Your intestines are long, twisty tubes that absorb nutrients. They have no use for a piece of plastic, so they treat it like fiber gone rogue. It gets swept along by rhythmic muscle contractions called peristalsis.
The real question is: will it make it out the other end? Most small bits—like microplastic from a container—will pass through in 24 to 48 hours, unchanged. It’s like eating a popcorn kernel that refuses to pop; your body just kicks it out.
But here’s the interesting part: sharp or large pieces can be a problem. Imagine swallowing a plastic shard like a tiny dagger. It could scratch your throat, stomach lining, or intestines. That’s rare, but it’s why you should never chew on pens or bottle caps.
What Happens If You Eat A Small Piece Of Plastic at Grace Makin blog
