Do you chew gum a lot? If so, I’ve got some news that might make you spit it out (literally). You could be chomping on plastic—yep, the same stuff used in shopping bags and water bottles. 😬
As a functional medicine provider, I spend a lot of time digging into the weird things we put in our bodies, and gum is a sneaky one. Most people have no clue that regular chewing gum contains plastic. But the UK is catching on—campaigners are even pushing for a ban on plastic gum because of its health risks and the mess it leaves behind.
Wait… Gum Has Plastic?!
Brace yourself. Popular gum brands use polyethylene (found in plastic bags) and polyvinyl acetate (yep, that’s in PVA glue). And if that’s not gross enough, some gums even contain butadiene-styrene rubber—which is similar to what’s used in car tires. 🚗💨
Why add plastic? It keeps gum stretchy and stops it from sticking to your teeth. But here’s the kicker: these materials don’t break down—not in your stomach, not in landfills, not on the streets where gum gets stuck forever. Even worse, chewing gum may release microplastics into your body. Fun fact: your digestive system isn’t a recycling plant.
Microplastics: Tiny But Mighty (in the Worst Way)
Scientists are finding microplastics everywhere—in blood vessels, breast milk, the placenta, and even the brain. 🧠 A study in Nature Medicine found microplastics in every single brain sample they tested. Yikes. 😳
Microplastics have also been linked to:
❌ Hormonal imbalances
❌ Fertility issues
❌ Metabolic problems
❌ Chronic inflammation
Oh, and researchers recently found microplastics in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). So if you’re chewing gum, you might be swallowing tiny plastic particles with every bite. Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, puts it best: “Chewing plastic gum is like biting into a plastic straw—over and over again.” 🤯
What Can You Do?
The good news? You don’t have to quit gum altogether—just switch to plastic-free brands! Some supermarkets in the UK, New Zealand, and the USA now stock natural, plant-based gum like Simply Gum, Milliways, and True Gum. They taste great and won’t leave your body (or the planet) full of plastic waste. 🌍
As someone who’s all about functional medicine and real health solutions, I urge you to think twice before grabbing that pack of gum. Small changes—like choosing plastic-free alternatives—can have a huge impact on your health and the environment.
Want to learn more about how to detox from microplastics? My course covers all the science and practical steps to help your body kick the plastic habit naturally. Because, let’s be real—your body was made to chew food, not plastic. 😉
Your health, your choice—choose wisely! 💪💚
