The role of bacteria
Different bacteria play unique roles in the gastrointestinal tract. There is also evidence that human microbiomes have gotten less diverse over the years, potentially due to the consumption of processed food with preservatives and the use of antibiotics.
However, isn’t the abundance of microorganisms the very reason we usually avoid eating dirt in the first place? In other words, the problem with eating dirt is- it is dirty! Given the high level of contamination in our soil, eating dirt might not be safe. Contaminated soil can cause severe health issues. The presence of pathogens and heavy metals can affect the liver and kidneys.
Senior nutritional therapist and wellness coach Divya Suhaney says, the urge to eat substances like clay, chalk, or mud, may indicate a nutritional deficiency. A thorough blood test can help identify any deficiencies, which can then be addressed with proper supplementation,” Meanwhile, E-commerce giants like Amazon and Etsy are now selling edible clay and soil products. These dirt-based snacks come in different forms, from powders to clay chunks, and cost anywhere from `900 to `2,500 based on their quality and packaging.