This Is What Happens When Someone Swallows Gum

1. Digestive journey begins

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When you swallow gum, it embarks on the same adventure as any other food or drink, traveling down your esophagus and into your stomach. However, that shouldn't make you feel relieved just yet. While research is still needed, swallowing gum often can eventually risk your health, as seen in some instances.

2. Gum's stay duration

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The notion that gum lingers in your stomach for years is nothing but an old wives' tale. Research indicates that it usually passes through your digestive system within a few days. However, because of all the ingredients it contains, gum cannot be, in many cases, dissolved completely, which impacts your health.

3. Gum's indigestible parts

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While gum's base is not easily digestible, studies have shown that the body can break down the sweeteners and flavorings it contains. Meaning your body can only do so much: Break down the sweeteners and flavorings (which are chemicals, btw), but the other part of the gum cannot dissolve.

4. Composition clarity

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Gum is composed of a gum base, sweeteners, flavors, and additives. Some bases are synthetic, while others are derived from natural sources like tree sap. While naturally-sourced ingredients are better to use than synthetic ones (which affect our health in the long term), we might not get easily used to the change in taste.

5. Acidic encounter

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Stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid, doesn't dissolve gum completely. However, it can get to its flavor and texture. As mentioned, those are the only things our bodies (in this case, stomachs) can digest, leaving the rest to fate. (Not really, but you get the idea.)

6. Gum's journey continues

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After leaving the stomach, gum enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The gum base itself passes through mostly intact. However, parts of it can also glue to the intestinal wall, which is not a good sign. Take it from us.

7. Muscle-powered progression

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Your intestinal muscles help propel the gum along the digestive tract, guiding it toward the colon. (Except for the parts that managed to get glued to the intestines' walls — too bad!) Because this is one of the last steps for our gum, it is crucial that it gets "unharmed and whole" through all the chambers and does not glue to our internal organs.

8. Colon's contribution

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In the colon, water is absorbed from waste material. While gum's fibrous nature may cause temporary retention, it eventually gets eliminated through bowel movements. (Perhaps not all, but the amount that managed not to get stuck on the way.)

9. Timing the exit

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While individual experiences may vary, scientific studies consistently indicate that gum generally leaves the body within a few days, similar to other indigestible materials. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that 95% of participants excreted swallowed gum within 72 hours.

10. Complications

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In rare cases, swallowing large amounts of gum and other indigestible substances can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, requiring immediate medical intervention. These blockages can cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting and may necessitate surgical procedures to remove the obstruction and restore normal digestive function.

11. The case of the fearless four-year-old

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In a published study in the Journal of Pediatrics, a four-year-old swallowed a significant amount of gum without experiencing any adverse effects. The gum passed through the digestive system naturally within a week, providing further evidence that dispels the long-standing myth of gum staying in the stomach for extended periods.

12. Dispelling the myth

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Swallowed gum doesn't stick around for years in your stomach. The notion that it does is purely fictional, lacking any scientific evidence to support it. Numerous studies have consistently shown that gum passes through the digestive system within a few days, debunking the myth of long-term gum accumulation in the stomach.

13. Spotting gum in stool

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Due to its resistant gum base, you might notice gum appearing unchanged in your stool. However, this doesn't indicate that the gum is retained in your body. Instead, it signifies its passage through the digestive system. Scientifically, gum doesn't accumulate in the body, and its presence in stool is simply a result of its indigestible nature and journey through the gastrointestinal tract.

14. Gum vs. digestive enzymes

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Gum's resistance to digestive enzymes doesn't translate into accumulation in your stomach. Contrary to popular belief, gum passes through the digestive system with minimal modification. While the gum base itself remains largely intact, scientific evidence confirms that it follows the normal digestion process and eventually exits the body, dispelling the misconception of long-term gum retention.

15. Debunking the gum-appendicitis link

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Numerous studies have consistently shown no significant correlation between swallowed gum and appendicitis. These findings dismiss yet another unfounded claim associating gum ingestion with this particular medical condition. The scientific evidence indicates that swallowing gum does not increase the risk of developing appendicitis, further debunking the misconception surrounding this myth.

16. Kids are more prone to swallow gum

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Children are indeed more prone to accidentally swallowing gum. Still, research published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology highlights that 80% of gum ingestions in children under six years old resulted in no complications. This study demonstrates that while accidental gum swallowing is more common in children, most cases do not lead to adverse effects, reassuring parents and caregivers.

17. Choking hazards

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While swallowing gum is generally considered safe, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially with young children. Supervision is essential to prevent accidental ingestion or choking hazards because they may not have developed the necessary chewing skills or understanding of gum consumption. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor them to ensure they chew gum safely and responsibly.

18. X-ray clarity

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Gum is typically visible on X-rays, allowing doctors to easily detect and rule out any potential complications or blockages that may arise from swallowed gum during medical evaluations. This assists in ensuring the well-being of patients and providing appropriate care when needed.

19. Gum disposal awareness

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Encouraging responsible gum-chewing habits, such as disposing of it properly, plays a crucial role in minimizing the chances of accidental ingestion. By emphasizing the importance of disposing of gum in designated trash bins, we can significantly reduce the risk of gum ending up in mouths unintentionally, avoiding potential complications associated with swallowing gum.

20. The sticky truth

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While gum's base may be resistant to digestion, studies can't say that it does not adhere to the walls of the digestive tract. Research revealed that gum moves through the digestive system smoothly, possibly without causing any significant issues. Therefore, despite its indigestible nature, gum can actually pose no inherent risk of sticking or causing harm to the digestive tract.

21. Gum and nutrient absorption

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Despite its indigestible nature, gum does not interfere with the absorption of nutrients from other foods in your digestive system. Scientific evidence indicates that gum passes through the digestive system without hindering absorption. So, while the gum is not digested, it does not disrupt the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients from other ingested foods, ensuring that your body can still obtain the necessary nutrients.

22. Gastrointestinal transit time

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Research suggests that gum does not significantly impact the overall transit time of food through the digestive system. Multiple studies have indicated that chewing gum does not slow down the digestive process or lead to any significant digestive problems. This means that enjoying gum in moderation is unlikely to disrupt the natural flow of digestion.

23. Gum's impact on gut microbiota

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In terms of its effect on gut microbiota, studies exploring the specific impact of swallowed gum are limited. While more research is needed in this area, the available studies indicate that the impact of swallowed gum on the gut microbiota is minimal, further supporting its overall safety when consumed in moderation.

24. Gum and gas

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Some people speculate that swallowing gum leads to excessive gas production or bloating. However, scientific studies have not found a direct association between swallowed gum and increased gas production. While individual experiences may vary, most research suggests that gum does not significantly contribute to excess gas or bloating.

25. The role of enzymes

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Although digestive enzymes do not break down the gum base itself, they do play a crucial role in breaking down other components of gum, such as sweeteners and flavorings. This ensures that the non-digestible components are processed and eliminated, allowing the gum to pass through the digestive system without causing any major issues.

26. Psychological effects

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Chewing gum can indeed have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and improving focus. However, swallowing gum does not provide the same benefits. The act of chewing itself is essential for experiencing the psychological benefits of gum, making it necessary to chew gum rather than swallow it to reap these positive effects on stress reduction and focus enhancement.

27. Gum and weight loss

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Some studies suggest that chewing gum can help curb cravings and reduce calorie intake, potentially aiding in weight management. The act of chewing gum may distract from food cravings and help control appetite. Still, swallowing gum does not contribute to weight loss. The benefits attributed to weight management are only associated with chewing gum.

28. Safe consumption

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While swallowing gum occasionally is generally considered safe, it is always best to do it mindfully and dispose of it properly to avoid accidental ingestion. Responsible gum-chewing practices are essential in maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience while minimizing the chances of encountering any complications associated with accidental ingestion.

29. Gum and acid reflux

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If you're prone to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is important to be cautious when swallowing gum, as it may exacerbate your symptoms. The act of chewing and swallowing gum can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can potentially trigger reflux episodes. Individual circumstances may vary, and personalized medical advice is crucial in such cases.

30. Medical assistance

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If you accidentally swallow a large amount of gum or experience any discomfort, it is advisable to consult a medical professional for guidance. They possess the expertise to assess your specific situation and provide appropriate advice or treatment if necessary. Remember, seeking professional medical advice when in doubt or facing unusual symptoms or circumstances is always better.