The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
The Hidden Reason You Feel Exhausted & How to Feel Better Now
In this episode, host Mel Robbins interviews Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a world-renowned gastroenterologist and researcher, to explore a groundbreaking perspective on health: the connection between common ailments and an invisible force—gravity. Dr. Spiegel introduces the concept of "gravity intolerance," explaining that many health issues, including chronic fatigue, digestive problems like IBS, anxiety, and depression, are essentially manifestations of the body struggling to manage the gravitational forces of our planet. The discussion highlights that humans are designed to harmonize with gravity through proper posture, hydration, and movement. When we become sedentary or develop poor posture, we essentially "kink" our internal systems, leading to dysfunction. Dr. Spiegel explains that the gut plays a pivotal role in this, as it is the primary producer of serotonin, which is essential for muscle tone and overall "gravity management." Listeners will gain a fresh understanding of how simple lifestyle adjustments, such as strength training and mindfulness regarding posture, can help restore balance. Dr. Spiegel provides practical tools, including a simple physical test to check for hypermobility, to help individuals identify if they might be struggling with gravity intolerance and offers a new framework for addressing long-term health and vitality.
Updated Jun 8, 2026
About This Episode
If you’ve been feeling exhausted, tired, bloated, anxious, in pain, or just not like yourself, you need to hear today’s episode.
Today, Mel sits down with one of the most respected medical researchers in the world, gastroenterologist Dr. Brennan Spiegel, to uncover the overlooked, invisible force that’s having a shocking impact on your energy, strength, gut health, mood, and every single cell in your body – even how fast your body ages.
Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, back pain, swelling, digestion issues, or a heaviness in your body that you can’t shake, Dr. Spiegel says these are all signs you shouldn’t ignore.
What Dr. Spiegel reveals will challenge the way you think about your body and, more importantly, give you a completely new, practical way to start feeling better immediately. And it may give you the words and the insight you’ve been missing to help your aging parents and other loved ones finally start feeling better, too.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:
-Why a “bendy” pinky might be a clue to what’s going on in your gut
-10 foods that boost serotonin production in your body
-The most effective treatment for IBS - and it’s probably not what you’ve tried
-A quick way to notice how the force of gravity is showing up in your body
-How to make yourself taller in just a few minutes
-Why standing on one leg is linked to a longer life
-How a weighted vest can change your posture almost immediately
-A surprising reason rollercoasters feel unbearable for some people
-What “gravity management” looks like in real life
-One small habit that can improve how your body handles gravity
Dr. Spiegel says the powerful, invisible force shaping every moment of your life is one you can learn to work with – and he’ll show you how.
This is one of those conversations that will change how you see your body, your health, and what it means to be fully alive.
For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page:
If you liked the episode, check out this one next: Change Your Body & Your Life in 1 Month: 4 Small Habits That Actually Work.
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