No, Eating Dirt Does Not Have Health Benefits
Yet Another TikTok Nutrition Trend You Should Avoid at All Costs
Some people have the urge to eat non-food items such as dirt. It’s called pica, and it’s considered to be an eating disorder. It can be a sign of iron deficiency or a pregnancy symptom. It’s an unusual condition — and you may have never heard of it before.
But you may be even more surprised about the fact that some TikTok users are eating soil as a wellness hack. Wondering what’s the deal with this social media trend? Curious to know if eating dirt has any health benefits? Here’s what you need to know, according to experts.
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Why Are People Eating Dirt?
TikTok loves a surprising health hack — and gut health has been a particularly popular topic on the platform in recent years. “Want to improve your child’s (and your own) gut health?” reads the caption of a TikTok video posted by fertility and hormone coach Stefanie Adler. “Eat dirt!”
The belief that soil contains beneficial bacteria for gut health is driving posts like these. And it’s not completely unfounded. Researchers explored the relationship between the microorganisms present in soil and the human intestinal microbiome (aka the helpful bacteria that lives in your gut).
It turns out, there are similarities between both types of organisms. And, because of modern life, we may have lost some of the gut benefits that occurred when we were in closer contact with soil on a regular basis.
Findings like these — even if there aren’t tons of studies on the topic — tend to make people feel more comfortable about embracing social media trends. The next thing you know, eating a spoonful of organic biodynamic soil doesn’t sound crazy.
Expert Opinions: Is Eating Soil Healthy?
Before you make yourself a literal mud pie, consider that the potential health benefits of eating soil may be offset by the risks of doing so.
“This is one of those social media trends that sounds natural and harmless but can be risky. The idea that soil contains beneficial bacteria is not totally wrong — some soil-based probiotics have been studied for gut health — but that doesn’t mean scooping up dirt and eating it is a good idea,” according to Dr. Pamela Tambini, physician and medical director at Engage Wellness. “Soil isn’t regulated like food and can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, pesticides, and heavy metals.”
Christine Byrne, MPH, RD, dietitian and owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition, agrees: “The idea that eating dirt could support a diverse gut microbiome comes from the fact that there are tons of microorganisms in dirt. But the key thing to remember is that the microorganisms in dirt aren’t necessarily the ones you want populating your microbiome. There’s really no way to know what you’ll be getting.”
The Hidden Dangers of Eating Dirt
From pesticides to animal waste and heavy metals, the biggest risk of eating dirt is contamination. According to Tambini, soil can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious infections. There is also the risk of parasites, which can lead to long-term health problems.
If you’re wondering, both bacteria and parasites are living microorganisms. They are found all around us and can cause illness in different ways. A parasite consumes nutrients from its host (you) — yikes.
Heavy metal exposure is another concern when ingesting soil. Tambini says that it can contain lead, arsenic, and other toxic elements that, when consumed over time, can lead to serious health issues.
This is also true when it comes to some of the edible soil products you can purchase. “Even if you’re buying ‘edible dirt,’ you don’t know if or how it’s been tested for harmful compounds,” says Byrne.
Safer Ways to Support Gut Health
Optimal gut health matters, but there are much better ways to go about it than eating soil. “Your best bet is to eat a varied diet rich in plant foods (many of which contain prebiotic fibers that feed probiotic bacteria in your gut) and fermented foods like yogurt and pickles that contain probiotics,” adds Byrne.
Staying hydrated is also key. The most simple, science-backed health habits tend to be the best ones. They’re not always exciting or novel, which is what can make social media trends like consuming dirt appealing.
But just because something goes viral doesn’t mean that you should try it, especially when it involves natural ingredients. Natural isn’t always synonymous with being beneficial or safe. When in doubt, ask a healthcare professional.
And if you’re sort of bored with your healthy routine, it may be best to jazz up your diet with fresh recipes, shop at a new organic grocery store, or try a new workout class.
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