__ Facebook __ Instagram __ Linkedin __ Twitter __ Youtube * Questions * Fact Check * Health Stories * Interviews * Diet & Nutrition * Videos * Languages * English * Hindi * Bengali * Punjabi * Gujarati * Nepali Search ![\\"THIP](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/23175348/THIP-LOGO.png\\")THE HEALTHYINDIAN PROJECT ![\\"THIP](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/23175348/THIP-LOGO.png\\")THE HEALTHYINDIAN PROJECT * Sitemap * Health Conditions * Treatments * Food Items * English * हिन्दी * বাংলা * ਪੰਜਾਬੀ * ગુજરાતી * नेपाली ![\\"THIP](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/23175348/THIP-LOGO.png\\")THE HEALTHYINDIAN PROJECT * Home * Questions * Fact Check * Features * Interviews * Expert Posts * Diet * Videos * News & Insights * Magazine Search for a health topic Search ![\\"THIP](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/23175348/THIP-LOGO.png\\")THE HEALTHYINDIAN PROJECT * Home * Questions * Fact Check * Features * Interviews * Expert Posts * Diet * Videos * News & Insights * Magazine Search Fact CheckHealth Problem Causes #### Read this article in: Read this article in: English हिन्दी # Fact Check: Does swallowed gum stay in the body for seven years? Fact Checked By Dr. Shikha Shiromani undefined [shows_reviwer] Published on: February 27, 2023 Last updated on: February 27, 2023 Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Copy URL ![\\"chewing](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--1068x712.jpg\\") the mint leaves and the chewing gum ### How do I check myself for a stomach ulcer? October 2, 2024 ### Can a hysterectomy affect a woman’s life? October 1, 2024 ### Is my stress the only cause of my stomach ulcer? October 1, 2024 ### Why am I so angry after a hysterectomy? September 29, 2024 ### Can I cure my own stomach ulcer? September 28, 2024 ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ### Quick Take ![\\"Rating\\"](\\" content/uploads/2020/07/16184302/mostly-false.png\\") A social media post claims that if a person swallows chewing gum, it stays in the body for seven years. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False. ### The Claim A Twitter post reads, “Gum stays in your body for 7 years, and I eat a lot of it.” > gum stays in your body for 7 years and i eat a lot of it > > — flapjackjoey (@flapjack_joey) October 15, 2019 ### Fact Check ## If a person swallows chewing gum, would it stay in the body for seven years? No. There is a lack of scientific evidence to prove that if a person swallows chewing gum, it could stay in the body for seven years. Yale scientific even states that a piece of chewing gum generally does not stay in one’s body for more than seven days. It is recommended just to chew the gum and then throw it out as our bodies do not possess digestive enzymes to break down gum base specifically. However, if it is swallowed, it generally isn’t harmful. If a person swallows gum, indeed, the body can’t digest it. But it does not stick to your stomach wall or intestinal tract. It moves relatively intact through your digestive system and is excreted in your stool. ![\\"Gastro\\"](\\" content/uploads/2022/07/11105603/Sharad-Malhotra.jpg\\") Dr. Sharad Malhotra, Gastroenterologist at Akash Healthcare, New Delhi, comments on this by stating, “If the intention is to keep kids away from the gum, then it’s ok to propagate such myths. Otherwise, gum ingredients, like fibre, fruits, sweeteners, etc., are easily digestible in the stomach and intestines. No foodstuff can stay in your stomach for long. Incidentally, I am yet to see any gum in people’s stomachs despite doing thousands of endoscopic procedures.” However, cases of gastroparesis or paralyzed stomach would be an exception to this, which could result in a buildup of food in the stomach. Lastly, suppose a person swallows a large amount of gum or swallows gum with other indigestible objects. In that case, that might cause a blockage of the digestive tract, which might need surgical intervention. Hence, the claim stands mostly false until proven otherwise. Disclaimer Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at factcheck@thip.in. You can further read our Correction Policy here. Nothing in the content, product, or service should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse or promote any medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment against the advice of their family physician. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information. ![\\"Dr.](\\" Shikha-Shiromani-Fact-Checker-THIP-Media.jpg\\") Dr. Shikha Shiromani A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is responsible for research and fact-check. Share Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Copy URL #### More in General Health Questions Fact Check Interviews Stories Videos ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ### How do I check myself for a stomach ulcer? ### Is my stress the only cause of my stomach ulcer? ### Can I cure my own stomach ulcer? ### How can I sleep with a stomach ulcer? ### How do I know if my stomach pain is an ulcer? ### Does hysterectomy affect the brain? ### Does the condition of piles cause pain at night? ### Can women get alopecia (hair loss)? ### Will alopecia affect other body hair, such as eyebrows and eyelashes? ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ### Fact Check: Can Colgate permanently remove unwanted hair? ### Fact Check: Is chhoti dudhiya a miracle cure for jaundice? ### Fact Check: Can bee venom therapy cure back pain? ### Fact Check: Is Alexis Lorenze’s reaction to vaccines a typical vaccine response? ### Fact Check: Can baking soda permanently remove body hair? ### Fact Check: Does human body regenerate every seven years? ### Fact Check: Does taking a shower prevent the skin from absorbing vitamin D? ### Fact Check: Do nutrient deficiencies cause food cravings? ### Fact Check: Is there any 5000 year old belly fat reducing formula? ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ### Prioritize Your Health: Tetsuya Yamada __ ### Appendectomy still may result in complications: Dr Amrut H. Basva __ ### UTIs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments | Dr Anita Gupta explains ### Medical misinformation misguides diagnoses: Dr Anusha Dewan ### Health literacy is significant in everyday life: Dr Nagpaul ### Quality living starts with health literacy: Dr Priti Mhatre ### Misinformation hinders patient care: Dr Amrut Basava ### Medical misinformation can endanger your treatment: Dr Harshil Shah ### Health literacy starts with knowing your body: Dr Ritu Sethi ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ### Sepsis: The silent killer that strikes without warning ### Understanding Dengue fever in rural India ### Health and fitness: Not that easy ### AMR – Emerging as a Global Risk ### AYUSH for Holistic Wellness ### Rising infections: Masks To Be Up Again ### Struggles of Acid Attack Survivors ### ASHA workers across Uttar Pradesh demands better pay ### Visiting Government hospitals is a nightmare for trans people ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh __ ### Up close and personal with Gynaecologist Dr. Aruna Kalra __ 00:16:15 ### Understanding fever in children: Dr Meghana Phadke’s expert insights __ 00:46:34 ### Organ donation and its relevance in current scenario in India __ 00:25:39 ### Unraveling Indian healthcare scene: Dr Sharad Agarwal, President, IMA __ 00:10:11 ### Myositis: A quick take by Dr Kashyap Dakshini __ 00:29:08 ### Rabies prevention and control : Awareness is the key General Health View All #### More in Questions Fact Check Interviews Stories Videos ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh ![\\"\\"](\\" content/uploads/2023/02/27160402/chewing-gum--scaled-e1677494062272.jpg\\") Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh View All 149,658FansLike 1,187FollowersFollow 250SubscribersSubscribe READ MORE Fact Check: Can Colgate permanently remove unwanted hair? October 2, 2024 Fact Check: Is chhoti dudhiya a miracle cure for jaundice? October 1, 2024 Fact Check: Can bee venom therapy cure back pain? September 30, 2024 Fact Check: Can jeera water and jaggery induce periods in one day? September 30, 2024 Fact Check: Can corn hair cure all kidney problems? September 30, 2024 Fact Check: Can blowing balloons cure lung cancer? September 30, 2024 Fact Check: Is Alexis Lorenze’s reaction to vaccines a typical vaccine response? September 29, 2024 Fact Check: Can baking soda permanently remove body hair? September 28, 2024 Fact Check: Does human body regenerate every seven years? September 27, 2024 Fact Check: Does taking a shower prevent the skin from absorbing vitamin D? September 26, 2024 ### Subscribe to our newsletter Stay updated about fake news trending on social media, health tips, diet tips, Q&A and videos - all about health Subscribe Languages * English * हिन्दी * বাংলা * ਪੰਜਾਬੀ * ગુજરાતી * नेपाली Content * Health Questions * Health Fact Checks * Features * Interviews * Changemakers Health Conditions * Liver Disease * Kidney Disease * Thyroid Disease * Heart Problems * Diabetes * Eye Health * Dental Health Important links * News * Magazine * Community * RAKSHA BOT * ABHA ID Others * About THIP * TEAM * Our Authors * Our Funding * Contact Us Follow us Facebook Instagram Linkedin Pinterest Twitter Youtube * About Us * Editorial Policy * Correction Policy * Terms & Conditions * Privacy Policy * Shipping Policy * Refund Policy * Disclaimer © All Rights Reserved, Responsible publishing by THIP Healthtech Pvt Ltd
Swallowed gum stays in the body for seven years