Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s gravity-ageing theory sparks debate; Apollo neurologist lists 10 proven ways to keep your brain young

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal sparked online debate with his gravity-ageing hypothesis. Dr Sudhir Kumar lists 10 science-backed lifestyle habits that might actually work to keep your brain young

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal recently stirred intense debate online after floating a personal theory suggesting that gravity might play a role in how we age. He implied that years of standing upright could gradually reduce blood flow to parts of the brain involved in ageing — and that inversion or lowering gravitational load might counter this effect. The idea immediately polarised the internet, with some intrigued by the biohacking angle and others dismissing it as speculative at best.

Goyal, who now heads the longevity start-up Continue Research, elaborated on X that early internal observations showed a 7% rise in brain blood flow among participants using inversion tables over a six-week period. He stressed, however, that these findings were preliminary and not part of any peer-reviewed study, framing the concept as a hypothesis that requires rigorous testing rather than one to be accepted at face value.

I’m not sharing this as the CEO of Eternal, but as a fellow human, curious enough to follow a strange thread. A thread I can’t keep with myself any longer.

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It’s open-source, backed by science, and shared with you as part of our common quest for scientific progress on human… pic.twitter.com/q2q3tRj3Jd

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 15, 2025

In response to the growing conversation, Apollo Hospitals neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, known on X as @hyderabaddoctor, stepped in to offer scientific clarity. Quoting established neurological evidence, he posted a list titled “10 Proven Ways to Slow Brain Ageing,” steering the discussion away from unverified hacks and back toward lifestyle changes that have consistently shown benefits in research.

✅10 Proven Ways to Slow Brain Aging
If you want a sharper mind as you grow older, science is clear-daily habits matter more (than elimination or reduction of gravity):

1️⃣ Move Daily
Exercise boosts blood flow, grows new brain cells, and slows memory decline. Even short… https://t.co/iKomHr5nif

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) November 16, 2025

According to Dr Kumar, if you want a sharper mind as you grow older, science overwhelmingly favours lifestyle choices over elimination or reduction of gravity.

1. Move daily

Regular physical activity is one of the strongest known protectors against cognitive decline. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, and boosts the release of neuroprotective chemicals. Even small bouts of movement — such as a brisk 10-minute walk, stretching between work calls, or light strength training — can significantly support long-term brain health.

2. Sleep 7–8 hours

Sleep is when the brain clears metabolic waste through the glymphatic system. Poor or fragmented sleep interferes with this process, speeding up brain ageing and raising the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting screens before bed, and keeping the room cool can significantly improve sleep quality.

3. Challenge your brain

Learning keeps the brain flexible. New skills — whether it’s a musical instrument, coding, a new language, or even a complex puzzle — activate different neural circuits and build what’s known as “cognitive reserve,” which helps the brain stay resilient to ageing and disease.

4. Protect metabolic health

Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and waist circumference are powerful predictors of brain health. High values silently damage blood vessels in the brain, reducing circulation and increasing stroke and dementia risk. Routine check-ups and early lifestyle interventions can prevent long-term cognitive harm.

5. Eat a brain-supporting diet

The Mediterranean and MIND diets prioritise whole, unprocessed foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Leafy greens protect neurons, berries reduce oxidative stress, nuts support heart health, and omega-3-rich fish help maintain brain cell structure. Limiting packaged, ultra-processed foods — and cooking at home more often — strongly benefits cognitive ageing.

Also Read: Health scientist shares 8 key nutrients you need in midlife for brain longevity

6. Stay socially connected

Our brains need interaction. Talking, doing things together, and getting emotional support help keep our memory and thinking skills sharp. Being alone too much can make our brains slow down faster and increase our chances of getting dementia. Even small meet-ups — like having coffee with a friend or joining a club — can make a big difference.

7. Manage stress before it gets bad

Long-term stress releases too much cortisol, which can make parts of our brain that deal with memory smaller. Short planned activities like meditating, doing yoga, breathing, writing in a journal, or taking a quick walk outside help control stress hormones and protect our thinking skills.

8. Don't smoke and drink less alcohol

Smoking hurts blood vessels and limits oxygen to the brain. Excessive alcohol accelerates inflammation and impairs neural communication. Cutting down on both slows the ageing of the brain and cardiovascular system.

9. Address nutrient deficiencies

Deficiencies in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids are common and can contribute to fatigue, poor memory, low mood, and nerve dysfunction. Regular blood tests and doctor-guided supplementation can help maintain optimal levels.

10. Prioritise gut health

A healthy gut microbiome plays a direct role in brain function via the gut–brain axis. Diets rich in fibre (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and fermented foods (curd, kefir, kimchi, pickles) help reduce inflammation — a key driver of premature ageing — while supporting mood and cognitive resilience.

Also Read: Neurologist shares simple habits you can start today to keep your brain healthy and active by age 60

Dr Kumar’s message is simple: ageing well isn’t about zero-gravity experiments or inversion devices — it’s about small, consistent, scientifically proven habits practiced every day.

FAQs on Brain Longevity:

1. How does exercise influence brain health?

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, and releases neuroprotective chemicals, supporting long-term brain health.

2. Why is sleep important for brain longevity?

Adequate sleep allows the brain to clear metabolic waste, reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s and slowing brain ageing.

3. How can social connections impact brain ageing?

Social interactions help maintain memory and cognitive functions, reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

4. What role does diet play in brain health?

Diets like the Mediterranean and MIND, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, protect neurons, reduce oxidative stress, and support heart and brain health.

5. Can stress affect brain ageing?

Chronic stress releases cortisol, which can shrink brain areas responsible for memory. Managing stress through activities like meditation and yoga helps protect cognitive functions.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.