How Quickly Does Chewing Gum Digest?

If you're like me, you probably chewed gum from time to time as a kid and probably had someone warn you not to swallow the gum for it will stay in your stomach for 7 years before it digests.  7 years!!!  Is there any truth to this statement?  Turns out no.  Chewing gum taking a ridiculous number of days/years to digest is nothing more than a common misconception.

If it doesn't take gum years to digests, what actually happens when you swallow gum?  Basically nothing.  It may take a bit longer for the gum to pass through your body, but the gum will pass right through and exit as waste.  That's it.  It's still not a great idea to swallow gum as blockages can take place, but rest assured, the gum won't be sitting in your stomach for the next 7 years.

For more detailed information check out:

Fact or Fiction?: Chewing Gum Takes Seven Years to Digest