Geophagy

Geophagy is a strange and unusual habit that affects many people around the world. This is a behavior where a person eats soil or earth and gets pleasure from it. Many consider this to be a form of sadomy, but there are many stories that support the practice's existence. In this article we will look at what geophagy is, what causes it, how to control it, and how people react to its manifestation.

**Geophagy:** Geophagy is a behavior where people eat soil or food in combination with soil. This may be due to a disease, the need for vitamins and minerals, or simply for fun. Geophage can also use different types of soil, such as clay,



Geophagy (geo- + gr, phagein - eat; syn: earth-eating, chtonophargy) - food habits accompanied by eating soil, clay, sand, chalk or other minerals. People may be exposed to these harmful activities at different ages, but they are also influenced by other factors. It is believed that this behavior can be caused by a number of psychological problems and mental illnesses. Both women and men are susceptible to geophagy. Scientists believe that the degree of human involvement in geophagy is directly related to many internal and external factors and largely depends on the behavior of loved ones. Families where these behaviors are practiced often have rigid rules of behavior, behavioral patterns, negative beliefs about bodily abnormalities, reluctance to deal with difficulties, and problems in interpersonal relationships. Also, compared to cultures that value their skin color, thinness, and social acceptance, people with geophagia tend to see their bodies as flaws, viewing their bodies as unattractive and unacceptable. And they often believe that they have problems related to their own weight and body fat levels. Often, people may consider their own body disgusting and ugly, preferring to consume inedible materials rather than look at themselves. They may try to avoid everything that reminds them of themselves, from foods, cosmetics, and communication devices. Food, Food, Water and Minerals – This area of ​​their life and their diet may involve the consumption of non-edible things including mellal, soil, bones, sand, chalk and other minerals or clay items. Sometimes they even consume stones to strengthen teeth or bones, or chewable chalk tablets to cleanse food and drink from their teeth. The most common type of geophagy (oral chemosis), which involves ingestion of soil or sand.