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Three parody crisp packets featuring humorous flavours: 'Booger Flavour,' 'Sizzling Snot,' and 'Bogey Bonanza,' arranged side-by-side with playful graphics in a grim green and yellow colour scheme.

Why Do Kids Eat Boogers? The Gross Truth Explained

You know what I’m talking about: your child’s finger heads north, digs deep, and—before you can intervene—it’s snack time.

Gross? Yes.

Common? Absolutely.

But why do kids eat boogers? Is it purely a childhood quirk, or is there more to this nose-picking, booger-eating phenomenon, also known as mucophagy? (There’s actually a lot to unpack here, and some of it might even surprise you.)

As someone who was a prolific booger eater as a child—I’m talking championship-level dedication—I get it. Alongside being a nail biter and having trichotillomania and dermatillomania, it was a sensory habit I didn’t quite shake until I was about 10 or 11.

At that point, the thought of it started to make me nauseous, and I decided to retire my, er, palette. But now, as a parent, I see history repeating itself with my own kids. And it’s been a wild ride, featuring everything from multicoloured booger mosaics to philosophical debates about nose-picking etiquette.

What Are Boogers, Anyway?

Before we dive into why your little one seems to think their nose is a snack bar, let’s answer the big question: what even are boogers?

Boogers are essentially dried mucus mixed with dust, dirt, and other particles your body wants to keep out of your lungs. Think of your nose as a natural air filter. When you inhale, your nasal passages trap unwanted gunk, and mucus swoops in to save the day. Over time, this mucus dries out, forming boogers.

If you’ve ever wondered how do boogers form, it’s thanks to a mix of environmental particles and your body’s defence system. Your mucus not only moisturises the air you breathe but also catches intruders like dust, bacteria, and pollen. Over time, the trapped gunk dries out, creating those delightful nuggets your child can’t seem to resist.

Why Do Kids Eat Boogers?

Ah, the million-pound question. Why do kids—those adorable little goblins—reach for a snack only they could think is appetising? And let’s not forget, why do people eat boogers in general. It’s not just a kid thing (though it’s probably more socially acceptable at age 4 than 30+). Here’s what the experts (and parents like me) suspect:

  1. Sensory Curiosity

Kids explore the world with all their senses, and that includes taste. A fresh booger is, well, accessible, salty, and oddly intriguing to young brains.

  1. Habitual Comfort

For some kids, picking and eating becomes a soothing ritual, much like sucking a thumb. (Guilty as charged—hello, past me.)

  1. Possible Sensory or Neurodivergent Traits

All of my kids are neurodivergent, as am I, and I do wonder if there’s a sensory-seeking element to this. For children with ASD or ADHD, engaging in repetitive, tactile behaviours can provide comfort or stimulation.

The Wall of Shame: My Kids’ Booger Saga

Here’s a little story for you: one night, as I was turning down my kids’ beds, I stumbled upon what I can only describe as their wall of shame. Right behind the pillow was a mosaic of boogers—multicoloured, no less (red, green, blue?!).

I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or marvel at their artistic range. I ended up laughing hysterically, which genuinely shocked them. I wasn’t mad, just… impressed?

Since that little discovery, the habit has calmed down slightly. My younger two are still prolific booger eaters, while the eldest two have graduated to the slightly less horrifying “pick and flick” method. Progress, I suppose.

What Do Boogers Taste Like?

If you’ve ever wondered why boogers seem so appealing to kids (or the occasional adult—don’t worry, no judgement), the answer lies in their taste.

Boogers are salty, thanks to the sodium content in mucus. That salty flavour, combined with the sensory satisfaction of picking, makes them an oddly compelling snack. It’s basically nature’s most disgusting Walkers crisp.

Walkers Booger Flavoured Crisps (parody)

What Happens If You Eat Boogers Every Day?

While eating boogers isn’t exactly the dietary equivalent of eating kale, the occasional snack is unlikely to cause serious harm. That said, what happens if you eat boogers every day? For one, you’re reintroducing germs your nose was trying to trap and expel, potentially increasing your risk of infections. Over time, this could have a cumulative effect on your health, particularly if your immune system is already compromised.

Some researchers hypothesise that ingesting these germs could theoretically strengthen your immune system, but it’s not exactly the most appetising way to stay healthy. If you’re looking for immune-boosting options, perhaps stick with vitamin C instead of relying on nose debris.

Is Eating Boogers Bad for You?

The short answer? Probably not, but it’s not exactly a health tonic, either. Eating boogers exposes your body to the very germs your nose was trying to block in the first place. While some researchers theorise that ingesting those germs could strengthen the immune system, most doctors agree it’s better to stick to broccoli for your nutritional needs.

How to Stop Kids from Eating Boogers

If you’re keen to nip this habit in the bud (or the nose), here are a few tips:

  1. Keep Their Hands Busy: Offer fidget toys or stress balls to redirect the urge to pick.
  2. Teach Hygiene: Explain the importance of washing hands and using tissues.
  3. Use Humour: Sometimes, laughing about it can help diffuse the situation and make kids more open to changing their habits.
  4. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your child for keeping their fingers out of their nose.
  5. Keep Their Noses Moisturised: Dry noses can lead to more boogers, so consider a saline spray if needed.

FAQs About Boogers

Why are boogers salty?

The sodium in mucus gives boogers their salty taste.

How do boogers form?

Boogers form when mucus traps dust, bacteria, and other particles in the air, which then dries out.

Why do people eat boogers?

Some people—children and adults alike—do it out of curiosity, habit, or sensory-seeking behaviour.

What happens if you eat boogers everyday?

Now I’m not one to shy away from curious minds but if mucophagy (the practice of eating boogies) turns your stomach, then you might now want to read this!

Healthline on Eating Boogers: Healthline discusses the potential risks associated with eating boogers, noting that while mucus traps germs, ingesting it could introduce these pathogens into the body.

Medical News Today on Booger Consumption: Medical News Today highlights that boogers often contain bacteria and viruses, and consuming them may expose the body to these germs.

HowStuffWorks on Booger Eating: HowStuffWorks explores theories suggesting that eating boogers might stimulate the immune system, though these ideas remain untested.

Business Insider on Health Implications: Business Insider warns that digesting boogers can release harmful pathogens into the system, potentially leading to infections.

Science ABC on Mucophagy: Science ABC discusses the practice of mucophagy (eating boogers) and notes that while some claims suggest it may build immunity, there is no peer-reviewed literature to support this.

Scripps Health on Booger Consumption: Scripps Health advises against eating boogers, emphasizing that the body expels them for a reason and it’s best to let nature take its course.

The Final Pick: Wrapping Up the Booger Debate

Kids eating boogers might be gross, but it’s also completely normal. From sensory curiosity to habit, there are plenty of reasons behind this universal childhood quirk. And hey, most of us grow out of it… eventually. If you’ve got your own hilarious booger tale—or a genius trick to curb the habit—drop it in the comments. Parenting is a messy business, but at least we’re all in it together.

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