The Seven-Year Myth
The long-standing misconception that chewing gum remains in your stomach for seven years has persisted for generations. This urban legend likely emerged as a cautionary tale to dissuade children from swallowing gum. However, the reality is that your digestive system efficiently processes and eliminates chewing gum, much like any other food.
Chewing gum primarily consists of synthetic rubber or latex, and while your body cannot fully digest it, the gum typically passes through your digestive tract within a few days. The endurance of this myth can be attributed to its simplicity and the widespread misconception that the indigestibility of gum could pose health risks.