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MYTH!
Gum will not remain in your body for 7 years. In fact, it can safely pass within a few days and should not remain in the body for more than a week. 1
Gum (base) is unable to be digested, but it will not stay in your stomach. It will pass through the digestive system and be removed from your body through your stool (poop).
Is It Harmful?
Not typically. Our body cannot digest the gum base, but it can digest, say, the preservatives or sugars in the gum. Once these are digested, the gum base should excreted through your stool.2
At times, when a large amount of gum has been swallowed over a short period of time, it can block the digestive system.3 Combined with constipation, this has led to intestinal blockage in children. Repeatedly swallowing gum can also lead to abdominal pain, chronic constipation, gas, and diarrhea.4 However, these types of circumstances are rare.
Gastroenterologist at Duke University, Nancy McGreal, MD, also warns sweeteners in sugar-free gum can result in various effects such as headaches, nausea, and diarrhea if ingested in substantial amounts.
Resources: https://www.yalescientific.org/2010/05/everyday-qa-can-gum-really-stay-in-your-stomach-for-7-years/, https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/myth-or-fact-it-takes-seven-years-digest-chewing-gum, https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq 20058446#:~:text=Folklore%20suggests%20that%20swallowed%20gum,t%20stay%20in%20your%20stomach, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/swallow-gum.html, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-gum-take-to-digest#The-bottom-line.
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