Is swallowing chewing gum dangerous?

**SPEAKER_1** (0:04)
Is swallowing chewing gum dangerous?
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According to retailedata.co.uk, us Brits are the second biggest consumers of gum in the world. On average, Brits use between 120 and 130 sticks every year. Now, despite that, many people don't really know what chewing gum is actually made up of. We know that the minty freshness helps with bad breath, and that maybe there's some connection to oral hygiene. But that's about it. Oh, and of course, we've heard that terrible things can happen if you swallow chewing gum. You could get appendicitis. The gum could stay stuck in your stomach for seven years, blocking your intestines. So, are these just old wives' tales, or should we really be afraid? What's actually in chewing gum, then? Gum base is made up of polymers, plasticizers and resins. It's then mixed together with sweeteners, sugars and added flavors, as well as coloring agents, gelatin, emulsifiers and thickeners. All of these additives are soluble in saliva. Their purpose is to give the gum flavor when chewed. Bear in mind that chewing gum doesn't contain nutrients. And be warned that if you're chewing gum at the moment, you may want to spit it out when you hear about this ingredient which isn't usually listed on gum packaging. Lanolin is a waxy product that comes from the sebaceous glands of sheep.
It contributes to the elasticity of chewing gum, and is also used in some beauty products. Manufacturers aren't required to mention it on their packaging, as it's considered a standardized ingredient.
Are there any health risks associated with chewing gum? There can be effects on digestion because chewing mimics the act of eating. Certain enzymes and acids are released as if you were consuming food, but of course your stomach remains empty. This can lead to bloating or air swallowing in extreme cases. Chewing multiple sticks per day can have a laxative effect due to the additives present, and in particular a type of sweetener called polyols. These are short chain carbs which are poorly absorbed by the small intestine. If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you'll want to limit your use of chewing gum, as you're more likely to experience diarrhea and flatulence.
What about if you accidentally swallow a piece of gum then? Rest assured, there's no risk of the gum sticking to the walls of your digestive tract. Some people believe it's dangerous because gum base can't be digested. It can actually withstand stomach acids. But while it might take a little longer than other food items, it will eventually be evacuated from the body naturally in a perfectly harmless way. Now, that's if you inadvertently swallow one piece of gum. If you were to swallow, say, ten in one go, that might end up leading to a blockage. But that's easily avoidable, isn't it? Well, just in case, it's worth knowing that the symptoms of a blockage include stomach pain, constipation, and sometimes vomiting. If you think you may have an intestinal blockage, you should contact your doctor to get checked out. There you have it.
Now you know whether swallowing chewing gum is dangerous. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts, and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know it for sure.