Does it really take years for swallowed chewing gum to be digested or is this done by our elderly? are we deceived?

Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing topic and facts Let’s put it out there.

Components of chewing gum and the digestion process

Chewing gum essentially consists of a number of components: resin, elastomers, plasticizers, sweeteners and flavorings. Our digestive system can easily break down some of these components, but the resin and elastomers are resistant to digestion.

These resistant components ensure that the chewing gum can be chewed for a long time. Well, this is the case with chewing gum. cannot be digested Does that mean?

No, actually it’s not that simple. What is important in the digestion of chewing gum is how our digestive system deals with such resistant substances. Our body combines indigestible substances with digestible parts. processes it and throws it away.

Our stomach and intestines are excellent at processing indigestible substances.

Although swallowed chewing gum is not broken down by stomach acid, it is involved in the normal digestive process when it reaches our intestines. In other words, chewing gum, like other foods, moves through the bowel movements and is removed from the body through the feces. This process is usually it takes a few days, Not seven years!

So where does the seven year legend come from?

Chewing gum does not stick to our stomach like it does to our shoes or hair. Like most myths, this one probably sucks children into chewing gum. discourage swallowing was proposed. It could be said that the idea that swallowing gum could be harmful encourages children to chew gum carefully.

But modern medicine has proven that swallowing chewing gum is in most cases harmless. Still, he has some advice on the matter. Room children over 5 years old He believes that it will not be a problem for him to chew gum occasionally. However, when giving children chewing gum, it is a good idea to tell them that it is something that should not be swallowed.

There are also possible risks when swallowing chewing gum.

Although swallowing chewing gum is generally harmless, in some cases caution is required. Especially in young children and when large amounts of chewing gum are swallowed, intestinal obstruction Such problems can arise.

Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, you won’t have to worry the next time you chew gum. You can enjoy!

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