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What you were taught
Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for 7 years
What we know now
The origins of this myth are unclear but it possibly arose as a way for parents and teachers to discourage children from swallowing gum and other non-food items. Medical professionals and scientific sources have consistently debunked this myth. Gum is digested by the body within 24-48 hours.
Updated understanding emerged around 1990