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Gastroenterologist explains what happens to the body after accidentally swallowing gum: 'It's a baseless nonsense.'

Gastroenterologist explains what happens to the body after accidentally swallowing gum: 'It's a baseless nonsense.'

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Chewing gum can affect people with gastrointestinal diseases. Photo: iStock

Over time, some people have taken it upon themselves to spread information about the potential harm or consequences that occur after someone accidentally ingests and swallows chewing gum.
However, most of these claims are not true, because the product does not last as many years in the body as is popularly believed ; on the contrary, the gum can be expelled through the feces.

Chewing gum doesn't stick to the intestine. Photo: iStock

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Although this belief has been passed down from one generation to the next, Dr. Lily González , a gastroenterologist at Gastro Health in Florida, explained in the American magazine 'Parade' what really happens in the body after eating this sweet.
According to the specialist, accidentally swallowing chewing gum does not pose serious health problems , nor does it remain trapped in the intestine for an extended period of time.
"That's a baseless nonsense," the professional emphasized in the interview, referring to the number of theories that have emerged around the topic, especially among older people.
According to González, chewing gum, like other foods that are not completely digested in the digestive system, travels through the tract to be expelled through the anus in the feces naturally.

Chewing gum is not recommended. Photo: iStock

However, the gastroenterologist emphasized that sometimes sweets of this type have a base that is resistant to the body's enzymes and cannot separate into smaller parts , even though they lose some sugars.
"Citizens can rest assured that swallowing gum doesn't mean it will remain in their bodies for years. It's not recommended, but it's not harmful ," the specialist added during the conversation.

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gum
The doctor believes that the only two exceptions to consider when consuming foods that the body cannot properly process, such as gum, are if the incident occurred with a baby or if the person suffers from significant gastrointestinal problems.
In case any of these are not a reason, the professional warns that if someone begins to experience abdominal pain, constipation, a feeling of extreme fullness, cramps or vomiting , it is best to consult a doctor to avoid a possible obstruction.

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Swallowing a lot of gum in a short period of time can cause intestinal obstructions.
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