Biohacker Bryan Johnson, who has gained global recognition for his rigorous anti-aging practices, has admitted that his pursuit of longevity may have been excessive. The confession follows his revelation that he is suffering from an incurable autoimmune disease.
Johnson, 48, has invested millions of dollars in attempting to reverse aging through a strict regimen that includes consuming over 100 pills daily and receiving blood plasma transfusions from his teenage son. His candid statement on social media platform X, stating he has been 'thinking things over and wonder if I’ve taken this whole longevity thing too far,' has surprised many of his followers who view his routine as a model for a longer, healthier life.
Nearly a month prior to this admission, Johnson disclosed his diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis (AIG), a condition where the immune system attacks the stomach lining. He described the disease as his 'stomach is eating itself.' AIG affects approximately two percent of the population, with symptoms often being mild or absent in early stages, leading to many undiagnosed cases.
Journey to Diagnosis
In a detailed online post in early July, Johnson outlined the difficulties in diagnosing AIG and his current management strategies. He recalled a childhood diet high in fast food and sugary items, followed by healthier years in his 20s. After becoming a father and focusing on business, he experienced a period of chronic depression, during which he believes his body began developing autoimmune processes affecting his thyroid and stomach.
He was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism at age 21, a condition he managed with standard treatments for nearly three decades. However, signs of other issues persisted. It wasn't until May of this year that he was diagnosed with AIG, though he is uncertain how long he has had it. Johnson noted that AIG can cause irreversible damage, leading to nutritional deficiencies, anemia, and an increased risk of cancer over time.
The AIG diagnosis came after Johnson revamped his medical team earlier this year to prepare for his 'Immortals Care' program, a $1 million annual longevity initiative aimed at defeating death. Comprehensive testing, including a colonoscopy that showed no cancer, was conducted. A bi-directional endoscopy and blood biomarkers revealed elevated levels of anti-parietal-cell antibodies, indicative of AIG, which was later confirmed by a stomach biopsy showing a weakened stomach lining.
Future Efforts
Johnson and his team intend to 'solve' his AIG through a combination of ongoing monitoring of biological indicators, such as iron levels, and further investigation into the disease's specifics. They plan to explore 'experimental approaches,' which may include targeting immune system proteins, rebuilding regulatory T-cells, and employing engineered cell therapy.
He acknowledged that there is currently no approved cure for autoimmune gastritis. However, he expressed belief in the possibility of finding a solution, stating, '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.'
Johnson's recent remarks have prompted discussions among his followers about whether an intense focus on extending life can detract from the quality of life itself. Some comments expressed concern that such an identity built around longevity might be a 'recipe for disaster,' while others acknowledged the importance of taking longevity seriously while recognizing life's inherent unpredictability. Some supporters, however, encouraged him to continue his research and expressed interest in the long-term outcomes of his anti-aging methods.