Swallowing Chewing Gum: Can It Be Digested or Will It Pass Through Your Body?
Have you ever wondered what happens if you accidentally swallow a piece of chewing gum? Should you be concerned, or can you rest easy knowing your body will simply pass it through? In this article, we will explore the effects of swallowing chewing gum and debunk any myths about its potential health risks.
Can Chewing Gum Be Digested?
Chewing gum is primarily made of an indigestible polymer called polyethylene. Unlike most food items, this synthetic compound cannot be broken down by the acids and enzymes in your digestive system. However, while gum is not digestible, this does not mean it can cause any major health issues, as long as you don't make a habit of swallowing large quantities at once.
Regularly consuming small amounts of gum (one or two pieces per day) over a long period will not lead to gum accumulating in your body. In fact, any piece of gum ingested is eventually eliminated through the digestive process, just like other indigestible substances.
What Happens if You Swallow a Lot of Chewing Gum?
There have been cases where people have mistakenly swallowed an excessive amount of chewing gum, resulting in a bezoar—a mass of undigested substances such as hair, swallowing foreign objects, or indigestible medications. A colleague once faced such a situation where a chewing gum bezoar required an expensive endoscopic removal procedure, costing them approximately eight grand.
Though rare, swallowing a large quantity of gum can indeed cause blockages in your digestive system due to the sheer volume and indigestibility of the substance. A study on this topic cautioned against swallowing more than a handful of pieces at once to avoid the risk of a blockage.
How Long Does it Take for Chewing Gum to Pass Through the Body?
The time it takes for chewing gum to pass through your digestive system is relatively similar to other foods. Metabolism plays a significant role, but you can generally expect it to take about one day or longer to be fully expelled from the body. This timing is comparable to other undigested items that your body typically clears out naturally.
For instance, a 2016 study published in the JAMA Surgery journal noted that chewing gum typically takes around 24 to 48 hours to pass through the digestive tract. The study indicated that while gum can remain in the stomach for a longer period, it is eventually expelled without causing significant issues.
Conclusion and Myth-Busting
In conclusion, swallowing small amounts of chewing gum is generally harmless and should not cause you undue concern. However, it is always wise to avoid swallowing large amounts of gum at once. Instead, maintain proper gum disposal habits and enjoy your chewable treats responsibly.
Myths and misconceptions about the effects of swallowing chewing gum are widespread. For example, the idea that 10 pounds of poop can be "stuck" in the human body is far from accurate. As a matter of fact, an MD confirmed that your body is quite proficient at clearing indigestible substances, and gum is no exception.
Stay informed, and don't let misconceptions cloud your judgment. Dumplings or other food items may indeed get stuck in the digestive tract, but well-processed, small pieces of chewing gum are safe to eject through natural bodily functions.