What is one effect of significant stress on digestive health?

One significant effect of stress on digestive health is increased transit time, which refers to the time it takes for food to travel through the digestive tract. When a person experiences stress, the body enters a state of heightened arousal due to the "fight or flight" response. This response can lead to alterations in digestive function, often slowing down the overall process of digestion and moving food through the gastrointestinal system more slowly.

As a result, this increased transit time can contribute to various digestive issues, such as constipation and discomfort, because the food stays in the digestive system longer than it should. The digestive system's ability to function optimally can be compromised under stress, leading to slower movement of waste and even bloating as a secondary effect.

The other options suggest improvements or positive changes in digestive health, which typically do not occur during periods of significant stress. Stress generally disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system rather than enhancing its capabilities.