What Happens If You Eat Paper? Real Answers

Wondering what happens if you eat paper? Discover the risks, effects, and safety of eating paper in this detailed guide.

Let’s be real, this is a question probably not on your Google list today. Perhaps this occurred by mistake. Perhaps your child nipped a crayon doodle, or your friend challenged you to eat the edge of a napkin. Possibly, however, and more likely than not, you are deliberating over that time when you chewed a straw wrapper because there was nothing much to do back in the day. (Guilty.)

Whatever led you here, I’m pleased that you are.

Because at random as this subject may seem, it really does introduce us to a rather interesting realm of digestion, health, psychology, and a little bit of chemistry. So, if you ever found yourself gawking at a wad of chewed notebook paper thinking, “Wait. Will this ruin my insides?” strap yourself in.

Much like when searching for the Best candies for braces because, let’s face it, not everything sweet is safe, understanding what your body can handle is key.

Let’s discuss what actually happens when you ingest paper, no fluff, but with lots of facts, friendly tips, and some real talk.

I. Been There, Chewed That: A Personal Confession

The time has come for some honesty.

When I was around ten years old, I would play at being a goat. Yes, the actual creature. I and my cousin liked to think that it was hilarious to eat paper, just like we were munching grass. We’d rip strips of paper from old notebooks and bite them like we were roaming around the backyard, munching grass. Back in the day, we considered this harmless, and a little bit mischievous. Today? I now see that we were effectively experimenting with our digestive systems in the bizarrest way possible.

Spoiler: Both of us survived. But later in life, I found myself thinking, was that really safe?

Curiosity led to this article. And if you’re here reading this and wondering the same thing, let’s explore what paper does (or does not) when it ends up in your stomach. 

II. What is Paper Actually Made Of?

In order to comprehend what occurs when you ingest paper, it is useful to know what paper contains.

Basic Composition:

Cellulose: This is the ingredient in bulk. It is a plant cell wall complex carbohydrate. It is present in trees, grass, and even cotton.

Additives: Depending upon the paper type, it can have bleach, dyes and pigments, ink, coatings such as plastic or wax, or even glue.

Water & Fillers: The filler materials include starch, chalk, and other minerals, which are usually added to alter the texture and durability.

Technically, paper is not toxic by nature, but definitely not to be included in your diet.

III. Will Your Body Digest Paper?

Let us be very clear here: humans are not designed to break down cellulose.

Think of it this way:

You know that cows have more than one stomach and spend a lot of time chewing cud? That’s because they have bodies that are meant to degrade cellulose in plants. We, however, are monogastric (we have one stomach) and lack the enzymes that are necessary to degrade cellulose to usable energy.

What happens when paper is consumed?

• It goes through your digestive system without much change.

• You may see it in your stool (yes, I went there).

• If the piece is small, your body will probably just push it through like roughage.

Sort of like swallowing a sunflower seed hull, strange, not optimal, but not fatal either.

IV. Is Paper Consumption Harmful?

That is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Is paper consumption harmful?

If it is a clean, compact sample:

You’ll likely be fine. Your gut will deal with it like fiber (in a way), and probably pass right through without a problem. You won’t even notice anything.

If it has ink or chemicals:

Now we’re venturing into questionable territory. Colored paper, receipts, glossy printout paper, and notably thermal paper (found in receipts) could have BPA or heavy metals in them, and neither are stomach-friendly.

In small quantities, some inks are harmless.

• Some others will irritate your stomach lining or cause long-term side effects if taken repeatedly.

if it becomes a habit

It may be an indication of a more severe issue, such as pica.

V. Wait, What’s Pica

Pica is a psychological disorder in which an individual persists in consuming non-food items. In this category are:

It happens more than you realize, particularly in:

• Pregnant women (due to deficiencies in minerals)

• Children (who discover the world with their mouth)

• Individuals with some mental health conditions

If you, or someone around you, have a frequent craving for paper, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider. It’s not shame, it’s self-preservation.

VI. When Should You Worry?

All right, here is a quick checklist. If any of the below apply, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor:

• You consumed a lot of paper, notably coated or inked paper.

• You experience pain in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or constipation afterwards.

• You do this repeatedly or compulsively.

• The child has consumed paper and is now exhibiting evidence of choking, breathing problems, or stomach discomfort.

Rule of thumb: If it worries you, take a look.

VII. Real Talk: Why People Eat Paper in the First Place

Let’s lift the taboo there. Individuals ingest paper for all kinds of reasons, silly and serious.

Common Scenarios:

• Curiosity: Particularly children.

• Stress or anxiety: Paper-chewing is a nervous habit, similar to nail-biting.

• Boredom: Ever zoned in class and begun to chew your notebook?

• Pica-related cravings: As previously discussed.

Sometimes, individuals do it to get attention or due to a control issue. And sometimes… it’s a stupid dare that goes wrong. (Shooting a glance at that middle-school cafeteria lunch table.)

VIII. In the event that a child consumes paper

It speaks to your heart.

A couple of years ago, my niece decided to “taste-test” her coloring book. She ran to me with rainbow-colored ink on her mouth and a lump of wet paper in her hand. My sister lost her cool. I frantically googled. And here’s the surprise: Unless the paper is covered with toxic ink, chances are your kid will be fine.

What to do

• Calm them down (and yourself).

• Provide water.

• Look for indications of choking or stomach pain.

• Call your child’s doctor if in doubt.

Remember, being curious is a norm. And consuming one sheet of printer paper is not the end of the world.

IX. Alternatives, let’s discuss them (For the Paper-Chewers Among You

If you catch yourself grabbing that sticky note like a snack, perhaps a few swaps are in order.

Try This Instead:

• Chew jewelry (particularly suitable for children or individuals with sensory issues)

• Sugar-free gum

• Sunflower seeds (with hulls if you prefer the crunch)

• Carrot sticks or celery (crunchy but edible)

Occasionally the desire is more a matter of oral stimulation than actual hunger, something to do with your mouth when your brain is racing.

X. So… What’s the Bottom Line?

Let’s summarize this with some key takeaways, just in case you’re skimming (no judgment here).

Swallowing a single clean sheet of paper. In general not harmful.

Ink, dyes, coatings, or frequent consumption? Possibly harmful, consult a physician.

A habit? May be a sign of pica or nutritional or psychological problems.

The kid ate paper. Remain calm. It’s very normal, but watch closely for strange symptoms.

Key Taking: 

• Who could have anticipated that a childhood game of pretending to be a goat would result in a 2,000-word exposé of the complexities of human digestion and paper consumption?

• Life’s weird like that.

• But if there were one thing that I want you to take away with you, it’s this: there are others like you with strange questions. Whether you’ve eaten a receipt by mistake or just have a tendency to gnaw on notebook paper at the top of your Zoom calls, it’s alright to wonder, and better to be informed.

• So have a giggle over just how random this subject is. And don’t forget to take care of yourself (and perhaps stop chewing your homework, yeah?).

Additional Resources: 

1. Can You Eat Paper? – The Daily Dabble: Paper is mostly made of cellulose, which humans can’t digest. A small amount usually passes harmlessly, but large or repeated consumption could cause digestive issues.
2. Pica Disorder: Why People Eat Non-Food Items – WebMD: If you or someone else eats paper frequently, it could be a psychological condition called pica. This article breaks down the causes, symptoms, and treatments.
3. An Unusual Case of Xylophagia (Paper-Eating) – National Library of Medicine (PMC): A case study exploring compulsive paper-eating behavior, also known as xylophagia, and how it relates to mental and physical health.