Myth: Chewing Gum Takes 7 Years to Digest

Many have heard of the statement, “it takes seven years for gum to digest in your stomach.” I was told this by my parents when I had accidentally swallowed gum, and I’m sure most others have as well. While it’s still best for us to not swallow gum, a small amount does no harm to a person with a healthy stomach, as it simply passes through your digestive system in one piece. This is due to the fact that humans do not have the specific digestive enzymes to break down the insoluble gum base. The idea that it will “stick” to your stomach wall for 7 years has no exact origin or base evidence but it was likely just used to keep children from swallowing non-digestible items.

McGreal, Nancy. “Myth or Fact: It Takes Seven Years to Digest Chewing Gum.” Duke Health, 27 Aug. 2013, www.dukehealth.org/blog/myth-or-fact-it-takes-seven-years-digest-chewing-gum.
Rajan, Elizabeth. “Swallowing Gum: Is It Harmful?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 31 Dec. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058446.