As kids, we were all warned not to swallow gum, with the terrifying myth that it would stay in our stomachs for several years. But is that really true? Turns out, it’s just another one of those myths—similar to the one about eating crusts making your hair curly or that watching too much TV would make your eyes go square. So, what actually happens when you swallow it?

The Myth: Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years

The claim that swallowed gum stays in the stomach for seven years has been passed down through generations. But this idea seems to be just that—an idea, with no scientific basis. According to Simon Travis, a professor of clinical gastroenterology at the University of Oxford, it’s likely that the myth started because someone wanted to stop children from swallowing it.

What Actually Happens When You Swallow it?

When you swallow it, it doesn’t just sit in your stomach. In fact, gum is made of materials that our bodies can’t digest. However, it doesn’t stay in your stomach either. Instead, it moves through the digestive system, just like any other undigested food. Simon Travis explained, “If you swallow chewing it , it’ll go through the stomach, and into the intestine, and pass out unchanged at the other end.”

The process is similar to what happens when we swallow things like seeds or other non-digestible substances. Within 24 to 48 hours, the it is typically excreted in your stool. While gum can’t be digested, it doesn’t get stuck or cause any long-term harm to it.

Can Swallowing Gum Cause Problems?

While it’s unlikely to cause any problems, experts do caution against swallowing large amounts of gum. For example, if someone swallows several pieces of gum in a short period of time, it could potentially cause a blockage in the intestines. But this is very rare, and Simon Travis—who has worked in gastroenterology for over 30 years—has never personally seen a case of this happening.

It’s also important to note that it has no nutritional value. It’s made from a mixture of sweeteners, flavoring, waxes, and other ingredients that our bodies can’t use for nutrition. Dr. Aaron Carroll, a pediatrician, further emphasized this by stating that gum isn’t healthy due to its lack of nutritional value.

Credits: Getty Stock Image

So, Is It Safe to Swallow Gum?

In most cases, swallowing it is harmless, but it’s not something you should make a habit of. If you swallow just one or two pieces every now and then, it won’t stay in your system for years or cause any long-term damage. However, regularly swallowing gum, especially in large quantities, can potentially cause some issues.

Swallowing it is often met with fear due to the myth that it stays in your stomach for years. However, this is simply not true. Experts, including Professor Simon Travis from the University of Oxford, explain that while it isn’t digestible, it moves through the digestive system just like other undigested food. It usually passes through the body within 24 to 48 hours and is excreted without causing harm, though swallowing large amounts of gum could lead to potential issues.

Conclusion: Don’t Worry, Gum Won’t Stick Around for Seven Years

The next time you accidentally swallow gum, there’s no need to panic. It won’t stay in your stomach for seven years, and it’s not going to cause any major health issues. Your body will simply pass it through your system. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid making a habit of swallowing it—after all, gum is mostly just for chewing and not for eating!