We’ve all heard the old saying that if you swallow chewing gum, it stays in your stomach for seven years. But is it really true?
Country music star Parker McCollum clearly doesn’t think so. In fact, he admits that he’s never spit out a piece of gum in his life. That’s right — he swallows every single one, and he’s been doing it since he was a kid.
Parker McCollum’s Surprising Gum Habit
In a recent interview with CMT, Parker McCollum made a funny confession: “I’ve swallowed every piece of gum I’ve ever eaten.”
You might think he’s talking about the occasional piece now and then, but it turns out, he chews a lot of gum. At one point, he even said, “One time I swallowed like 46 in one sitting. True story. And feel great. Doctor says everything is good.”
That’s not just chewing gum — that’s almost like snacking on it like candy!
Is Swallowing Gum Actually Dangerous?
This might make you wonder: is it bad to swallow chewing gum?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the answer is no, it’s not dangerous in most cases. They explain that while gum can’t be digested, it doesn’t stay in your body forever either. It just passes through your digestive system like other things your body can’t break down and eventually comes out in your stool.
So, while doctors do recommend throwing gum in the bin when you’re done chewing, swallowing it now and then won’t harm you.
What Does Parker McCollum Travel With?
The gum talk came up when Parker was discussing the must-have items he takes with him on tour. His list included:
- Heavily-starched jeans
- His favorite Lucchese boots
- Smuckers Uncrustables sandwiches (those frozen peanut butter and jelly snacks)
Surprisingly, gum didn’t even make the list — maybe because he’s already swallowed it all!
