Swallowing chewing gum has been a topic of curiosity and myths for years. Many of us have heard the old tale that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years, but is there any truth to this claim? Let’s debunk the myths and uncover what happens when you swallow chewing gum.
Is Swallowing Chewing Gum Harmful?
If you’ve ever accidentally swallowed chewing gum, don’t panic. According to medical experts, swallowing one piece of gum occasionally is not harmful. However, making it a habit can potentially lead to digestive issues.
Chewing gum used to be made from tree resin, but modern gum is primarily made from a synthetic substance called gum base. This gum base is non-digestible, meaning your body cannot break it down the way it does with other foods. While it won’t stay in your stomach for years, it does pass through your digestive system relatively intact.
Does Swallowed Gum Stay in Your Stomach for Seven Years?
The idea that swallowed gum remains in your stomach for seven years is a complete myth. In reality, the human digestive system is incredibly efficient. Like other indigestible foods such as corn kernels and raw seeds, gum moves through the digestive tract and is typically excreted within 40 hours.
Dr. Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian, confirms that swallowed gum passes through the body just like other indigestible items. “Because it can’t be digested, it comes right out whole,” she explains. So, while it may sound alarming, there’s no need to worry—it will leave your system just like any other waste.
When Should You Be Concerned After You Swallow Chewing Gum?
Swallowing chewing gum occasionally is harmless, but if you swallow gum frequently or in large amounts, it could lead to an intestinal blockage. When too much gum accumulates in the digestive system, it can form a mass that prevents food from passing through, causing serious health complications.
Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include:
- Abdominal pain
- Severe cramping
- Constipation
- A feeling of extreme fullness or swelling
- Vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms after swallowing a lot of gum, seek medical attention immediately. A blockage won’t clear on its own and could lead to severe digestive tract issues if left untreated.
What Happens If a Child Swallows Chewing Gum?
Children are naturally curious and often swallow things they shouldn’t. Fortunately, if a child swallows chewing gum, it will likely pass through their digestive system the same way it does in adults. However, parents should be cautious if a child swallows multiple pieces of gum within a short period, as this increases the risk of a blockage.
Pediatricians suggest that chewing gum is generally safe for children aged five and older, but they should be taught never to swallow it.
The Best Practice: Spit It Out
The safest and most recommended approach when you’re done with chewing gum is to spit it out into a trash can or napkin. Since gum base is not a food and has no nutritional value, it serves no purpose in your digestive system. To avoid unnecessary risks, always dispose of gum properly rather than swallowing it.
Swallowing chewing gum occasionally won’t harm you, and it certainly won’t stay in your stomach for seven years. However, swallowing excessive amounts can lead to intestinal blockages, which require medical intervention. To keep your digestive system healthy, make it a habit to spit out your gum rather than swallowing it.
So, the next time you find yourself without a trash can, resist the temptation to swallow that piece of gum—your stomach will thank you!
Also Read: Craving Something Sweet? Try These 10 Healthy Snack Alternatives
