What Happens If You Swallow Gum? (The 7-Year Myth Explained)

[00:00:00]You've probably heard that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for 7 years.

[00:00:04]But is that actually true?

[00:00:09]The moment you swallow gum, it travels down your esophagus and into your stomach.

[00:00:19]Your stomach acids can break down some ingredients, but the gum base itself is much harder to digest.

[00:00:29]Instead of sticking to your stomach, the gum keeps moving through your intestines along with the food you've eaten.

[00:00:39]Your digestive system pushes it forward using muscle contractions called peristalsis.

[00:00:49]In most cases, the gum leaves your body naturally within a few days.

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