What Happens If You Swallow Gum?
Find out the truth about what happens if you swallow gum. Myth vs. reality revealed – read on to learn more about swallowing gum and its effects on the body.
What Happens If You Swallow Gum?
Swallowing gum is generally not harmful. Despite old wives’ tales, swallowed gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for years. Instead, like other foods that can’t be digested, gum passes through your digestive system relatively intact and is excreted in your stool. The human body can’t digest the gum base, but it moves through your digestive tract and is eliminated from your body like other waste.
However, swallowing large amounts of gum or swallowing gum frequently can potentially lead to blockages in the intestines, especially in children, who have smaller digestive tracts. Such cases are rare and typically require the consumption of a significant amount of gum to cause an issue.
In summary, occasionally swallowing gum is unlikely to cause harm, but it’s not a habit to encourage due to the small risk of digestive blockages, especially in children.
One of the most common beliefs is that gum stays in your stomach for seven years if swallowed. However, this is simply a myth. While gum is not meant to be swallowed, if you do ingest it, it will pass through your digestive system and be excreted from your body like any other food. The digestive system is equipped to handle small, indigestible items such as gum.
Can Gum Cause Blockages?
Another concern is that swallowed gum can cause blockages in the digestive tract. While it is true that large amounts of gum can potentially stick together and form a blockage, this is extremely rare in the case of swallowing a single piece. The digestive system is designed to move food and other items through it, so a small piece of gum is unlikely to cause any issues.
Digestion of Gum:
When you swallow gum, your body treats it like any other food. The sugars and sweeteners in the gum are broken down in the stomach and the remaining indigestible components, such as the rubber base, pass through the digestive system. Eventually, the gum will be eliminated from your body in a normal bowel movement.
Myth Busting Swallowed Gum:
Contrary to popular belief, swallowing gum does not stay in your system for years or accumulate in your stomach. It is important to remember that while gum is not meant to be swallowed, it is generally safe to do so on occasion. So, the next time you accidentally swallow your gum, rest assured that it will not cause any long-term harm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, swallowing gum is generally considered safe and is unlikely to cause any serious issues. While it is best to avoid swallowing gum whenever possible, if it does happen, there is no need to panic. Your body is capable of digesting and eliminating gum just like any other food. So, next time someone tells you that swallowed gum will stay in your stomach for years, you can confidently debunk that myth.