Bryan Johnson, a 48-year-old longevity advocate and tech entrepreneur known for his pursuit of extreme aging reversal, has revealed he has been diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG). This chronic condition involves the immune system attacking the stomach's parietal cells, which are responsible for producing stomach acid and aiding in vitamin B12 absorption.
Johnson, who has publicly stated his goal of living until the year 2140, making him 160 years old, described the diagnosis on social media, stating, "My stomach is eating itself." He noted that AIG is estimated to affect between 2% and 5% of the population and expressed his intention to find a solution.
Health History and Diagnosis
Johnson detailed that his health issues began earlier in his life, citing a childhood diet of sugary cereals and fast food, followed by a period of significant stress and weight gain in his adult years. He believes that a "deep, chronic depression" and the demands of building a business contributed to his body developing an autoimmune process, initially affecting his thyroid and later his stomach lining.
He explained that AIG can be challenging to diagnose because it often progresses undetected for years, causing damage before symptoms become apparent. The condition can lead to iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia, and an increased risk of stomach cancer. Johnson highlighted that low iron levels, particularly ferritin, can be a precursor, but this indicator was overlooked in his case for approximately a decade.
Johnson's own biohacking practices, including intense training, sauna use, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, increase the body's demand for iron. However, he found that oral iron supplements and various timing strategies were ineffective in addressing his low iron levels, which prompted further investigation.
Diagnostic Process and Future Goals
To diagnose the condition, Johnson underwent a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy, procedures that examine the intestinal tract. Biopsies taken from his stomach revealed "clear signs of early autoimmune gastritis: early atrophy confined to the acid-producing lining."
Despite the diagnosis, Johnson remains committed to his longevity goals, which he has previously articulated as achieving "immortality" by 2039. He plans to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence, multiomics, and personalized medicine to tackle incurable conditions. "In the age of AI, multiomics, and custom-built DNA, proteins and cells, no condition should be presumed incurable simply because no one has yet tried to cure it with today’s stack," he stated.
Johnson also shared an image of his biopsy findings and concluded by urging others to prioritize their health and well-being, emphasizing the value of life.