Biohacker Bryan Johnson, known for his pursuit of immortality, has revealed he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis, an incurable condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining.
Johnson, 48, shared the news on social media, stating, "My stomach is eating itself." He attributed his diagnosis to a combination of childhood dietary habits, including high sugar intake and fast food, and adult stress that led to chronic depression. He believes this triggered an autoimmune response affecting his thyroid and stomach.
"I'm unsure how long I've had it," Johnson stated, adding that autoimmune gastritis can cause irreversible damage, including nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and an increased risk of cancer over time. Despite the diagnosis, he plans to "try and solve it" through further experiments.
What is Autoimmune Gastritis? Autoimmune gastritis, also known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis (AIG), occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly targets the cells lining the stomach. In some instances, the immune system also attacks intrinsic factor, a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, characterized by the body's inability to properly absorb the vitamin, potentially causing nerve damage if left untreated.
Over the long term, AIG can increase the risk of serious complications such as stomach cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Experts suggest the condition is under-recognized, with estimates indicating it may affect between five and 20 out of every 1,000 people.
Causes and Risk Factors While Johnson pointed to diet and stress as potential triggers, the exact cause of autoimmune gastritis remains unknown, and research is ongoing. Medical experts note that AIG is more common in women around age 60 and in individuals of African or northern European descent. A family history of AIG or other autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and vitiligo, may also increase risk. Some researchers are exploring the role of the gut microbiome, suggesting an imbalance of gut bacteria could contribute to inflammation and damage to the gut lining.
Symptoms and Diagnosis Early stages of AIG often present with few or no symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Potential early signs may include upper abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, or feeling full after consuming small amounts of food. As the disease progresses and damages the stomach lining, the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 diminishes, leading to deficiency. Later-stage symptoms can encompass fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, cognitive issues like memory and concentration problems, tingling or numbness in the extremities, balance difficulties, and mood changes such as depression or anxiety.
Treatment and Management As there is no cure for autoimmune gastritis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, addressing vitamin deficiencies, and mitigating the risk of complications. Dietary adjustments, such as consuming a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, may help alleviate digestive discomfort. Some patients are advised to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid trigger foods like spicy or fatty items, high-protein meals, alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks. An elimination diet may also help identify personal food triggers. Due to impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and iron, many patients require supplements or injections to prevent anemia and nerve damage. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress are also considered beneficial. While some individuals find complementary therapies like acupuncture or yoga helpful, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Research continues into new treatments aimed at slowing or preventing stomach lining damage and reducing cancer risk.