✗ The myth everyone repeats
If you swallow gum, it will remain in your stomach for seven years and potentially cause serious health problems.
✓ What is actually true
Swallowed gum passes through the digestive system and exits your body within a few days, just like other foods you eat. While gum itself isn't digested, your body treats it like other indigestible items (fibre, seeds). Occasionally, gum can cause blockages if swallowed in very large quantities by young children, but single pieces pose no danger.
Reception
The receipts 5 sources
- Swallowed Gum - Mayo ClinicPRIMARY
- Snopes: Swallowed GumREFERENCE
- Wikipedia: Chewing GumPRIMARY
- Snopes: Gum Seven YearsREFERENCE
- Mayo Clinic: Swallowing GumREFERENCE