Mucophagy
|
|
Mucophagy (literally snot-eating, also referred to colloquially as picking one's nose and eating it) is the consumption of the nasal mucus, boogers, and other detritus obtained from nose-picking. It is a common but highly taboo activity and is almost universally regarded with disgust by others, even by those who participate in this activity themselves.
Some research suggests that mucophagy may be a natural and even healthy activity, which exposes the digestive system to bacteria accumulated in the mucus, thereby helping to strengthen the immune system.
Mucophagy is one of a family of behaviors known collectively as pica.
See also
External links
- "Top doc backs picking your nose and eating it" (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_903083.html)