Chewing gum

[marine02]

Is it true that if someone swallows a piece of chewing gum that it stays in their system for 7 years, or is that just a myth?

[linlam]

It's true that chewing gum base is indigestible, but humans consume a great many things that are indigestible. All such roughage is simply eliminated from the body after the usual jog down the alimentary canal.

[marine02]

Thanks linlam, glad to know it is just a myth after all.

[sddsddean]

Be warned though, that as you are merrily chewing away the brain thinks "Ah, I'm chewing, therefore some food will be coming soon, better get the stomach ready". Thus your body starts producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. If nothing arrives (ie you spit out the gum) it starts to digest anything it can find (like the stomach!). Whilst the stomach is lined with an antiacid lining to protect it, it can eventually start to breakdown if you are a regular 'chewer' which can lead to stomach ulcers. So it is always best to eat something, if not the gum.

[smudge]

Your question brought back memories. When I was a ittle girl, I was told that if you swallowed chewing gum it would stick to your heart & other organs, therefore I try never to swallow it, even though I know it's not true. Amazing how certain things stay with you throughout your life!

[marine02]

sddsddean, thanks for telling me that, I had no idea till now, that has scared me a bit LOL! Think I will cut down on my chewing of gum in future.