Chewing gum is not easily digested by the human body, which leads to it taking around 40 hours for it to be excreted through natural processes. Nutritionist Julia Zumpano explains that gum passes through the digestive system and is eventually eliminated from the body within this timeframe.
Dr. Nancy McGreal, a gastroenterologist at Duke University Medical Center, confirms that gum cannot be digested due to the lack of enzymes necessary to break it down. However, some evidence of swallowed gum may be detected during medical procedures like colonoscopies. Despite common misconceptions, gum does not remain in the body for seven years as many people believe.
The base of chewing gum, whether made from natural rubber from sapodilla sap or synthetic rubber from petroleum-based polymer, cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes. While some ingredients in gum can be digested, such as sweeteners, swallowing large amounts of gum can lead to issues like vomiting and constipation. In rare cases, excessive consumption of sorbitol can cause diarrhea by absorbing water from the intestines.
In one notable case, Dr. McGreal recalls a patient who experienced intestinal blockage after swallowing a large amount of gum at once. It’s important to note that while small amounts of chewing gum are generally harmless, larger quantities can have negative effects on the digestive system and overall health.
