The Cedars Sinai Medical Center has found that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could result from gravity. According to Dr. Brennan Spiegel, Cedar Sinai’s director of Health Services Research and lead study author, gravity has shaped the earth from the moment it existed. Gravity plays a fundamental role in our health despite us not noticing it.
Dr. Spiegel’s theory answers how human organs, including the brain, heart, spine, nerves, and intestines, evolved to adjust to gravity. For centuries, scientists have looked into the cause of IBS but have been unsuccessful. Since it affects about 10% of the global population, experts believe it is essential to find its etiology.
Theories on IBS
Fortunately, scientists have made many strides in search of the cause of IBS. As a result, they have come up with theories explaining the symptoms of the disease. One of these theories is that it is due to a gut-brain imbalance. Moreover, evidence has shown that behavioral therapy and neuromodulators can treat IBS, thus supporting this theory.
Another theory is that IBS is due to a disrupted gut microbiome. Because of this, the disease could be relieved by using antibiotics. Patients might also go on a low-FODMAP diet which tries to lower the carbohydrates and fiber in the diet as these nutrients can irritate the gut mucosa.
Dr. Spiegel speculated if the variety of theories might all be true. She argues that they could all be explained using gravity. While the approach seemed far-fetched, she examined it with her colleagues, and soon it made more sense.
How gravity affects human organs
Dr. Spiegel explains that gravity can pull the organs forwards and displace them from their usual positions. Because the abdomen has crucial organs, their displacement could cause gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems. Fortunately, most people didn’t experience the effects of this pull as their bodies are better adapted to gravity.
The researchers argue that gravity might not just affect the abdominal organs. It could also affect the nervous system. Its effects on the nerves might explain how some people have butterflies in their stomachs whenever they are anxious. People also experience this feeling on a roller coaster or inside turbulent airplanes.
Dr. Spiegel states that the team must carry out tests to prove the idea. Fortunately, the theory is testable.
