The Alarming Microplastic Secret Hidden in Your Chewing Gum

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted May 11, 2025

Today I want to honor and thank mothers and mother figures whose caring hearts have guided us through life’s journey. Your love has shaped generations. Happy Mother’s Day!

That pack of gum in your pocket may be doing far more than just freshening your breath.

A disturbing new study finds chewing gum is a surprising source of microplastics.

Researchers say you could be swallowing hundreds of plastic particles with every chew.

And if you think you can dodge that bullet by choosing a “natural” option, think again.

Here’s what you need to know…

Researchers had study participants munch on various chewing gum brands for two to twenty minutes and analyzed the saliva produced.

What they found was eye-opening.

Each gram of gum—whether natural or synthetic—can release up to 637 microplastic particles. And it happens fast, with 94 percent of them released within the first eight minutes of chewing.

Most of the microplastics were tiny—about 45.4 micrometers in size. For perspective, human hair is about 1,000 micrometers thick. However, the researchers believe their methods might have missed even smaller particles.

The study identified four main types of plastic polymers in the saliva samples, with polyolefins being the most common offender. These are the same plastics used in food packaging, bottles, and countless other everyday items.

You might think choosing “natural” gum would protect you from this plastic problem. But surprisingly, plant-based gums released just as many microplastics as their synthetic counterparts.

This unexpected finding challenges the assumption that “natural” means microplastic-free. Even gums marketed as more environmentally friendly or natural contain polymers that break down into microplastics during chewing.

In other words, whenever you pop a piece of gum into your mouth, you’re potentially swallowing hundreds of plastic particles that can accumulate in your body over time.

The long-term effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but early research has raised red flags about their impact on the digestive system, immune function, and hormone regulation.

And recent research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session linked these dangerous particles to high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

So, next time you reach for a stick of gum to freshen your breath, consider whether the minty freshness is worth the unintended side of microplastics that come with it.

P.S. Microplastics’ hidden link to chronic disease is EXPOSED!

Source:

“Chewing Gums: Unintended sources of ingested microplastics in humans,” Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:05 AM EDT, Room: Marriott Grand Ballroom: Section 6 (San Diego Marriott Marquis), American Chemical Society, March 23-27,2025, San Diego, CA, USA

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND