What Really Happens When You Swallow Your Gum

Swallowing your gum? Your mom said it will be stuck in your digestive system for at least 7 years. Does it really though? Doubtfully. I'm guilty of swallowing my gum now and then, mostly because I don't have anywhere to throw it away.

According to goodhousekeeping.com, Gum is made from a rubber base, which is made from polymers. More specifically, chewing gum is made from butyl rubber and also contains carbs, oils, and alcohols — all of which enzymes in your saliva can start to break down.

Here is where it gets a little sticky (get it?) Your stomach acids are incapable of breaking down the rubber that gum is made of. There is untruth to the old wives tale that says it can "stick" with you for years.