Curious why so many creatures eat dirt? Dig into this gallery to uncover the surprising science behind geophagia.

Geophagia is the medical term for craving and eating dirt of any kind, including earth, soil, or clay, something that has notable side effects.

Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya (pictured) and researchers in Manu National Park, Peru used trail cameras and camera collars to learn more about an elusive Andean species. Pablo Durana National ...

Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya (pictured) and researchers in Manu National Park, Peru used trail cameras and camera collars to learn more about an elusive Andean species. Pablo Durana National ...

Sutirtha Sengupta, clinical nutritionist and gut-health expert explains, “Eating dirt, or geophagy, is an ancient practice observed across many cultures, often for its perceived health benefits.

A bizarre beauty trend is taking over social media: eating dirt for glowing skin. Users claim it improves gut health and reduces wrinkles.

This is called "geophagy." Some types of soil have been used to get rid of toxins, which is key to make certain foods safe to eat and even to treat illnesses. How important is your meal timing?

Scientists have identified the act of geophagy—the consumption of soil—as a historical phenomenon. Researchers point out that certain soils were used to detoxify foods and for medicinal purposes.

Online, "crunchers," or people who regularly eat dirt, claim soil consumption improves their ski, gut health and immune system.

The researchers recorded ad libitum feeding events to capture unique feeding habits, including bark ingestion, dead wood consumption, pith peeling, and geophagy.