Boogers. We all get them, and while they might be considered gross, they play a vital role in keeping us healthy. Especially during seasons like spring and winter, when nasal congestion can be more prevalent, understanding boogers and their function is quite important. You might have even pondered a slightly icky question: Why Do People Eat Their Boogers? Let’s delve into the world of nasal mucus and explore the fascinating, and sometimes strange, facts about boogers, guided by insights from Suzy Gomez-Goldman, MD, a family medicine physician with UnityPoint Health-Meriter.
What Exactly Are Boogers?
Simply put, boogers are dried mucus. Mucus itself is a slimy substance produced by our bodies, primarily composed of water, salt, and crucial immune cells. Its main job is to trap unwelcome guests like viruses, pollen, and dust particles, preventing them from reaching our lungs and causing potential harm. Think of mucus as your nose’s natural defense system.
Once the mucus has captured these tiny irritants, tiny hairs in your nose, known as cilia, work to move the mucus towards the front of your nostrils. From there, we typically get rid of it by blowing our nose. However, if it lingers, it dries out in the air, transforming into what we recognize as a booger.
5 Fascinating Facts About Boogers
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You’re Probably Swallowing Boogers Without Realizing It: Most of the mucus our body produces actually ends up in our stomach. If boogers aren’t removed by blowing or nose-picking, the dried mucus at the front of the nose can travel back into the nasal passages and down the throat. This is known as postnasal drip, a common occurrence you might not even be aware of.
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The Hygienic Way to Pick Your Nose: If you feel the need to remove a booger, the best practice is to use a tissue. Boogers are essentially dried mucus filled with germs, so using a tissue is a more hygienic approach. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer after blowing or picking your nose to minimize germ spread. For stubborn nasal dryness, consider using a saline mist, spray, or drops to help loosen things up gently.
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Stay Hydrated for Fewer Boogers: Given that mucus is largely made of water, staying well-hydrated is key to maintaining thinner mucus and potentially reducing booger formation. Dehydration can lead to your body producing more boogers. During dry conditions, like Midwest winters when indoor heating is on, the air becomes drier. Breathing in dry air causes our bodies to produce thicker mucus, which is harder to clear and can contribute to postnasal drip and throat irritation.
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Booger Colors Can Vary, and That’s Usually Normal: You might notice your boogers changing color or even containing a bit of blood from time to time. This is often not a cause for concern. Our noses are packed with tiny blood vessels, and sometimes blowing or picking can cause a slight bleed, resulting in blood-tinged mucus. Dry air can also exacerbate this.
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The Salty Secret Behind Why Kids Eat Boogers: Now to answer the question: why do people eat their boogers, especially kids? The primary reason is taste! Boogers have a salty flavor, which can be intriguing, particularly to children. To discourage this habit, positive reinforcement is more effective than scolding. Praise children when they use a tissue to clean their nose instead. It’s also important to teach them about germs and why nose-picking should be avoided to reduce the spread of illness. If you have concerns about a child’s booger-eating habit, consulting a pediatrician is always a good step.
Is Nose Picking a Harmful Habit?
While nose picking is a common habit and usually doesn’t lead to serious health issues, it’s generally not recommended. The main concern is the spread of germs, which can contribute to you or others getting sick. Nose picking can also irritate the delicate lining of the nose, potentially leading to more frequent nosebleeds. In some instances, bacteria entering small cuts from nose picking can cause sores or more serious infections. Though rare, excessive nose picking could even damage the nasal septum, the tissue separating the nostrils, potentially creating a hole.
If you are concerned about possible infection or think nose picking has caused damage to your nose, it’s advisable to see your primary care provider for guidance and care.
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