WARNING: slightly icky stuff...

The article Richard linked to listed constipation as one of the side-effects of eating too much dirt. Irene, is it possible that overzealous dirt-munching may have done your ancestors in by causing severe constipation?

P.S. I'm from rural Mississippi, and I've heard of dirt-eating, though I've never tried it myself. The dirt around here doesn't look too appetizing; maybe it's an aquired taste.

JB