We've all been there. Swallowed gum? While watching our favorite series or chatting with friends, we have accidentally swallowed a piece of chewing gum. And then we were overcome with fear: 'Is this gum really going to stay inside me for the next seven years?!' Well, dear readers, today we are going to reveal the truth about this persistent myth.
Let's face it, we've all heard that old wives' tale that if you swallow a piece of gum, it will stay in your body for seven long years. And if you're like most of us, you probably believed it too. But is that true?
Swallowed gum? Let's see!
1. What's Really Happening to Chewing Gum in Your Body?
When you swallow gum, it travels through your digestive system just like any other food. Your body cannot digest rubber as it is made of synthetic materials. But that doesn't mean it will stay in your stomach. Your body is incredibly efficient at eliminating things it can't digest. So, even though your body can't break down the chewing gum, it will excrete it within a few days.
The breakdown of chewing gum in the body
When we swallow chewing gum, we face a unique challenge to our digestive system. Most of the ingredients in chewing gum are digestible, but there are some key components that our bodies cannot break down.
- Basic composition of chewing gum:
Chewing gum consists of a gum base, sugars or artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors. While our bodies can digest sugars, flavorings and colorings, it's the gummy base that presents the challenge. - What happens in the stomach:
When the chewing gum reaches the stomach, stomach acid and digestive enzymes get to work, breaking down whatever ingredients they can. This means that the sugars, flavoring ingredients and colorings are broken down and absorbed into the body. However, the rubber base remains unchanged. - Path through the intestines:
Although stomach acid and enzymes cannot break down the gum base, this does not mean that the chewing gum will remain in the stomach. Like other indigestible substances such as corn husks or sunflower seeds, chewing gum will continue its journey through the intestines. - Excretion from the body:
Since the rubber base is not digestible, at the end of its journey through the digestive system, it will be excreted from the body along with the stool. This usually lasts from a few hours to a few days, depending on the individual and their digestion.
2. Where did the myth of the seven years come from?
It is difficult to determine exactly where this myth originated. Perhaps this was the parents' way of trying to wean their children from chewing gum. Or maybe it was just an urban legend that spread over time. Anyway, now you know that's not true.
3. What about other things we swallow?
You may be wondering what happens to other things we accidentally swallow. Well, most of them are eliminated by your body. So, if you've ever accidentally swallowed a button or coin, don't worry too much. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or think something might be wrong, always consult your doctor.
The next time you have an accident swallowed chewing gum, don't stress too much. Your body knows what it's doing. And while it might be a little embarrassing to admit you swallowed it, at least now you know you won't be carrying that gum inside you for the next seven years. So, relax, smile and enjoy your gum (but try not to swallow it too many times)!”
I hope you found the article helpful and entertaining. Share it with your friends and bust this myth once and for all!
