Is Gravity.. Why We Age?. A hypothesis proposed by Deepinder Goyal, the founder and CEO of Zomato—and also the mind behind longevity start-up Continue Research—has stirred up quite a debate among scientists and medical professionals. His proposal, known as the “Gravity Aging Hypothesis,” suggests that Earth’s constant gravitational pull on our upright bodies actually accelerates the aging process. Goyal believes gravity subtly disrupts blood flow to vital brain regions, such as the hypothalamus and brainstem.
Gravity vs Cerebral Blood Flow
Humans spend most of their lives standing or sitting upright. Goyal argues that gravity is always pulling blood downward, making it tougher for the cardiovascular system to deliver enough blood to the brain. Over many years, this could mean a gradual but persistent decline in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF). The statistics he shares are notable—CBF can decrease by up to 17% just because of being upright. When this happens, neurons in the hypothalamus and brainstem—areas that control hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and other automatic body functions—end up deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Goyal’s team claims this slow, chronic under-supply is a major driver of aging, shifting the focus from “the body wears out” to “the brain wears out first, because of gravity.”
He recommends daily inversions—using inversion tables or practicing yoga poses that position your head below your heart. According to Continue Research, their preliminary internal studies found that just 10 minutes of inversion each day for six weeks increased average brain blood flow by 7%. They claim this is like making your brain roughly ten years younger.
Scientific Evidence and the Counter-Argument
Goyal’s hypothesis look quite interesting. But not everyone is convinced. Doctors and neurologists have voiced strong criticism. Many argue the Gravity Aging Hypothesis is a major oversimplification. For instance, Dr. Vinit Suri and Dr. Sudhir Kumar point out that the human body isn’t helpless against gravity; it has mechanisms such as auto-regulation and baro-reflexes that keep blood pressure and flow in the brain stable, regardless of posture. The brain doesn’t simply deteriorate because gravity dictates it. He also mentions astronauts. If gravity truly caused aging, astronauts living in microgravity should experience slower aging. However, studies show the opposite: space travellers often return with bone loss and vision problems, which actually resemble accelerated aging. The reason is - fluid shifts and the absence of normal gravitational forces on their bodies.
Some experts, like Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips (widely known as “The Liver Doc”), were direct in their critique. He called the hypothesis “reductionist, mono-causal”—meaning it’s too simple and focused on just one factor. Contemporary science views aging as a complicated mix of genetics, molecular changes, and cellular breakdowns—like DNA damage, telomere shortening, and mitochondrial decline. In this broader understanding, gravity is only a small part of a much larger picture.
Dr. Kumar guided the discussion back to the fundamentals—habits we know help slow brain aging. Regular exercise.. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night.. Eating real, balanced meals…. Keeping your mind engaged….. These aren’t just fads; there’s solid science behind them.
Yogic Principles and Longevity
As for inversions—this idea comes directly from traditional yogic practice. Yoga includes many poses that position your head below your heart: Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), and several others. These inversions have been associated with improved blood flow, calmer nerves, and increased focus. Ancient yogic texts praise these positions, but always for their general physical and mental benefits—not because they “reverse gravity” or erase years of brain aging. Doctors don’t advise everyone to try inversions. If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or heart conditions, turning upside down isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. The pressure in your head can rise quickly.
Deepinder Goyal has been clear - the “Gravity Aging Hypothesis” is just that—a hypothesis, something to investigate, not to accept as truth. He’s encouraged researchers everywhere to challenge his idea, even offering $25 million of his own money to support the research. It’s a major wager on bold science, even if it stirs up controversy. This entire discussion highlights the tension between established, peer-reviewed medicine and the daring, sometimes unconventional methods tech entrepreneurs are introducing to longevity research.