What If Gravity Causes IBS? Wait... But Why and How

I was reading this mind-bending article titled " Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Emerging Theories suggest that IBS may result from the body's inability to manage gravity, affecting gut-brain communication." Yep, that's a long one, by Dr. Brennan Spiegel.

Now, I know the title sounds like something you'd fall asleep to, but trust me, this is so off the beaten path for an IBS theory that it made me stop mid-sip and rethink everything. Here is the link (Read the full study here.) But before you go all “click-happy” and open another tab to read it (I see you!), stick with me for a second. Let me unpack this wild theory, and then you can dive into the full study later. Ready? Let’s get into it .....

Gravity, Fascial Movement, GABA and IBS: Could This Be the Secret to Fixing Your Gut? (Spoiler: I don't know )

Okay, hold on to your turmeric-ginger-lemon hot water (yes, I know you've got your mug in hand, that’s totally me!), because I just stumbled upon something that made my brain do somersaults.

What If Gravity Causes IBS?

Let’s get into the gravity theory. Dr. Brennan Spiegel’s hypothesis suggests that IBS might actually be a result of how our body manages gravity. Yes, gravity—the force that keeps our feet planted firmly on the ground—could also be why our gut goes haywire. And I don’t know about you, but I had to pause and really think about that while sipping my morning turmeric-ginger-lemon hot water. Could gravity be at the root of IBS? I had to know more.

Here’s the gist: gravity constantly pulls downward on our bodies, including our internal organs and gut. Dr. Spiegel explains that this downward force compresses the spine, shifts organs, and puts pressure on our body’s support systems. It’s like a constant weight on everything inside you. Over time, this pressure can lead to a breakdown in how our body functions, triggering IBS symptoms like pain, cramping, and even that race-your-heart feeling. And—brace yourself—gravity may even contribute to bacterial overgrowth in the gut. I know, mind blown. Right?

Dr. Spiegel’s theory takes the classic IBS theories—gut-brain interactions, microbiome issues, and motility problems—and suggests they may all be linked to the force of gravity. Essentially, gravity compresses our body’s support systems, and when these systems fail, they trigger IBS-like symptoms. This theory also explains why some people experience IBS symptoms even when diet or other treatments don’t seem to help.

Could Fascia Be the Key to Gravity and IBS?

Now, let me add my two cents here. As I read through Dr. Spiegel’s theory, I couldn’t help but think about Human Garage on social media, a platform based on fascial movement releases. Fascia—specifically, how it supports the gut against gravity. Fascia, the connective tissue surrounding and supporting your muscles, organs, and systems, plays a huge role in how our body moves and functions. It influences everything from posture to nerve function, and when it’s tense or restricted, it can create problems.

I’ve personally dabbled in fascial movement release techniques to help with my own IBS pain, and let me tell you—it works. It’s subtle but powerful. I will share a video soon to show you exactly what I’ve been doing (no worries, it’s not some secret yoga ritual or anything too weird—I promise). If you're eager, visit the Human Garage YouTube channel and search for IBS..

But here’s the kicker: the gravity theory really clicks when you consider fascia’s role in holding your organs against that downward pull. Fascia influences movement, posture, and the communication between your gut and your nervous system (hello, vagus nerve!). If your fascia’s tight and restrictive, that could mess with your gut’s ability to handle gravity. And that’s when IBS symptoms flare up.

Oh, and here’s where it gets even juicier in the article: if serotonin evolved partly to help us manage gravity (who knew?), then GABA might be the counterbalance keeping our gut-brain axis from overreacting. Yep, you guessed it, GABA—your body’s chill pill. Stick with me; I’m about to connect all the dots or maybe not...

GABA, Fascia, and Gravity: The Perfect Storm for Your Gut

Let’s talk about the GABA-serotonin connection because this is where it gets really interesting. Dr. Spiegel suggests that serotonin, the feel-good hormone, evolved to help us handle gravity. But when serotonin gets out of balance (which can happen for a million reasons), that could explain why so many of us with IBS also experience anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, and, of course, gut pain.

Enter GABA. This calming neurotransmitter is like the yin to serotonin’s yang. It helps balance out the nervous system and calm down the gut-brain connection. I’m talking about reducing stress, calming your digestive system, and improving sleep (which, let’s face it, has everything to do with gut healing). Again, not a doctor here, just thinking out loud and writing about it.

And if your serotonin’s out of whack, GABA might be the secret ingredient that helps calm everything down. It’s like a buffer between all that gravity-induced stress and your gut’s delicate workings. So, if gravity is causing serotonin to go rogue, boosting GABA could help restore balance and reduce IBS symptoms.

Fascial Movement Release: How to Support Your Gut Against Gravity

If fascia’s playing a key role in supporting your gut against gravity, then it’s time to start paying attention to it. Fascia release involves gentle movements and stretches that help release tension and restore balance. Techniques like foam rolling or even stretching your abdomen can support your internal organs, keeping them from sagging under the pressure of gravity.

Yoga’s another great tool for fascia release, especially poses like Cat-Cow or Child’s Pose. These poses help realign the spine, release tension, and support your internal organs—counteracting gravity’s downward pull. And don’t forget postures like Mountain Pose or Cobra, which are great for lifting the gut and supporting your digestive system.

Breathing: Activate That Vagus Nerve

Breathing exercises are also a game-changer. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps stimulate the vagus nerve—the gut’s “hotline” to the brain. When activated, this nerve calms your digestive system and helps it communicate more effectively with your brain. A relaxed gut means less pain, less stress, and fewer IBS flare-ups. Try incorporating mindful breathing throughout your day—trust me, it helps.

Boosting GABA: Your Gut's New Best Friend

Lastly, let’s talk about GABA. Studies show that low GABA levels are linked to IBS, anxiety, and gut sensitivity. So, if you’re struggling with IBS, boosting your GABA levels might help. How? Foods like green tea, fermented foods, and magnesium-rich snacks are great for naturally boosting GABA. You can also try gentle exercise and mindfulness practices to promote GABA production.

Final Thoughts: Can We “Hack” Gravity to Fix IBS?

Is gravity really to blame for IBS, or am I just spinning in circles here (pun absolutely intended)? Dr. Spiegel’s theory might be the missing link we’ve been searching for. It’s not just about food—it’s about how we move, how we support our body against gravity, and how we keep our gut-brain connection in balance.

If this theory holds up, we might be able to treat IBS by:

✔ Strengthening fascia (so our gut stays supported)

✔ Improving posture & movement (to stand tall against gravity)

✔ Regulating serotonin & GABA (keeping the gut-brain connection chill)

I love it when science and holistic healing collide like this! And who knows? Maybe IBS isn’t just a gut issue—it’s a full-body response to gravity, one we can work with instead of against.

So, after all this gravity talk and fascia love, what do you think? Does the gravity-IBS theory make sense, or am I just floating off into space here? Let me know in the comments—I’m all ears! 🚀

Disclaimer: The content I share is based on my personal experience, research, and my journey blending modern science with traditional healing. I am not a doctor, so please consult with a healthcare provider before making any health decisions.