Eating one’s own boogers, known medically as mucophagy, is a habit that many people have but few will openly admit to. While often considered taboo, some claim that consuming nasal mucus offers health benefits. This article will explore whether there is any real nutritional value to be gained from eating boogers.
What are boogers?
Boogers are more formally known as nasal mucus. Mucus is a slippery secretion produced by mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses. It traps dust, bacteria, viruses, pollen and other airborne particles before they can enter the respiratory tract.
Nasal mucus is normally swallowed unconsciously throughout the day. Most of the time it passes through the digestive system without being noticed. However, sometimes thicker nasal mucus accumulates in the nostrils and hardens into what we know as boogers. While unsightly, boogers are simply congealed nasal mucus.
Booger composition
The primary component of boogers is mucin, a glycoprotein that gives mucus its slimy, glue-like quality. In addition to water and salts, boogers contain a variety of other substances including:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungal spores
- Pollutants
- Dead cells
- Dried mucus
The composition of boogers can vary depending on environmental exposures and health status. During an infection or allergic reaction, boogers may contain more bacteria, viruses, white blood cells and inflammatory substances.
Proteins
Around 1% of boogers consist of protein from mucins and antimicrobial peptides that are part of the immune defense system. Several different mucin proteins have been identified including MUC5B, MUC5AC and MUC19. While structurally important, these proteins have little nutritional value.
Lipids
Up to 5% of boogers contain lipids (fats). This includes phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides. Some fatty acids like linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are conditionally essential nutrients. However, the small amounts found in boogers are unlikely to provide significant nutrition.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates make up around 1% of boogers. They are incorporated into the mucin proteins. Although carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, the trace amounts found in boogers would not yield meaningful energy.
Electrolytes
Ions like sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate and calcium are normal components of mucus. They help regulate the viscosity and clearance of nasal secretions. While important for bodily functions, the tiny electrolyte content of boogers would have a negligible nutritional effect.
Immune molecules
Boogers contain several antimicrobial compounds including lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidases, defensins and cathelicidins. These help defend against pathogens that become trapped in nasal mucus. They have no nutritional role but contribute to the immune protection function of mucus.
Trace nutrients
Mucus likely contains tiny amounts of various vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are present in plasma at low levels. However, the concentrations are far too small to provide any meaningful nutrition if boogers are consumed.
Potential health benefits of eating boogers
Although boogers are primarily composed of mucus, some argue they offer these health benefits:
Strengthened immune system
Regularly eating boogers may help expose the immune system to antigens and pathogens, promoting a stronger immune response. However, exposure carries risks and this benefit is theoretical.
Improved oral health
Some claim that picking one’s nose and eating boogers may help clear bacteria and food particles stuck in teeth. There’s no evidence for this benefit.
Mood enhancement
Eating boogers has been suggested to elevate mood. One speculative explanation is that boogers contain hormones and pheromones concentrated from plasma. But these substances are unlikely to be present in meaningful amounts.
Prebiotic effect
Boogers contain nitrogen-containing glycoproteins that could potentially have a prebiotic effect, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. But this benefit would likely be negligible.
| Potential Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Strengthened immune system | Theoretical, unproven |
| Improved oral health | No evidence |
| Mood enhancement | Speculative, unlikely |
| Prebiotic effect | Negligible, if any |
Potential health risks of eating boogers
While boogers are mostly harmless mucus, eating them regularly could potentially expose you to:
Infections
Boogers may contain cold viruses, bacterial infections, or respiratory illnesses that could reinfect you if ingested.
Allergens
Dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores are common in boogers. Ingesting these allergens could provoke an allergic reaction.
Pollutants
Boogers capture pollutants and cigarette smoke you’ve inhaled. Eating boogers could concentrate these harmful substances.
Nose-picking complications
Forceful, frequent nose picking can cause nosebleeds and abrasions that allow bacteria to enter, leading to infection. Picking with dirty fingers can introduce new pathogens.
| Potential Risk | Level of Concern |
|---|---|
| Infections | Moderate |
| Allergens | Moderate |
| Pollutants | Low |
| Nose-picking complications | Moderate |
Nutritional value of boogers
Given their composition, boogers have negligible nutritional value:
Minimal calories
With little protein, fat or carbohydrates, boogers provide virtually no calories if consumed.
No significant vitamins or minerals
Boogers contain only trace amounts of micronutrients. They provide no meaningful nutrition in terms of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants etc.
No fiber or probiotics
Boogers contain no dietary fiber or live microorganisms that could benefit digestive health.
No essential nutrients
Boogers provide none of the amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins or minerals required in the diet.
| Component | Nutritional Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | Negligible |
| Vitamins & minerals | None |
| Fiber & probiotics | None |
| Essential nutrients | None |
Healthier alternatives to eating boogers
Rather than consuming your nasal mucus, here are some healthier alternatives:
Blow your nose into a tissue
Dispose of mucus hygienically instead of eating it. Use saline nasal sprays to thin mucus so it’s easier to blow out.
Pick your nose carefully
If you must pick your nose, use a clean finger to gently remove dried mucus. Wash hands before and after.
Take a probiotic
Probiotic supplements provide live microbes with proven digestive benefits, unlike the negligible amounts possibly present in boogers.
Eat more prebiotic foods
Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, leeks and asparagus provide non-digestible carbohydrates that promote gut health.
Increase intake of vitamins/minerals
Eat a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Or take a daily multivitamin.
| Healthier Alternative | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Blow nose into tissue | Hygienic mucus removal |
| Pick nose carefully | Prevents complications |
| Take probiotic | Supports digestive health |
| Eat prebiotic foods | Feeds good gut bacteria |
| Eat balanced, vitamin-rich diet | Provides essential nutrition |
Conclusion
While eating boogers isn’t exactly harmful, it offers no real health or nutritional benefits. Boogers primarily contain mucus secretions meant to trap particles, not provide nutrition. They offer negligible amounts of calories, nutrients, fiber or probiotics. At the same time, regularly ingesting boogers could potentially expose you to infections, allergens and pollutants. For improved nutrition and health, instead of picking your nose and eating what you find, blow your nose hygienically and focus on eating a balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals. Ultimately, boogers have no real nutritional value and there are far better ways to support your health.