HMS, BM EQ-Bank 899

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following

Decreased saliva production

• During acute stress, saliva production decreases due to the sympathetic nervous system activation.
• Dry mouth often results with initial digestion of carbohydrates less efficient .

Blood diversion from digestive organs

• Acute stress causes blood to be diverted away from the digestive organs to skeletal muscles, heart, and lungs.
• This can produce temporarily reduced digestive processes and nutrient absorption.

Slowed/halted peristalsis

• Acute stress can slow or halt peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract).
• Therefore feelings of fullness or discomfort can occur.

Sphincter relaxation

• Stress hormones can cause the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach to relax inappropriately.
• Thus a heightened potential for acid reflux or heartburn during stressful situations exists.

• The release of adrenaline during acute stress can cause contractions in the stomach and intestines.
• Nausea, “butterflies in the stomach,” or even diarrhoea are possible consequences in some individuals.

Inflammatory response

• Acute stress can trigger the release of inflammatory compounds in the digestive tract.
• As a result gut sensitivity is increased and potentially exacerbates conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.