Chewing gum has been around in one form or another for thousands of years, made from ingredients such as tree sap, beeswax, and sugar.

But what happens when you swallow it? Does it really stay in your stomach for seven years, as many people believe? Let’s take a closer look at what happens to your body when you swallow gum.

What Is Chewing Gum Made Of?

Chewing gum is typically made from a base of synthetic rubber, which gives it its chewy texture. Other ingredients include sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners to keep the gum pliable.

Some types of gum also contain fillers such as talc or calcium carbonate to bulk it up.

Why Do People Swallow Gum?

Most people know that chewing gum can freshen their breath and help clean their teeth, but some people swallow gum instead of spitting it out.

This may be because they’re distracted or just don’t think about it, or because they’re afraid of being caught chewing gum and don’t have a place to dispose of it. Some people may also swallow gum intentionally as a prank or to see if it will really stay in their stomach, as a sort of dare.

Is Swallowing Gum Harmful?

While swallowing small amounts of gum is generally not harmful, it’s not a good idea to swallow gum regularly or in large amounts. The gum can stick to your intestinal walls and form a large mass that can cause blockages or obstructions.

In rare cases, swallowing gum can even lead to appendicitis or other intestinal problems.

What Happens When You Swallow Gum?

Contrary to popular belief, swallowing gum does not stay in your stomach for seven years. However, gum does take longer to digest than other foods, which means it can linger in your digestive system for a few days or even a week or two.

Most of the gum will eventually pass through your digestive system and be excreted in your stool.

Can Swallowing Gum Be Fatal?

While swallowing small amounts of gum is generally safe, swallowing large amounts or swallowing gum frequently can be dangerous. In rare cases, gum can cause a blockage or obstruction in the digestive system that requires surgery to remove.

This is more likely to happen in children, who may not be aware of the dangers or may not have developed the ability to chew gum properly.

Can Gum Get Stuck In Your Intestines?

Yes, gum can get stuck in your intestines if you swallow too much of it or if it clumps together and forms a large mass. This can cause a blockage or obstruction that can be painful and even require surgery to remove.

However, this is a rare occurrence and usually only happens in cases where people swallow gum frequently or in large amounts.

What Are The Takeaways?

Swallowing gum is not harmful in small amounts, but it’s not a good idea to swallow gum regularly or in large amounts. The gum can stick to your intestinal walls and form a large mass that can cause blockages or obstructions.

In rare cases, swallowing gum can even lead to appendicitis or other intestinal problems. If you accidentally swallow gum, it will likely pass through your digestive system and be excreted in your stool within a few days or a week or two.

Conclusion

While swallowing gum is not necessarily harmful, it’s best to avoid doing it on a regular basis or in large amounts. If you accidentally swallow some gum, don’t worry – it’s unlikely to cause any serious harm.

Just be mindful of the risks and try to spit out your gum when you’re finished chewing it.