAN, TELL HER TO NEVER CONSUME THIS

Why do I crave for clay soil?

This is a condition known as PICA syndrome. PICA is a habit or act of eating non-food items such as soil, clay, stone, chalk, ect. While not all people that have iron deficiency anaemia crave eating non-food substances such as clay or soil it is more common than you might think.

Does soil contain iron?

As the fourth most common element in the earth's crust, most soils contain abundant iron but in forms that are low in solubility and sometimes not readily available for plant uptake.

Can humans eat soil?

There are obvious health risks in the consumption of soil that is contaminated by animal or human feces; in particular, helminth eggs, such as Ascaris, which can stay viable in the soil for years, can lead to helminth infections. Tetanus poses a further risk.

Is eating clay addictive?

The reason behind this habit, which was previously also widespread in Europe and Asia, is still not clear and is largely unresearched. A study has now been able to show that it is a craving. Between 30 and 80% of people in Africa, especially women, regularly eat clayey soil -- this habit is known as geophagy.

What is the benefit of eating clay?

Bentonite Clay Health Benefits. Bentonite clay is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It also has trace minerals like calcium, iron, copper, and zinc. Some people eat it to get these nutrients.

Which clay is best for eating?

Bentonite and Kaolin clay are the best clays to eat as they are known to have detoxing benefits.

Is white clay good for pregnancy?

It doesn't provide the much-needed nutrients for mother and child, and is a health risk to all who consume it. Seriously, you're basically filling your body with material that gives you nothing in return. Pregnant women who eat clay are likely to cause malnutrition in their unborn children.

Can you eat clay dirt?

''When it's good and dug from the right place, dirt has a fine sour taste. '' For generations, the eating of clay-rich dirt has been a curious but persistent custom in some rural areas of Mississippi and other Southern states, practiced over the years by poor whites and blacks.

Can you touch soil when pregnant?

Keep cats out of the garden as much as possible, and always assume that the soil is contaminated with toxoplasmosis. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and long pants in the garden to avoid exposure to contaminated soil and chemicals. Take care not to touch your face, eyes, or mouth with dirty sleeves or gloves.

What does clay do to a pregnant woman?

He said excessive consumption of the bentonite clay, "shile", and absence of adequate nutrition during pregnancy could lead to preterm birth, stillbirth or intrauterine growth retardation. Generally, he added, that it could lead to poisoning and predisposing eaters to joint and abdominal pains.

What does clay dirt taste like?

Edible clay tastes like the earth. People who consume Clay usually like a particular taste but for the average clay lover its the earthy taste that they like it. This taste can be delicious if it satisfy their cravings! It's a pure, earthy taste, and it melts after you get a few crunches in.

Can you drink clay?

While many sources recommend drinking 1-3 teaspoons (or more) of clay mixed with water daily, there are some who remind us that after the below solution is mixed (see Recipe), it's appropriate to drink just 1 ounce of the clay water daily for the first week.

What type of clay we can eat?

What is edible soil?

Gastronomer Feb 23, 2011. This can be made with almost any ingredients you want, as long as the result is the same: a mixture of edible items that resembles soil. It is an outlandish, or at least unexpected, thing to have on the table, especially when small vegetable or herb shoots are placed in the mixture.

What is it called when you eat dirt?

Pica is a compulsive eating disorder in which people eat nonfood items. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most common items eaten.