How gravity impacts your mental and physical health—and how you can feel a little lighter

Every second of every day, your body is engaged in an invisible battle against one of Earth's most fundamental forces—gravity. While we rarely consider this constant 1G force pulling on every cell, organ, and system, emerging research suggests that how well we adapt to gravity may be a key determinant of our long-term health and vitality.

Dr. Brennan Spiegel, director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai and pioneer in digital health, has introduced a new framework called biogravitational medicine. This approach examines how our bodies interact with gravitational force and how that interaction influences everything from digestive health to mental wellbeing. As Dr. Spiegel explains, "Every cell, every organ, every tendon evolved to manage this force. The question is: How do we work with gravity to stay healthy, resilient, and upright for as long as possible?"

For health-conscious individuals seeking comprehensive wellness optimization, understanding gravity resilience offers a unique lens through which to view familiar health practices. Rather than introducing entirely new interventions, biogravitational medicine helps us understand why certain strategies work and how to implement them more effectively for long-term vitality.

6 Evidence-Based Strategies to Build Gravity Resilience for Optimal Health

1. Recognize the Signs of Gravity Intolerance

Dr. Spiegel describes "gravity intolerance" as a cluster of symptoms that may stem from poor adaptation to gravitational force. Understanding these signs can help you identify areas where targeted interventions might be beneficial for overall health optimization.

Research suggests that gravity intolerance may manifest through several interconnected symptoms. These include digestive issues like IBS or bloating that worsen when upright, cardiovascular symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness when standing quickly, and musculoskeletal problems including chronic low back pain and persistent fatigue with "slumping" posture. Additionally, some individuals may experience swelling in the ankles, balance issues, or frequent falls.

Implementation approach: Monitor your symptoms throughout the day, particularly noting when they occur in relation to position changes or prolonged standing. Keep a simple log tracking energy levels, digestive comfort, and balance stability during different activities and postures.

2. Support Your Gut's Natural Suspension System

Dr. Spiegel's research into irritable bowel syndrome revealed fascinating connections between gravity and digestive health. For individuals with very flexible joints or connective tissue conditions, the gut's natural "suspension system" may be too stretchy, allowing intestines to sag under gravity's pull and potentially contributing to compression, bacterial imbalance, and discomfort.

The gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in gravity resilience. Serotonin, primarily produced in the gut, helps regulate blood flow and digestion against gravitational force. Research suggests that supporting the microbiome through targeted nutrition and lifestyle practices may help enhance the body's natural gravity resilience.

Implementation approach: Focus on core-strengthening exercises and specialized breathing techniques that may help support the intestinal suspension system. Consider incorporating fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and prebiotics to support microbiome health, though individual responses vary. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed several times daily may help strengthen the internal support structures.

3. Develop Gravity Fortitude Through Strategic Strength Training

Building what Dr. Spiegel calls "gravity fortitude" involves strengthening the muscular systems that support your body against gravitational pull. This goes beyond traditional strength training to focus specifically on the muscles and movements that help maintain upright posture and structural integrity throughout daily activities.

Core and back exercises form the foundation of gravity fortitude, as these muscle groups provide essential support for the spine and internal organs. Research indicates that grip strength training and exercises like dead hangs from a pull-up bar can improve overall muscular support and may be associated with longevity markers.

Implementation approach: Incorporate functional movements that challenge your body's ability to work against gravity. Start with basic planks, bird dogs, and wall sits, progressing to more challenging exercises as strength improves. Dead hangs can be performed for 10-30 seconds initially, gradually increasing duration. Always consult with a qualified fitness professional before beginning new exercise programs, especially if you have existing health conditions.

4. Enhance Gravity Sensing Through Balance Training

Your nervous system constantly processes gravitational information to maintain balance and spatial orientation. Dr. Spiegel emphasizes that practices challenging your balance help train this gravity-sensing system, potentially improving overall stability and reducing fall risk as you age.

Balance training works by challenging the vestibular system, proprioceptors, and visual systems that work together to maintain equilibrium against gravity. Studies suggest that regular balance practice may help improve reaction time, spatial awareness, and confidence in movement.

Implementation approach: Start with simple single-leg stands, aiming for 30-60 seconds per leg with eyes open, then progress to eyes closed. Incorporate balance boards, wobble cushions, or simply practice standing on different surfaces. Barefoot walking on varied terrain can provide natural balance challenges while connecting you with gravitational feedback through your feet.

5. Address Mental Gravity Through Mind-Body Practices

Dr. Spiegel notes the profound connection between physical gravity and mental states, pointing out that our language reflects this relationship—we feel "down" when depressed and "up" when energized. This "mental gravity" represents the psychological weight we carry and how it affects our physical relationship with gravitational force.

Research suggests that mind-body therapies may help ease the mental burden that can manifest as physical tension and poor posture. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), breathwork, and mindfulness practices may support both mental resilience and physical adaptation to gravity's constant pull.

Implementation approach: Practice daily breathwork sessions, focusing on deep diaphragmatic breathing for 5-10 minutes. Consider mindfulness meditation to develop awareness of how stress and emotions affect your posture and physical tension. Progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help release the physical manifestations of mental stress that may interfere with optimal gravity adaptation.

6. Integrate Biogravitational Awareness Into Daily Life

The most sustainable approach to building gravity resilience involves integrating awareness of gravitational force into your existing daily routines rather than adding entirely new practices. This might involve simple posture checks, movement breaks, or mindful attention to how your body feels in different positions throughout the day.

Dr. Spiegel emphasizes that biogravitational medicine isn't about creating new health practices but rather reframing existing approaches through the lens of gravity. As he notes, this perspective "makes everything snap into place in a way we don't normally think about."

Implementation approach: Set hourly reminders to check your posture and take brief movement breaks. When sitting for extended periods, practice gentle spinal movements or stand and perform simple stretches. Pay attention to how different activities affect your energy levels and physical comfort, adjusting your environment and habits to support optimal gravity adaptation.

Building Your Personal Gravity Resilience Plan

The beauty of biogravitational medicine lies in its ability to provide a unifying framework for understanding why diverse health practices—from strength training to microbiome support to balance training—all contribute to optimal wellness. By viewing your health through the lens of gravity resilience, you can make more informed decisions about which interventions might be most beneficial for your individual needs.

Remember that building gravity resilience is a gradual process that requires consistency rather than intensity. Start with one or two strategies that resonate most with your current health goals and lifestyle, then gradually incorporate additional elements as they become habitual. Individual responses to these interventions can vary significantly based on genetics, current fitness level, and overall health status.

As with any comprehensive health optimization approach, it's important to work with qualified healthcare providers when making significant changes to your exercise routine, diet, or supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.