geophagia
/ˌdʒiːoʊˈfeɪdʒiə/
noun
- The practice of eating earth, soil, or clay, often as part of a cultural tradition or due to a medical condition.
- The doctor explained that geophagia can sometimes be a sign of a mineral deficiency in the body.
- In some cultures, geophagia is believed to have health benefits or to help with digestion.
- Researchers study geophagia in both humans and animals to understand why they eat soil.