Conseguenze dell'ingestione di gomma da masticare
Gomma da masticare, un popolare spuntino apprezzato da persone di tutte le età, è stata oggetto di vari miti e falsi miti. Separiamo i fatti dalle finzioni esplorando alcuni punti chiave sulla digeribilità della gomma.
Innanzitutto, è importante notare che la gomma base, il principale componente della gomma moderna, è sintetica e non nutriente. Ciò significa che la gomma non fornisce alcun valore nutrizionale e non è destinata ad essere consumata come cibo.
Despite this, it's common for people to swallow gum accidentally. If you find yourself in this situation, it's best to spit it out whenever possible and dispose of it in a napkin or trash can. While gum does not stay in the stomach for seven years, as a common myth suggests, it does not dissolve or break down in the body. Instead, undigested gum remains in the gut and passes out of the body in about 40 hours, usually in stool.
However, swallowing multiple pieces of gum in a short period can put the digestive system at risk and potentially cause an intestinal blockage. This is especially true for kids, who might be inclined to swallow various items they shouldn't, like marbles or miniature action figures. In the case of gum, while it will pass through their system in a few hours like adults, swallowing more than one piece at a time can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers the occasional piece of gum safe for children ages 5 and up, as long as they understand that it's not something they should swallow. However, if a child swallows more than one piece of gum, keep a close eye out for any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as abdominal pain, constipation, a feeling of extreme fullness or swelling, severe cramping, and vomiting.
It's worth noting that swallowing common foods like raw seeds, kernels of corn, or the skin of bell peppers is not unusual as they are also not digestible. But unlike gum, these foods are part of a balanced diet and are not meant to be swallowed in large quantities.
In conclusion, while gum is not harmful if swallowed occasionally, it's essential to remember that it's not a food and should not be swallowed. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your gum safely and avoid potential digestive issues.
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