【X-Deal (2011)】

It sounds like an "alternative fact": Sean Spicer,X-Deal (2011) the White House press secretary, apparently swallows dozens of pieces of gum every day.

Spicer said he rips through pieces of Orbit cinnamon gum to keep his palate feeling clean, according to an August story in the Washington Post that found a second life on Twitter this week.

SEE ALSO: Can you trust a press secretary who swallows his gum whole?

"Two and a half packs by noon," Spicer told the Postin August, when he was still the chief strategist and communications director of the Republican National Committee.

Via Giphy

While swallowing dozens of pieces of gum may not sound like a great idea, it isn't as bad as popular myth would have you believe.

"I talked to my doctor about it, he said it’s no problem,” Spicer told the Post.

Mashable Trend Report Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Contrary to what your mother may have told you, swallowing gum won't lead to a massive pile of rubber globs building up in your belly for years. Gum will eventually wend its way into the toilet within a day or two.

"It generally isn't harmful if swallowed," the Mayo Clinic says.

The enzymes in your stomach can break down the carbohydrates, oils and alcohols used in each piece of gum. While gastric acids aren't strong enough to break down the remaining rubber polymers, your digestive system can still work to push it out.

Doctors still generally advise that people don't swallow their gum. It can be a choking hazard, and there's zero nutritional benefit.

It's unclear whether Spicer's gum habit will only intensify in his new role. What's certain, however, is that he won't be eating Dippin' Dots anytime soon.

---

Featured Video For You

---

Feast your eyes on this 1,000 pound butter sculpture

---

Topics Health Donald Trump

• Tech
• Science
• Entertainment
• Digital Culture
• Deals
• Games
• Shopping
• Social Good

• Kanye Unbound
• LAFC vs. Inter Miami 2025 livestream: Watch Concacaf Champions Cup for free
• Roblox expands blocking tools and activity monitoring for parents
• The iRobot Roomba j9+ is 44% off at Amazon
• You’re a Monster, Mr. Trump
• The first people to fly in space over the poles got this stunning view
• Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM 2025 livestream: Watch Concacaf Champions Cup for free
• Best monitor deal: Save $650 on the Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor
• Hot World, Cooler Heads
• Best Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum deal: Save $250 at Best Buy

• Bill Gates is giving away nearly all his wealth by 2045
• Best robot vacuum deal: Save $500 on Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat
• Lego's adorable Tiny Plants are on sale for $39.99
• Wordle today: The answer and hints for May 10, 2025
• Best Apple Watch deal: Save $80 on Apple Watch SE
• Walmart's restored 'basket fee' unrelated to tariffs, company claims
• Meta forges ahead with facial recognition for its AI glasses
• Best vacuum mop combo deal: Save $140 on the Tineco Floor One S5
• Best coffee machine deal: Save 25% on Philips Series 3300 espresso machine
• AI helped a victim speak at his killer’s sentencing

• That Thing They Have
• Best Travel deal: Score JetBlue flights for as low as $49 each way
• Best air purifier deal: Get the Levoit Air Purifier for 15% off at Amazon
• NYT Connections Sports Edition hints and answers for April 2: Tips to solve Connections #191
• Best Dyson deal: Get the Dyson Airstrait Straightener for its lowest price yet
• 6 popular scams and the warning signs for each
• NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3
• Best game deal: Get $20 off 'Super Mario Odyssey' for Nintendo Switch
• <em>The Voice</em> and Its Village
• Best Amazon home security deal: Save $70 on the Arlo Video Doorbell

• The Destructive Character
• Sony PULSE Elite PS5 headset open
• Best Beats deal: Save $70 on Beats Studio Buds+
• NYT mini crossword answers for April 2, 2025
• Attorney-Tyrant Privilege
• Wordle today: The answer and hints for April 2, 2025
• Best Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum deal: Save $299.01 at Amazon
• Best Amazon home security deal: Save $70 on the Arlo Video Doorbell
• The Past is a Foreign Agent
• Nintendo brings Gamechat live chatting to the Switch 2