Let’s face it: everyone has picked their nose at some point, but what happens when that habit takes a surprising twist? Booger eating , or mucophagy , is one of those behaviours people laugh about but rarely admit to. Yet science shows it is far more common than you might expect. A classic 1995 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry revealed that an astonishing 91 per cent of adults admitted to nose picking , and some even confessed to eating their boogers.
Why do people do it? Some researchers suggest curiosity, stress relief, or even the idea that ingesting nasal mucus might “train” the immune system. After all, mucus is packed with dust, allergens, and microbes that the body has already filtered out. On the flip side, doctors warn that this quirky snack could expose you to harmful bacteria and cause nasal infections .
So is booger eating a secret health hack or just an unhygienic habit with hidden risks? Let’s peel back the science behind this sticky subject.
Why people eat boogers, according to science
Booger eating is usually described as a mix of habit, curiosity, and comfort. For some, it feels like a natural extension of nose picking. For others, it becomes almost automatic, like nail biting or chewing the ends of pencils. Psychologists even classify it under body-focused repetitive behaviours, which are small actions that ease boredom or stress without much thought.
Children are especially likely to engage in it, since they are still exploring their bodies and have not yet absorbed the social stigma. In adulthood, the habit usually fades, although surveys suggest more people keep it than are willing to admit.
Claimed health benefits of eating boogers
Supporters of mucophagy often argue that there may be hidden health perks. The idea is that since boogers contain trapped microbes, eating them could expose the body to small doses of germs and help the immune system build resistance. It sounds like a natural vaccine, and the concept has been promoted by a few doctors who believe children who eat their boogers might actually get sick less often.
But here is the catch: there is no hard scientific proof to back up these claims. The body already swallows a surprising amount of mucus naturally every day without anyone noticing. This mucus already contains dust, pollen, and bacteria, which means your immune system is being “trained” whether or not you consciously snack on boogers. In short, while the theory of immune benefits sounds interesting, it remains more folklore than fact.
Health risks of eating boogers
When it comes to risks, the evidence is stronger. Nose picking can damage the delicate tissues inside the nostrils, creating small wounds that allow bacteria to enter. If you then eat those boogers, you could be transferring bacteria directly into your mouth and digestive system. A study published in Clinical Otolaryngology in 2017 found that nose picking was a significant risk factor for nasal vestibulitis, with Staphylococcus aureus commonly involved.
Even though stomach acid kills most germs, some bacteria can survive and potentially cause issues elsewhere in the body. From a hygiene perspective, booger eating is more likely to spread infections than to prevent them.
Doctors warn that this habit can increase the chances of infections like nasal vestibulitis, which causes painful swelling around the nostrils, or even sinus problems. Chronic nose pickers sometimes experience nosebleeds and, in rare cases, damage to the septum, the cartilage that divides the nose.
Social and psychological aspects of booger eating
Beyond health, there is the question of social perception. Picking and eating boogers is considered embarrassing, especially in adults. While children might get away with it as part of natural exploration, adults face strong social disapproval.
Psychologists point out that people who cannot stop may be dealing with stress or anxiety. In some cases, compulsive booger eating falls under obsessive behaviours that require therapy or stress-management techniques. For most people, however, it is nothing more than an occasional quirk.
Should you stop eating boogers?
So, should you worry if you sometimes eat a booger? The short answer is no, it is unlikely to seriously harm you if it happens occasionally. But making it a routine habit is not recommended. The supposed health benefits are unproven, and the risks of infection, injury, and social awkwardness are real.
If you are trying to break the habit, keeping tissues handy and washing your hands regularly can help. Using saline sprays to prevent dryness may also reduce the urge to pick. And if it has become compulsive, speaking with a healthcare professional can provide strategies to manage it.
Booger eating may be one of the world’s least talked about but most common habits. While the idea of hidden immune benefits is intriguing, science has not confirmed them. What we do know is that the risks, from bacterial infections to nose injuries, outweigh any possible perks. The next time temptation strikes, remember that tissues are your best friend. When it comes to health and hygiene, boogers are better thrown away than swallowed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.
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