Mucophagy (literally mucus-eating, also referred to colloquially as picking one's nose and eating it where "it" refers to the picked mucus and not to the nose) 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. A study has shown that mucophagy can also be healthy as it gives a boost to the immune system. Mucus is a slippery secretion of the lining of various membranes in the body (mucous membranes). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Nose picking in progress Nose-picking is the act of extracting mucus or foreign bodies from the nose with a finger. ... A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of human activity or social custom declared as sacred and forbidden; breaking of the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by society. ... Disgust is an emotion, typically associated with things that are perceived as unclean or inedible. ...

Mucophagy is one of a family of behaviors known collectively as pica. Pica is an appetite for non-foods (e. ...

See also

• Nasolingus