Source: Geek

Nicole Kell

Many of us have heard that if you swallow chewing gum, it takes your body seven years to digest. Is this actually true? Do we all have pieces of gum sitting in our digestive tract for years and years?

The human digestive system can break down, utilize, and/or dispose of almost everything we consume. Technically chewing gum will not break down entirely because the synthetic portion is not digestible. However, the digestive system will eventually identify gum as nutritionally useless, move it along through normal intestinal activity, and expel it from the body. Chewing gum usually stays in your body for less than a week.

It is harmless to swallow an occasional piece of gum, but if a remarkable amount of gum is repeatedly swallowed then it can potentially lead to a bowel obstruction. Swallowing gum also poses a very slight choking hazard.

Even though gum does not stay in the human body for seven years after being swallowed, it might be wise to refrain from swallowing your gum to avoid a potentially sticky situation.

http://tristanmed.com/blog/entry/the-truth-about-swallowing-gum

https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058446

https://kidshealth.org/HospitalSantJoandeDeu/en/kids/swallowed-gum.html

Source: The Conversation

Madison McGuire

While there might be days during pregnancy when women feel extremely hungry, the idea that those expecting are “eating for two” is misleading. Substantial weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or a large baby and the need for a cesarean birth.

Contrary to popular belief, energy needs do not change during the first trimester. And, on average, only 300 more calories are to be consumed each day during the last six months of pregnancy.  

A recent survey revealed that more than two-thirds of pregnant women are unaware of how many extra calories to eat. While it is important to consume enough nutrients, pregnant women can feel pressure from others to eat larger meals. Poor eating habits make it harder for moms to lose the excess weight after delivery. Larger babies that are born from overweight women are at higher risk for obesity and other significant health problems, such as jaundice and metabolic syndrome.

Women are advised to choose healthy foods that give more “nutritional bang for their calorie buck.” While constant cravings are a normal part of pregnancy, the “eating for two” rationale should not be used to binge on unhealthy snacks or grab two plates every meal.  

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/eating-for-two-pregnancy-myth-still-risks-harming-mothers-and-their-babies-despite-best-intentions/

https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnant-eat-for-two-right

https://www.fitpregnancy.com/nutrition/prenatal-nutrition/eating-two