Could the latest TikTok trend have you reconsidering what you put in your mouth? A growing number of TikTokers are advocating for the consumption of dirt. Yes, you read that right, they are endorsing the idea of eating soil straight from the ground. Their claims suggest that eating dirt can offer a wide array of health benefits, such as improving gut health, reversing aging, reducing acne and wrinkles, and even aiding in weight loss. Some individuals, known as “crunchers,” are enthusiastically sharing their experiences of enjoying eating dirt. However, do these assertions have solid scientific backing? Not quite.

For instance, take a look at this video shared by @stefanie_adler on TikTok:

The video poses the question, “Want to improve your child’s (and your own) gut health?” and promptly suggests, “Eat dirt,” before you have a chance to process the unusual advice. Why would someone go against the conventional wisdom of preventing children from eating dirt? The video provides this rationale, “[One] teaspoon of organic biodynamic soil has more microorganisms than humans on earth.”

It is true that soil contains a vast number of microorganisms. Moreover, research supports the idea that a diverse population of microorganisms in the gut microbiome can have beneficial effects on health. Diversity in the microbiome can serve various functions in the gastrointestinal tract. There is evidence suggesting that modern lifestyles, including the consumption of preservatives and antibiotics, have led to a decrease in microbiome diversity over time.

However, isn’t the abundance of microorganisms also the reason why eating dirt is generally discouraged? This is precisely why you wouldn’t pick up a burrito that fell on the ground, roll it in soil, and consume it without concerns about potential health risks. Similarly, you wouldn’t dine at a place where the host serves food in dirty flower pots. Soil can harbor harmful bacteria and parasites, making it unsuitable for consumption. In other words, the primary issue with eating dirt is its unhygienic nature.

Some proponents may argue that consuming “cleaner” dirt is a viable option. How do you find cleaner dirt? Well, you can purchase it. It comes as no surprise that products promoted on social media are also available for sale. Simply search for “edible dirt” on platforms like Amazon and Etsy, and you’ll come across a variety of products, including clay, with prices ranging from a few dollars to over a hundred dollars. It appears that dirt isn’t free after all.

The challenge with so-called “edible dirt” lies in determining the safety of these products for consumption. Manufacturers may not always disclose the testing procedures or regulatory compliance of their products. Unlike buying FDA-approved milk from a grocery store, purchasing edible dirt may not guarantee the same level of safety.

Furthermore, many claims regarding the health benefits of consuming dirt may misconstrue and extrapolate bits of scientific evidence. Just because a diverse microbiome is beneficial and soil contains numerous microorganisms, it doesn’t automatically mean that eating dirt is advantageous. It’s akin to suggesting that since clowns make you laugh and laughter is beneficial, you should marry a clown.

Additionally, while mud masks and baths have been used for skincare purposes for years, ingesting soil is a different matter. It’s like saying it’s acceptable to eat a literal pair of shorts.

In conclusion, further research is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of eating dirt before accepting the claims circulating on social media. Whenever encountering such assertions, it’s essential to delve deep into the individual’s background in science and health. Request evidence from controlled studies on the effects of consuming dirt before potentially putting your health at risk. If the evidence is lacking, you may want to approach these claims with caution and not get “dirty” in the process.