Contrary to popular belief, the notion that chewing gum takes seven years to digest is nothing more than a myth. In reality, while gum resists the digestive enzymes and acids in the gastrointestinal system, it doesn't linger in the stomach. Instead, gum passes relatively unchanged through the digestive tract and exits the body through the stool.
Chewing gum is composed primarily of gum base, sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings. The gum base, which provides the chewiness, typically includes food-grade polymers, resins, and waxes—materials that are indigestible but not harmful to the digestive system. When you swallow gum, your body absorbs the sugars and flavorings but the gum base itself moves through your system intact.
The journey of the gum through the digestive system is quite straightforward. After being swallowed, the gum enters the stomach where it resists being broken down by gastric juices. From there, it moves into the intestines where, like other indigestible materials such as fiber, it continues its path out of the body. This process typically takes about 24 to 72 hours, depending on individual digestive health and overall motility.
It’s important to note, however, that swallowing gum is not recommended, particularly for children, as it can pose a choking risk or, when done excessively, lead to gastrointestinal blockages. But for the occasional gum that slips down the throat, there is no need for alarm—it won't be there for long, let alone seven years!
