Here's Exactly What Happens to Your Body if You Swallow Gum ...Saudi Arabia

There’s no doubt you’ve heard that if you swallow gum, it can take seven years to digest. It's a worrisome enough claim to make sure you chew it very carefully. Is it actually true? Whether you want to know the answer for yourself or because you’re a parent and want to be prepared in case your kiddo accidentally swallows gum, it’s good to know the truth—and that means getting the answer straight from doctors.

We asked a G.I. doc what really happens when you swallow gum, including how long it takes to digest and any side effects it can lead to. It’s time to set the record straight.

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Get ready to breathe a big sigh of relief. According to Dr. Lilly Gonzalez, MD, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health in Plantation, Florida, it does not take years to digest gum. “Gum passes through your digestive tract just like anything else. Some of the sugars may break down along the way, but the gum itself typically comes out the other end unchanged. Contrary to the old myth, gum does not stay in your stomach for seven years,” she says.

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In fact, she says that gum moves through the digestive tract the same speed as other foods. It won’t stay in the body for years or even more than a few days. “Gum does not take longer to pass through the digestive system, nor does it slow down the digestion of other foods. Unless you’re an infant or have significant gastrointestinal issues, such as severe inflammation or Crohn’s disease, gum should pass through without a problem,” she explains.

Since gum can’t be digested, it will come out whole in your stool. But this actually isn’t all that weird. Corn kernels and raw seeds are two other types of foods that move through the digestive tract fully intact. 

Related: The Surprising Food That's Good for Your Gut, According to Gastroenterologists

Does Swallowing Gum Negatively Impact Health and Are There Any Side Effects?

While swallowing gum isn’t recommended, Dr. Gonzalez says that it isn’t typically harmful. She says that someone who swallows gum isn’t likely to experience any side effects, except in rare cases. “In some rare instances, swallowing gum could cause an issue. For young children or individuals with a history of gastrointestinal surgeries or inflammation, such as from Crohn’s disease, swallowing a large amount of gum in a short period could lead to a digestive tract blockage,” she explains.

With this in mind, if you or your child swallows gum, there is no need to freak out or go to the doctor. Simply wait for it to pass. However, if you or your child swallows gum and has a history of gastrointestinal surgeries or a medical condition and experiences abdominal pain, constipation, a feeling of extreme fullness, severe cramping or vomiting, these are signs of an intestinal blockage and it’s important to see a doctor. 

Related: This Controversial Beverage Is Actually Good for Your Gut Health

If swallowing gum isn’t typically harmful, why shouldn’t people do it? Dr. Gonzalez says that this is because there’s really no benefit to it. “Chewing and swallowing gum, especially gum made with artificial sweeteners, can cause bloating and gas,” she explains. Scientific research also shows that artificial sweeteners can negatively impact gut health, decreasing the amount of good bacteria in the gut. 

In addition to having ingredients that can negatively impact gut health, gum doesn’t include anything in it that positively impacts health. To Dr. Gonzalez’s point, that’s why there’s no point in swallowing it.

With all of this in mind, you can rest assured that swallowing gum doesn’t mean it’s going to sit in the body for years on end. It’s not recommended, but it isn’t harmful. This is one food rumor that can safely be put to rest.

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