During stress, what happens to digestion?

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Remains the same
• D. Fluctuates wildly

Answer: (B)

During stress, the body activates the fight-or-flight response, which shifts resources away from digestion toward muscles and vital organs needed for quick action. The sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones that slow gut motility and reduce secretions, so digestion is slowed overall. You might notice less saliva, slower stomach emptying, and reduced intestinal movement when you’re stressed. So the best description is that digestion decreases. Increases aren’t typical because the body isn’t prioritizing digestive processes in a high-stress situation; remaining the same or fluctuating wildly doesn’t match the coordinated physiological response that aims to conserve energy for immediate action.