In a groundbreaking hypothesis published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, gastroenterologist Brennan Spiegel suggests that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be triggered by the body’s inability to manage gravity. According to Spiegel, when our body’s usual management of gravity fails, it can lead to motility issues and bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. He believes that the gut’s nervous system, which evolved in a world of gravity, may over-predict G-force threats, causing abdominal discomfort and symptoms associated with IBS. Spiegel’s hypothesis provides a unifying framework for the varied explanations of IBS and highlights the potential benefits of physical therapy and exercise in managing the condition. The gravity hypothesis also offers insights into related disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome and may pave the way for new research and treatment approaches.
