I have the habit of chewing gum. I work for a software company and i dont have a dustbin near my cabin. I swallow the chewing gum when my boss calls me. Please tell me, is it okay to swallow a chewing gum?
2006-10-11 20:09:18 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
People say that it stays in your stomach for years or whatever. It's not really true. You will be fine if you swallow your gum, but don't make it a habit. I'm sure you can choke or something, much like swallowing food that isn't chewed well.
2006-10-11 20:24:04 · answer #1 · answered by no_um_4_u 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum, but few kids have ever needed a doctor because of it. You might have heard that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for 7 years. That's not true. Though your stomach can't break down a piece of gum the same way it breaks down other food, your digestive system can move it along through normal intestinal activity. In other words, it comes out the other end when you have a bowel movement (poop).
When Is Swallowed Gum a Problem?
Swallowing a large mass of gum, or many small pieces of gum over a short period of time, can block the digestive tract in rare cases. Blockage is most likely when gum is swallowed along with foreign objects, like coins, or when swallowed with nondigestible materials like sunflower seeds.
Little kids are most likely to be affected because they might not understand that gum is chewed, not swallowed.
But apart from these strange scenarios, swallowing an occasional piece of gum is harmless.
What Exactly Happens to the Gum?
Chewing gum is made of either natural or synthetic materials (gum resin), preservatives, flavorings, and sweeteners. The body can absorb sweeteners, such as sugar, and they can add up to a lot of calories if you chew a lot of sugary gum. But the human digestive tract can't digest the gum resin. It's moved through the digestive tract by the normal pushing (peristaltic) actions of the gut. The gum's journey ends during a trip to the bathroom.
Should Any Kids Chew Gum?
Too much of anything can be a problem. Chewing gum is hard on dental work and most gums that are not sugar free can cause cavities. Sugar-free gum sweetened with sorbitol also can be a problem because it can cause diarrhea. Cinnamon-flavored gums of any kind may irritate the mouth lining. They can be hot and spicy in your mouth, as you probably know.
A good rule would be to stick with sugar-free gum and don't have more than one or two pieces a day. And when you're done with it, don't swallow it. Spit it out instead!
2006-10-12 05:03:53 · answer #2 · answered by Stephanie F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do the same. All the gum I chew, I swallow. I would guess that it's better to swallow the gum than do what a lot of people do, which is stick it whereever they feel like in public places.
I do not believe that swallowing gum has harmed me in any way, so I'm going to keep right on doing it until I am convinced to do otherwise.
2006-10-12 03:14:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although it's not suggested (with all those old myths), it's OK to swallow chewing gum. The contents of chewing gum will not be properly digested (as myths say it takes 7 years to digest gum), but the majority of the water in the gum will be absorbed by your large intestine before it leaves your system.
2006-10-12 03:22:37 · answer #4 · answered by TStodden 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's fine. It's just a myth that it's bad for you, or will "sit in your stomach". Duh, people, what do you think your STOMACH ACID does???
If you are swallowing a lot of sugar-free gum, the nutrasweet may give you a bit of diarrhea, if you are swallowing many pieces per day.
Otherwise, no big deal.
2006-10-12 04:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, it's not ok.. swallowing chewing gum can kill you. because it could stick to the sides of ur windpipes and then choke u.. also, it takes 7 years to be completely digested.. crazy!!
last time when i swallowed chewing gum, i couldn't sleep the whole night..
2006-10-12 03:22:23 · answer #6 · answered by time-OUT 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Please don't resort to such doings ..I know it may sound untidy to some and maybe even to you , but keep a handkerchief with yourself and keep it near your mouth and spit the chewing gum on it .. Swallowing the chewing gum would sometimes stick on your throat and get stuck on the foodpipe .. it would sometimes prove to be harmful , be thankful it didnt happen as yet ..
PLEASE STOP THIS PRACTICE .. And all the best !
2006-10-12 03:20:06 · answer #7 · answered by Beautiful Snowwhite 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I wouldn't make a habit of it myself but it passes through like everything else........just saw that question answered on the tv recently........seven years to digest is just a myth!
2006-10-12 03:19:00 · answer #8 · answered by Nikki 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think its such a good idea of swallowing it all the time as it could get stuck and could result in choking...So, it could be harmful.Try avoiding it...
2006-10-12 04:42:54 · answer #9 · answered by Nadia A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
not good, keep an ashtray or little bowl or small cup on your desk for your gum .
2006-10-12 03:18:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋